Mei Kanamoto got a great opportunity to do a series of high profile pieces for the Metropolitan Opera. Here’s what she has to say about it:

This winter I was given a huge opportunity to work for the Metropolitan Opera’s holiday campaign; “The Magic at the Met.” (http://www.metopera.org/user-information/holiday/) A campaign designed to welcome people from all over the world to experience the Met’s most famous performances such as ‘The Magic Flute,’ ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and more during this holiday season.

Right after graduation, I started working for two creatives who are working as co-creative directors and art directors for the Metropolitan Opera. A few month in, I was asked to illustrate for the upcoming holiday campaign. Although up until now I have not been aware of the magnitude of the project, every little work given to me has been precious and important, even dog sitting.

I was asked to create 4 posters, animation and 4 title art. The beginning of the project was the time I struggled the most since I had to adjust my medium and style. In October and November when we were making the animation (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzaGDuNE9M) I often visited the Met Opera and the street surroundings. One night I was invited to see the show for the first time in my life at Lincoln Center. I did not really realize how amazing the opportunity was up until I saw the performance. It inspired my work to a next level and made me want to make this project even more successful. Most importantly, however, I was blessed to be around an amazing team of talented people who guided me through the project step by step.

It has not hit me yet that my illustration can be seen in places like the New Yorker magazine, subway stations, and even as the cover of the Timeout magazine—and not to mention the TV commercial that’s on air now. It has truly been a surreal and magical experience.