Q & A with Surf Soup Creator

Prime Time Emmy Honored Animator & Author

Donna Kay Lau is a celebrated figure in children’s entertainment, bringing over 25 years of expertise in animation to the forefront. Her notable contributions to beloved shows such as “Dora the Explorer,” “CatDog,” “Oswald the Octopus,” “Generator Rex,” and “Regular Show” have solidified her reputation in the industry.

Donna’s talents extend beyond animation; she is also a prolific author and illustrator, with a diverse portfolio that includes fitness guides and books on the art of cartoon creation. Her passion for lifelong learning is evident in her continuous exploration of traditional and digital animation art, as well as augmented reality.

Inspired by the vibrant beaches of California and the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii, Donna's boundless imagination fuels her creation of new adventures and characters. Her latest endeavor, Surf Soup, is a captivating blend of animation and storytelling, designed to nurture young minds and foster a love for the ocean.

As an Asian American artist, Donna champions unity and diversity through her art, books, and animations. Her work is dedicated to nurturing children and our planet, promoting a world filled with peace, love, joy, and harmony.

In addition to her creative pursuits, Donna is a fitness trainer with over 30 years of experience, a dedicated surfer, and an avid learner who embraces Chinese traditions. Her life is a colorful tapestry of creativity and commitment, inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Exciting 2024 Projects

Donna Kay Lau is set to unveil an array of thrilling projects in 2024 with Surf Soup, including new books, animated shorts, and special initiatives. One highlight is the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, featuring the Year of the Dragon, Surf Soup TV and the Ramen Noodles, and Banana Unicorns!

My journey into writing and illustrating children’s books has been a fascinating evolution of my creative career. Initially, I began as a children’s infant and clothing designer, a role that honed my skills in crafting appealing and imaginative designs for young minds. This passion for creativity seamlessly transitioned into the world of TV animation, where I contributed to beloved shows like “Dora the Explorer,” “CatDog,” and “Oswald the Octopus,” Generator Rex and Regular Show from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

Despite my success in animation, I always harbored a dream of creating children’s books. To pursue this aspiration, I attended school for children’s book illustration, equipping myself with the skills and knowledge necessary to bring my stories to life. However, due to my busy schedule in the animation industry, I never found the opportunity to write and illustrate my own book—until now.

What began as a single project to write and illustrate a children’s book quickly blossomed into a series. The result is the Surf Soup book series, which has expanded to include a cartoon series and animated shorts. Surf Soup embodies my love for storytelling, animation, and illustration, offering children a world of adventure and learning.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to merge my diverse experiences and passions into a cohesive and vibrant series that nurtures young minds and fosters a love for creativity and the ocean.

My love for the ocean and a deep commitment to its conservation are central to my writing and art. Growing up by the vibrant beaches of California and exploring the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii have profoundly influenced my creative vision. The ocean’s beauty, mystery, and importance to our planet inspire me to create stories and artwork that educate and engage young minds about its wonders and the need to protect it.

Additionally, my work is informed by a passion for fostering unity and diversity. As an Asian American artist, I aim to weave cultural richness and inclusivity into my stories and illustrations, promoting values of peace, love, joy, and harmony.

My background in children’s fashion design and TV animation also plays a significant role in shaping my creative process. These experiences have taught me the importance of appealing visuals and compelling storytelling, both of which are integral to my Surf Soup book series, cartoon series, and animated shorts.

Ultimately, my inspiration comes from a desire to nurture and educate children, encouraging them to dream big, embrace diversity, and care for our planet. Through my work, I hope to plant seeds of hope and inspire the next generation to become stewards of the ocean and champions of a harmonious world.

What do you want young readers to learn or take away from your work?

Through my work, I hope to ignite a lifelong love for reading and fuel the boundless imaginations of young readers. Each story in the Surf Soup series is crafted to captivate and inspire, encouraging children to explore new ideas, embrace creativity, and dream big.

Beyond the joy of storytelling, my goal is to impart important values and lessons. I want young readers to develop a deep appreciation for the ocean and understand the significance of conservation. By introducing themes of environmental stewardship, I hope to inspire the next generation to care for our planet and protect its natural wonders.

