Meet Samar Chen

We were lucky to catch up with Samar Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samar, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room can be tough, but it’s also been a huge opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to really own my unique perspective—believing that diversity brings fresh ideas and innovation. Like when I was the only Asian woman in the Disney layout department, I found that my cultural insights added something new and exciting to our projects.

I’ve also discovered the power of connecting with people, even when we seem different. A friendly coffee chat can go a long way! And I’ve found that being open to learning and always putting in the effort helps me stand out. I’m not shy about asking questions, because growing together makes everyone better.

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?

I’m mainly a layout artist, but I also dabble in animation and painting—at the core, though, I’m always a storyteller. I’ve had the chance to work on some amazing animated films and TV shows for Disney and Netflix, and with studios across the US, China, and Australia. I’ve also been part of a few award-winning short films. What I love most is creating worlds, moving characters through them, and going on their journeys with them. There’s nothing quite like seeing the audience connect with the story you helped bring to life!

I’m also an online content creator. Along with four animation friends, I started a Bilibili channel called AnimationTalk, where we share insights into how animation is made and highlight interesting filmmaking facts. It’s grown to 30,000 subscribers and gained millions of views, which has been a rewarding experience.

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?

Looking back, three key qualities have shaped my journey: honesty, openness to new ideas, and diligence.
First, being honest and trusting my instincts have been essential. It’s something that has always guided my choices and kept me grounded, both in life and work. For anyone just starting out, I’d say always listen to your gut and be true to who you are—it really goes a long way.
Second, staying open to new ideas has helped me grow. Being curious and willing to learn has made me more adaptable and creative. My advice? Embrace new experiences and perspectives. You never know what surprising opportunities or insights they might lead to.
Lastly, diligence and patience have been invaluable. Even small projects, like “Morry” and “In Tandem,” taught me so much and led to lifelong friendships and collaborations. Every effort counts, and learning from mistakes along the way is part of the process. Don’t underestimate the power of persistence and those little lessons.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the past 12 months, I’ve had the incredible chance to work across various countries, gaining new insights into how studios around the world collaborate and approach animation. From big productions like “Stranger Things” to intimate projects “Tall Wall” in smaller teams, I’ve embraced more responsibilities and adapted to diverse working styles. It’s been a rewarding journey, making me more flexible and versatile as an artist.
On a more personal note, I’ve rekindled my love for drawing and painting, which was my first passion before diving into 3D work. Returning to these roots has brought me a fresh perspective on storytelling. Painting has allowed me to explore new ways of conveying emotions and narratives, which has enriched my 3D work and deepened my connection to animation. It’s been like rediscovering that spark of creativity all over again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samarmchen.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samar-chen/