Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruichen Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ruichen, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
There was a time when I was trying to write a voice-over for a project and I just couldn’t get a single good sentence out. The harder I pushed myself, the more anxious I became. So I stopped forcing it and picked up a book by Haruki Murakami, and rewatched a film that means a lot to me, Our Little Sister. Both of them have this calm, gentle rhythm, and somehow their quiet storytelling reminded me that I was trying too hard to “write something good,” instead of simply expressing what I truly felt.
After that, I went back to my script and allowed myself to start small—one feeling, one moment, one image. And suddenly things flowed again. I finished the whole section in less than an hour, and it felt way more honest than anything I had forced earlier.
This experience taught me something important: when I’m stuck, I don’t need to fight the block head-on. I just need to refill my creative energy. Books and films help me reconnect with my emotions, and they always bring me back to why I wanted to create in the first place.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Filmmaking. During my time there, I interned at the Big Ten Network, where I worked on live sports broadcasts. I primarily operated cameras and occasionally assisted as a Technical Director, which gave me valuable experience in handling high-pressure, fast-paced production environments.
I am now studying cinematography at Chapman University’s Dodge College. My work centers on visual storytelling and the emotional possibilities of light, color, and movement. I am especially drawn to a naturalistic style influenced by Asian cinema, focusing on subtle, character-driven imagery.
Through my projects, I aim to create visuals that feel intimate and sincere, reflecting the internal worlds of the characters rather than simply documenting external events. I am currently developing several short films, including my thesis project, which explores themes of memory and identity with a soft, atmospheric visual approach.
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, the three qualities that have shaped me the most are humility, diligence, and a refusal to give up.
Humility keeps me open to listening and learning, allowing new perspectives to enter my work and collaborations.
Diligence pushes me to practice, refine details, and build growth through steady effort.
Not giving up drives me through obstacles and creative blocks, helping me discover new possibilities each time I try again.
For those just starting out, my advice is simple: stay open, keep practicing, and don’t give up too quickly. These qualities will carry you farther than you expect.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I tend to give myself some space to reset. Spending time alone helps me regain clarity. I often drive to the beach at night, listen to music, and let the sound of the waves calm my thoughts. Being by the ocean makes it easier for me to slow down and breathe again.
Sometimes I take a short solo road trip to a nearby national park. Driving through quiet roads, watching the light shift across the landscape, helps me reconnect with the present moment rather than staying stuck in stress.
These small moments of solitude allow me to reorganize my thoughts and return to my work with a clearer, steadier mind.
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Ruichen Li
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