We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lin Jin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by immersing myself in high-end projects, whether they are personal endeavors or commissioned work. These projects challenge me to think innovatively and push boundaries. What keeps me constantly inspired is the fact that I’m operating at the cutting edge of an emerging and fast-moving field. The pace of change and the opportunity to pioneer new ideas fuel my excitement and drive, making it impossible not to feel creative and energized. Additionally, I’m a big movie fan, and I particularly enjoy rewatching films. Each viewing experience offers me a different kind of inspiration, allowing me to see creative possibilities from new perspectives.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my work. I am currently focused on high-end animated film projects, both personal and commercial, collaborating with top-tier studios like BELL + VFX Feature Animation Studio, LoH Studios, and Nasse Animation Studio. At BELL + VFX, I work as an environment texture painter, creating rich and detailed textures for the animation’s environments. At LoH Studios, I contribute as a layout artist, helping to define the visual storytelling and composition of scenes. Additionally, at Nasse Animation Studio, I work as a 3D artist, collaborating with the story and visual development teams to speed up their workflow using 3D software.
Working with different studios has given me the chance to experience a variety of workflows and experiment with new software and production techniques. What excites me most is being at the forefront of an emerging and fast-moving field, where each project presents unique challenges that push creative boundaries.
I am also working on a new premium personal project, which I’m really excited about, and I can’t wait to showcase my new ideas and creative concepts to everyone at the right time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. No Doubt, Perseverance: Perseverance has been a key factor in overcoming challenges and pushing through difficult times. The creative process is often filled with setbacks, but staying committed to your work and continuously improving is essential for success. No doubt, the ability to persist through tough times is what separates those who succeed from those who give up too soon.
Advice: For those beginning their journey, my advice is to never give up, even when things seem tough. Success often comes after many failures. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and don’t let obstacles stop you from reaching your goals. No doubt, perseverance is what helps you break through and ultimately succeed, even when the road gets difficult.
2. Creativity:
Creativity has been a driving force in my career, especially in animation, where the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas is crucial. It helps in problem-solving and developing new approaches to complex challenges.
Advice: For those just starting out, I would advise constantly experimenting and embracing curiosity. Don’t be afraid to fail, as failure often leads to new insights and improvements. Surround yourself with diverse sources of inspiration, such as art, film, and nature, and never stop practicing.
3. Communication Skills:
Strong communication skills are crucial, not only during job applications and interviews but also in day-to-day work, especially during meetings. Clear communication helps you express your ideas, understand others’ perspectives, and ensure that you’re aligned with the team. Whether you’re negotiating project details or explaining creative concepts, effective communication is essential in building strong professional relationships and ensuring successful collaboration.
Advice: For those starting out, I recommend practicing both speaking and active listening. During interviews or meetings, be clear and concise in expressing your ideas while also being open to others’ input. Over time, try to engage in collaborative projects and group discussions to strengthen these skills.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to quickly adapt to the production pipelines of various companies while working on high-end projects. I’ve also learned how to effectively assist directors and teams in expressing their ideas and offer suggestions to enhance visual storytelling. Additionally, I’ve honed my ability to tailor my work to match the unique creative vision of each company.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the workflow differences between small, medium, and large studios. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn new software, which has significantly enhanced my technical skills and versatility. These lessons have been especially valuable for my personal projects, where I now have a clearer sense of the content that resonates with target audiences.
Moreover, collaborating with teams from diverse backgrounds has greatly improved my communication and collaboration skills, while also streamlining my ability to coordinate with team members. Working alongside seasoned professionals, I’ve gained valuable insights into the production process, which has elevated the quality of my work. Some companies even offer workshops or lectures where we can learn from experienced members, which has been an invaluable learning opportunity. By exchanging knowledge and learning from others, I’ve broadened my perspective and made significant progress in both my professional and personal growth.
What excites me most is working in a rapidly evolving field. The industry is full of continuous innovation and fresh challenges, with every project offering new opportunities for growth and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doubles.portfoliobox.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doubles1031
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linjin-doubles
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doubles1031
Image Credits
Lin Jin (DoubleS)