I also strive to promote unity and diversity, encouraging children to embrace different cultures and perspectives. Through relatable characters and engaging narratives, I aim to foster empathy, kindness, and a sense of community.

Ultimately, I want my young readers to take away a sense of wonder and possibility. I hope my stories and illustrations spark their curiosity, inspire them to keep reading, and empower them to use their imaginations to create a brighter, more harmonious world.

I am profoundly inspired by many artists and writers, each of whom has significantly influenced my creative journey. Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss, Richard Scarry, and Charles Schulz are among the luminaries whose work has left an indelible mark on me. Their ability to create enchanting worlds, memorable characters, and timeless stories continues to inspire my own storytelling and artistic endeavors.

In addition to these iconic figures, I have been fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented artists at various animation studios. Their creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit have been a constant source of inspiration and learning.

One book that holds a special place in my heart is "Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom." Nordstrom's correspondence reveals the profound impact a supportive and visionary editor can have on an author. As an independent publisher and author, I often find myself longing for the kind of mentorship and guidance that Ursula provided to her writers. Her letters reflect a nurturing relationship that championed creativity and innovation, something I aspire to in my own career.

Through these inspirations and my experiences, I strive to create work that captivates and nurtures young minds, fostering a love for reading and creativity just as my mentors have done for me.

Yes, my formal education in art and animation has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. I have attended several esteemed programs and institutions to hone my skills:

Animation Program: I completed a special 3D animation program sponsored by Silicon Graphics/Maya, which provided me with advanced training in cutting-edge animation technologies.

AA Degree in Advertising Design and Graphics: This degree equipped me with a strong foundation in design principles and graphic arts.

Art Center College of Design, Pasadena: I furthered my education in graphic packaging design, an experience that enriched my understanding of visual storytelling and design aesthetics.

Children’s Book Illustration: I studied children’s book illustration under the guidance of Marla Frazee, the creator of "Boss Baby" animated movies, and numerous other beloved books. This experience was instrumental in developing my skills as an illustrator.

In addition to my formal education, I have gained invaluable experience on the job. Working at renowned studios such as Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, I contributed to the production of over six animated cartoons. This hands-on experience allowed me to learn from industry leaders and collaborate with incredibly talented artists, further refining my skills in animation and storytelling, also my Hand-painted Children’s clothing line.

Welcome to another enchanting episode of Surf Soup Talk Story! In this episode, we dive deep into the magical world of Surf Soup with the incredibly talented TV animator and creator, Donna Kay Lau. Join us as Donna shares the inspiration behind her captivating Surf Soup projects, including "Surf Soup TV" and the delightful "Banana Unicorns" series. Discover the creative process, the magic of storytelling, and the adventures that await in Surf Soup Island.

Whether you’re a long-time fan, a fellow creator, or just curious about the journey behind Surf Soup, this Q&A session is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in for an inside look at how Donna brings vibrant stories and characters to life, and stay for the heartwarming tales that ignite imagination and curiosity.

Don't miss this episode! Subscribe now and follow us for more exciting Surf Soup stories and behind-the-scenes content. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with friends and family. Ride the waves of creativity with us on Surf Soup Talk Story!

What Do You Want Readers to Know About You and Your Work?

I want readers to know that my work is a reflection of my passion for storytelling, art, and the ocean. Every book, illustration, and animation project is infused with my love for creativity and my commitment to inspiring young minds.

My journey from children’s fashion design to TV animation and ultimately to writing and illustrating children’s books has been driven by a desire to create meaningful and impactful experiences for children. Whether it's through the vibrant pages of Surf Soup or the whimsical adventures of my characters, I strive to ignite imaginations, foster a love for reading, and instill important values like environmental stewardship, unity, and diversity.

Beyond the pages of my books, I am deeply dedicated to promoting the conservation of our planet's precious oceans and nurturing a sense of global community. As an Asian American artist, I am proud to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of my work, fostering empathy and understanding among young readers.

Ultimately, I want readers to know that each story, illustration, and animation I create is infused with a sense of wonder, possibility, and hope. My hope is that through my work, I can inspire the next generation to dream big, embrace their creativity, and make a positive impact on the world.