We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Zhao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Hi Sarah, 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 a purpose has always been an important part of life. Each person takes time to find their path.
I discovered my goal through my passion and exploration, specifically by diving deep into my hobbies. I’ve always had a strong love for illustrating. As I grow up, I get better from doodling on paper to exploring digital art using a drawing pad. As a child, one of the hardest things to face was often the sadness of not being understood by my family. During those times, I would let myself get into the world of my drawing, imagining stories from another world. Illustrating is like a safe harbor for me. I draw, I feel happiness.
It wasn’t until college that I realized I had reached a key point. However, I still wanted to keep illustrating and carry this passion forward. One day, while browsing online, I discovered motion design, which was a huge shock for me at that time, as I was studying graphic design BFA. It was a new field that combined illustration, animation, and design. I loved the richness of colors and stories in the motion media illustrations, along with the sense of order and structure that design brought to this area. At that moment, I found my goal: I wanted to become a motion media designer. I want to learn this new skill combined with what I love and explore this new path.
I believe finding a goal is a complex process. You have to follow your heart while also considering reality. It requires a balance between challenging yourself and making more progress. Everyone finds their goal at different times, but the most important thing is to live without regret, always seeking it with an open heart. Finding a purpose has always been an important part of life. Everyone takes time to find their path.
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 am Sarah Zhao, a motion designer and illustrator currently learning motion skills. I love experimenting with frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation and After Effects. Most of my illustrations are created using Procreate, though I sometimes use Photoshop and hand-drawing techniques. To me, graphic design, motion design, and illustration are all incredibly wonderful art forms. While they each express themselves in different ways, they all tell the same story sometimes. I’ve been exploring the narrative ways of these tools, as well as various illustration styles.
Recently, I completed a set of Tarot card illustrations and illustrated a picture book, which got the 2023 iJungle Merit Book Award. I am still in the process of refining my work and hope to finish the full set of Tarot card illustrations this year, while also producing more projects in my motion design studies.
I often find myself immersed in the works and stories of others. I enjoy the stories of small characters within huge stories, as well as the stories and concepts behind the brands, expressed through motion design. I am active on Instagram, where I share my illustration work, and in the future, I plan to organize and upload more of my motion projects. You can follow my journey and exploration on my account @crowalker100. I love connecting with many people and creating more interesting relationships.
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?
I believe that quality is the most important of my journey. The more complete a project is, the more it can become an important brick in your journey.
Each time you complete a high-quality piece, you gain more than with the casual, quick work you might do. A well-crafted piece reflects your true soul, allowing you to express your ideas. It becomes a key expression of your journey, marking your journey significant milestones. Every time you push yourself to achieve that level of quality, it not only enhances your skills but also deepens your understanding of your work. These high-quality works, which are thoughtful and carefully made, become the foundation on which you build your future projects. They represent your growth and your ability to communicate your ideas in a more refined and impactful way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I have always wanted to participate in pre-production design for animation and explore various projects where illustration can be incorporated. I love challenges and enjoys working on fun, creative projects.
I hope to collaborate with clients who have detailed planning and specific requirements.
If any clients with interesting animation pre-production or illustration projects would like to get in touch, feel free to reach out to me through my email at crowalker100@gmail.com. I’m open to meeting interesting projects for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1477192554.wixsite.com/sarahzhao
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowalker100/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-zhao-02199132a/
Image Credits
Sarah Zhao
