We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zhanrui Jerry Liu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zhanrui Jerry, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My artistic journey began in my earliest years when I stumbled upon the sheer joy of doodling and experimenting with crayons. Those innocent creative adventures weren’t just fleeting moments of childhood fun; they ignited the flames of my artistic passion. As I continued to grow, my love for animation blossomed, though initially, I never thought of it as a potential career path. It took a transformative experience, watching ‘Rise of the Guardians,’ to awaken my true calling. Witnessing the spellbinding storytelling and boundless creativity behind the film lit a fire in me, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to be an essential part of the creative teams that craft such captivating cinematic experiences.
After graduating from high school, I took a bold leap to chase my lifelong dream of becoming an artist. I enrolled in a visual development program in the vibrant heart of San Francisco. That decision marked a pivotal turning point in my life, offering me the chance to refine my artistic skills and gain a profound understanding of the intricate animation pipeline.
Throughout my school years, I had the privilege of diving deep into the intricacies of animation. From the inception of concepts and character designs to the intricacies of storyboarding and animation techniques, I delved into it all. Yet, my artistic journey didn’t solely unfold within the classroom walls. The emergence of social media played a transformative role. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter became fountains of endless inspiration. They not only allowed me to connect with fellow artists but also served as a stage where I could learn from their experiences and share my creations with a global audience.
At this stage of my artistic odyssey, my primary focus centers on visual development. It’s a realm that has ensnared my imagination and set my passion ablaze. There’s profound satisfaction in the intricate process of sculpting and shaping the visual facets of storytelling. Visual development grants me the privilege of working intimately with storytelling teams to conjure the vivid and immersive worlds that breathe life into narratives. It’s an exhilarating, ever-evolving, and profoundly collaborative facet of animation that I’m ardently committed to mastering.
However, I’m also acutely aware of the multifaceted nature of my creative spirit. While my current dedication predominantly resides within the domain of visual development, a part of me still yearns for the freedom and self-expression that illustration offers. Illustration allows me to craft standalone stories through the medium of images, offering a deeply personal and self-driven avenue of artistic expression.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a Visual Development Artist, my mission is to kindle the fires of imagination and craft worlds where stories become indelible memories, and I am thrilled to share my artistic journey with you today.
My journey has led me to collaborate with esteemed clients and studios, including the likes of Laika, DreamWorks TV, Lilith Game and more, Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing my artistic talents to both feature films and commercials, each project serving as a unique canvas for my creative expression.
As a visual development artist, I’ve been fortunate to play an integral role in shaping the visual narratives of various projects. This role has granted me the opportunity to work closely with dedicated teams, breathing life into imaginative worlds and crafting the visual essence of compelling stories. The process of visual development is a journey of innovation and collaboration, one that I wholeheartedly embrace as I strive to master my craft.
In parallel, my work as an illustrator has allowed me to delve deeper into the art of standalone storytelling through captivating imagery. Illustration serves as an avenue for personal expression, enabling me to infuse my unique perspective into every stroke of the brush or click of the pen. This dual role as a visual development artist and illustrator offers me a rich tapestry of artistic experiences, each influencing and enriching the other.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Always Hungry for Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and this is especially true in the field of art. Nowadays, AI has affecting the art world, being hungry for learning means you have a deep and insatiable curiosity to continually improve your skills and expand your knowledge. Whether it’s keeping up with the latest trends, exploring new techniques, such as blender, Maya.
Knowing How to Market Yourself: In the competitive world of art, talent alone may not be enough to succeed. Knowing how to effectively market yourself and your work is crucial. This involves building a strong online presence through social media, maintaining an updated portfolio, and networking within the industry. Being able to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients or collaborators is essential for getting your work noticed and securing opportunities. Effective self-marketing can open doors and create a lasting impression on those who may be interested in your art.
Being Humble: Humility is a valuable quality for any artist. While confidence in your abilities is important, humility reminds you to be open to feedback, receptive to constructive criticism, and respectful of others’ opinions and work. It also encourages you to continue learning and growing, even when you’ve achieved success. Being humble allows you to connect with others on a genuine level, build positive relationships within the art community, and remain grounded in your artistic journey. It also fosters a sense of empathy, which can be a powerful tool for creating art that resonates with a wide audience.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
At times, the demands of my creative pursuits and projects can become quite intense. When I find myself in situations where things seem to be spiraling out of control, I’ve developed some effective strategies to regain my composure and manage stress.
One of the simplest yet most powerful techniques I rely on is taking a deep breath and focusing on my breathing. It’s a method that instantly grounds me in the present moment, helping to alleviate feelings of panic or being overwhelmed. This practice allows me to gain clarity and approach challenges with a calmer mindset, which is vital in the world of art, where creative flow is essential.
Additionally, I’ve found that retrospection can be a valuable tool. When I reflect on why a situation became overwhelming, I often discover that it’s because things felt chaotic or disorganized. To combat this, I’ve made a habit of breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By doing so, I create a structured roadmap to guide me through the process. This approach not only makes the work less daunting but also allows me to focus on each step with greater precision and creativity.
Moreover, prioritization plays a pivotal role in my ability to manage overwhelm. In the realm of art, we’re often juggling multiple projects and deadlines. To ensure that I stay on track and maintain my creative flow, I prioritize tasks by identifying the most critical and time-sensitive ones. This ensures that I allocate my energy and resources where they are needed most, helping me stay organized and productive.
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