We recently connected with Luao Liu and have shared our conversation below.
Luao, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
From a very young age, I’ve been captivated by artistic creation. My family has always been open-minded and supported my decision to pursue further studies in the United States. When selecting my major, I didn’t want to limit myself to just illustration, so I opted for animation. After graduation, I spent some time working with a documentary filmmaker and friends. It was during this period that I realized my professional skills weren’t up to par, which led me to pursue a master’s degree – the highest degree in the arts. After obtaining my master’s, I embarked on my journey as an independent artist. Each day, I happily immerse myself in the work I love, hoping that my animations can bring joy and happiness to everyone. As a creator, to maintain sharp senses and a knack for creativity, I must engage in continuous creative work without breaks. To me, my creativity is like a plant that requires careful nurturing. It grows slowly and demands my dedicated care day in and day out over the years. All the effort doesn’t yield immediate results; instead, it’s neglect and laziness that can quickly manifest in poorly tended creativity. That’s how I view creativity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a 2D animator, and I also handle tasks related to illustrations, storyboards, and motion design. Among my work experiences, one of my proudest achievements was the explainer animation I developed in collaboration with a Swiss non-profit organization. I was solely responsible for scriptwriting, voice-over design, animation design, storyboard design, and coordinating with the voice-over actors. The project’s resounding success can be attributed to my exceptional organizational skills, and I take great pride in that.
In addition to managing independent projects, I also frequently collaborate with companies on more complex assignments. For instance, I had the opportunity to work with a company on an animation celebrating the Chinese traditional holiday – the Mid-Autumn Festival – for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building. In this animation, I had the responsibility for dynamic design, animation drawing, and the coloring of the 45-second main character sequence. Despite the tight schedule, I gave my all and flawlessly completed my tasks within the given timeframe. On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023, this exquisite animation was looped on the LED screen of the tallest building in the world. Witnessing my frame-by-frame animation on such a prominent landmark filled me with immense pride.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve distilled three crucial lessons that have guided me: maintaining optimism, daring to dream and act, and always remaining humble. For those who are just embarking on their careers, I firmly believe that the first lesson is the most vital. In today’s world, the internet is an incredibly developed platform where we encounter a multitude of top talents seemingly filled with boundless energy and inexhaustible creativity every moment of every day. However, it’s imperative to remember that everyone you see on social media and the internet is playing a role. The key is to stay focused on your own path because, ultimately, the only person we are responsible for is ourselves. Create for yourself, learn for yourself, and resist the trap of constant comparisons.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The primary challenge I’m currently grappling with is the physical toll resulting from long working hours and the emotional strain caused by irregular sleep patterns and an erratic lifestyle. In response, I’ve made conscious efforts to improve my well-being. I’ve adopted a healthier diet and established a more consistent sleep schedule. Additionally, I prioritize taking breaks to engage in physical activities, whether it’s a vigorous gym session or some rejuvenating stretching exercises. As a creator, I firmly believe that a healthy body serves as the foundation for nurturing positive thoughts and fostering creativity. It’s both a mindset and a responsibility for a professional artist to ensure their physical and mental well-being remains in optimal condition. I am committed to this path of self-care, and I look forward to witnessing continuous improvements in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luaoliu.work/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlore_august/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luao-liu-28a30b179/
