Meet Jiayi Li

We recently connected with Jiayi Li and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jiayi, 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?
For me, purpose tends to emerge naturally as I live and experience life, alongside with challenges in art creation. And often, to be able to create means I have to take care of the creator, which is myself. It secures me and heals me whenever I felt lost. Within this framework, there are countless paths that can carry me through life’s uncertainties. However, it should be clear that purpose isn’t something to achieve once and hold onto forever—it evolves alongside me, growing and shifting as I do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a digital creator and animator that focus on experimental animation and storytelling. My work spans animated films, immersive experiences, and interactive installations, often exploring maternity, irrationality, and the bond between human and nature.

One of my most personal works, CAVITY, is an animated film about a child’s dream of understanding death. Currently, during my graduate studies at NYU ITP, I’m expanding into immersive media, creating projection-based performances and interactive installations that engage audiences in real-time. I enjoy playing with the audience’s curiosity with humor or absurdity, often reflecting on shared human memories in forms of hyper-realistic surrealism.

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?
I would say that the three qualities might be: the willingness to play, taking action in the present, and, controversially, the courage to take the work “unseriously.” Rather than offering advice, I prefer to provide support—whether emotionally or through collaboration—for artists in the early stages of exploration. I believe most advice reflects one’s personal journey and growth. Beyond that, I enjoy helping others uncover their stories and engage in discussions about topics that resonate with the new generation of artists.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a passion for animation, performance, and immersive stage design. I’m particularly interested in partnering with artists, animators, and designers specializing in CG, stage design, or experimental storytelling. If you enjoy exploring the connection between multimedia and audiences, feel free to reach out or connect with me on social media: @zaqikwi.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All rights reserved to Jiayi Li

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