'Push boundaries, otherwise your work remains safe and forgettable'

"At first, I found it a bit awkward ("me?!"), but secretly I do want to win." Kelly-Qian, alumni Illustration & Animation Design, is nominated for the Woman in the Media Award 2024. She made programmes like "Sexotisch" about sexual racism and "De Afhaalchinees" about abuses in the Dutch intercountry adoption system. By making under-exposed and uncomfortable topics discussable, she tries to contribute to a broader and more diverse media landscape.

"During my first study, International Communication, my mother passed away. That was the moment I realized: life is too short not to do what you really want. I wanted to tell stories. Not just talk about communication, but bring image and content together to say something essential. Minerva gave me the space to do exactly that. I didn't become a designer, but at Minerva I learnt how to fully dissect and develop an idea. That the medium is subordinate to the message: if the story is good, the right form follows automatically. I still use this in everything I make. 

I chose Animation and Illustration because I wanted to tell stories, with image, atmosphere and rhythm. Animation taught me that heavy subjects don't have to feel heavy. Humor and playfulness make difficult conversations more accessible. And if you want people to listen, sometimes you have to make them laugh first. I learned that you have to dare to push boundaries, because otherwise your work remains safe and forgettable. 

I thought journalism was not for me – that I was 'not smart enough'. Nonsense, of course. But it took a while before I believed that myself. Media and design determine how we see the world. They can expose blind spots, break stereotypes and start conversations that would otherwise not take place. But only if you choose the right form. 

The world needs creators who not only make beautiful things, but also really have something to say. What I want to pass on to students is: don't give a damn, but make sure you can live up to your bluff. Don't let anyone tell you that something is 'too niche' or 'too difficult'. Stay true to your story. Even if it's uncomfortable or difficult. Especially then."