Meet JoNine Liu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful JoNine Liu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi JoNine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding My Purpose: A Journey Through Music

In my journey to find my purpose, I learned that embracing a mindset of not fearing mistakes and staying true to my inner desires were crucial elements. This path led me to discover my passion for music, an unexpected yet profound revelation that shaped my future.

From a young age, I was the child under the strict watch of my parents, who demanded nothing short of academic excellence. Upon completing my middle school education and securing a place in high school, I began contemplating my future profession. I considered various careers: a lawyer, a historian, an English teacher, even a designer. Yet, none of these paths sparked a genuine excitement within me.

Everything changed one day in high school when I joined a band. For the first time, I met students who were pursuing music as their major. This was a groundbreaking moment for me—I realized that it was possible to turn music into a profession. I was thrilled and rushed home to discuss this newfound passion with my family. However, none of my family members were involved in music, and they were not supportive of my decision to pursue it as a career.

Despite their lack of support, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would regret not pursuing music. I asked myself repeatedly if I would be happy in any other profession, and the answer was always a resounding no. Music was the only field that made me feel genuinely happy and fulfilled.

Over the course of a year, I persistently advocated for my choice, shedding many tears along the way. Finally, my family agreed to let me follow my passion. The journey was not easy; I often feared that I might be making the wrong choice. However, my unwavering love for music and the certainty that it was my true calling kept me steadfast.

In the end, my determination and willingness to listen to my inner voice helped me find my purpose. Music became not just a profession but a lifelong passion that I was willing to fight for. This experience taught me that sometimes, the path to finding one’s purpose is fraught with challenges and doubts. Still, by staying true to oneself and not fearing mistakes, it is possible to discover a passion that defines one’s life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Exploring Sound Design: My Professional Journey and Innovations in Music

After beginning my studies at Berklee, I delved into the diverse modules within the music industry. Joining the Sound Design Networking Club opened my eyes to the fascinating world of sound design in the gaming industry. This initial spark of interest led me to practice and refine my sound design skills, gradually immersing myself in the gaming sector.

However, my exploration did not stop there. I realized that sound design had applications far beyond gaming and could be integral to various forms of media, including the film industry. This revelation inspired me and my friends to establish an audio studio. In our studio, we divided the responsibilities: I specialized in sound design, while my friends focused on composition and scoring.

Our studio’s breakthrough came when we had the chance to collaborate with students from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD) on an exceptional film project. This collaboration resulted in a film that won several awards at various film festivals, marking a significant milestone for our studio. We were thrilled but not complacent; we wanted to push the boundaries of traditional sound design and music composition.

We began exploring the potential of AI in music production. This venture led us to participate in the MIT AI for Filmmaking Festival. Through relentless effort and innovation, our team earned recognition and accolades, demonstrating the promising future of AI in the music and film industry.

What excites me most about my professional journey is the blend of traditional and innovative approaches to music and sound design. The satisfaction I derive from both personal growth and collaborative achievements is immense. I am proud of our studio’s accomplishments and our constant pursuit of excellence in an evolving industry. We are not just creating soundtracks; we are pioneering new ways to integrate technology and artistry in music.

As we continue to grow, we have several exciting projects on the horizon. We are expanding our studio’s capabilities, integrating more advanced AI tools, and planning collaborations with other innovative minds in the industry. We aim to stay at the forefront of music and sound design, constantly exploring new possibilities and pushing the envelope of what can be achieved.

I am immensely grateful for the trustworthy partners and the fulfilling journey I have embarked on. The combination of grounded effort and innovative exploration has provided a sense of accomplishment and purpose that drives me forward.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge

Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most important qualities that significantly impacted me were curiosity, initiative, and self-assurance. The three essential skills were: problem analysis, information integration, and communication. Here’s why these qualities and skills were pivotal and my advice for those just starting their journey:

Key Qualities

1. Curiosity
– **Impact**: Curiosity fueled my passion for exploring new things and seeking deeper knowledge. It led me to discover my interest in music and sound design, ultimately guiding my career path.
– **Advice**: Always stay curious and open to new experiences. Constantly ask questions and seek out new learning opportunities. Curiosity will help you uncover your true interests and passions.

2. Initiative
– **Impact**: Taking action was crucial in my journey. When I discovered my passion for music, I took steps to pursue it despite initial resistance. My proactive approach allowed me to turn my dreams into reality.
– **Advice**: Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for others to validate your choices. Take the initiative to start projects, join clubs, and actively seek out opportunities that align with your interests. Action turns ideas into tangible outcomes.

3. Self-Assurance
– **Impact**: Believing in myself and my decisions, even when faced with doubt or opposition, was vital. This confidence helped me persist through challenges and stay committed to my goals.
– **Advice**: Trust in your decisions and stand firm in your beliefs. There will always be differing opinions, but having confidence in yourself and your choices will help you navigate through uncertainties and challenges.

Essential Skills

1. Problem Analysis
– **Impact**: The ability to break down problems and identify root causes allowed me to tackle challenges effectively. Whether it was a technical issue in sound design or a strategic decision in our studio, problem analysis was key.
– **Advice**: Develop strong analytical skills by practicing critical thinking and problem-solving exercises. Please take the time to understand problems thoroughly before jumping to solutions.

2. Information Integration
– **Impact**: Integrating diverse pieces of information to find solutions was crucial in my work. This skill enabled me to connect different aspects of projects, from technical sound design to collaborative film work.
– **Advice**: Improve your ability to gather, synthesize, and apply information from various sources. This will help you create well-rounded solutions and make informed decisions.

3. Communication
– **Impact**: Effective communication was essential for collaboration and teamwork. It helped me articulate my ideas, understand others, and work seamlessly with my partners and clients.
– **Advice**: Hone your communication skills by practicing clear and concise expression, active listening, and empathy. Good communication is vital for successful teamwork and professional relationships.

For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to continuously explore and try new things to identify your true interests. Maintain a strong sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge. Take action and learn through practice, as real insights come from experience. Finally, trust in yourself and your decisions, and work on developing key skills that will support you in any field. Remember, the combination of curiosity, initiative, self-assurance, problem analysis, information integration, and communication will be invaluable assets on your journey.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

Going All In on Strengths vs. Being Well-Rounded

I firmly believe that fully developing one’s strengths is more beneficial than trying to be well-rounded by improving areas where one is less strong. Here’s why I feel this way, illustrated with relevant personal experiences.

Focus on Strengths

In the past, I was a perfectionist who seldom sought help from others, aspiring to handle every aspect of my work independently. This approach changed dramatically when I entered the music industry. I realized that specializing in what I excelled at could significantly enhance efficiency and allow me to leverage my unique strengths, thereby increasing my irreplaceability.

As a singer-songwriter and producer, I initially attempted to handle every aspect of producing my first album. I wanted to be the singer, composer, lyricist, arranger, and mixing engineer. However, this approach led to my production time increasing tenfold, and I found myself overwhelmed and exhausted. Upon a friend’s suggestion, I decided to collaborate with others and focus solely on singing and composing. This change not only reduced my stress but also allowed me to devote more time and energy to what I did best, significantly improving the quality of my songs.

Benefits of Focusing on Strengths

1. Efficiency and Quality: By concentrating on my strengths, I could work more efficiently and produce higher-quality results. Specialization allowed me to perfect my skills in specific areas, leading to better outcomes.

2. Irreplaceability: Developing my strengths made me an indispensable part of any project. In the film industry, for instance, teamwork is crucial. By excelling in one specific area, I became an essential team member, which opened up more job opportunities.

Importance of Collaboration

In my experience, focusing on strengths doesn’t mean ignoring other areas entirely. Understanding the basics of your collaborators’ roles can enhance teamwork. For example, having a general understanding of the mixing process allowed me to communicate better with the mixing engineer and contribute more effectively to the final product.

Conclusion

In summary, fully developing one’s strengths can lead to greater efficiency, higher quality work, and increased irreplaceability in your field. While it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of other areas to facilitate better collaboration, the main focus should be on honing your unique talents and skills. This approach not only reduces unnecessary stress but also allows you to shine in your chosen domain, ultimately leading to a more successful and fulfilling career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jonine99.com/
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