We were lucky to catch up with Wei-lun Ting recently and have shared our conversation below.
Wei-Lun, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To keep my creativity alive, I’ve made it a habit to embrace curiosity and constantly seek out new perspectives. One of the ways I nurture this skill is by immersing myself in a variety of artistic endeavors, whether through digital painting, game art, or fine art motion graphics. While working on the Nintendo Switch project Aliisha: The Oblivion of Twin Goddesses, where I led the concept design, this diversity of inspiration was incredibly important.
For instance, when I was tasked with designing Nolyaw, a cursed monster, the producers, Ozma and Bleed, gave me specific guidelines—wood magic, a cursed yet powerful appearance, and a tragic backstory that still needed to fit within Nintendo’s signature cartoonish style. It was challenging at first, but instead of pushing too hard, I took a step back and drew inspiration from Mayan mythology. This led me to incorporate a thorny crown and plant-like features, which became defining aspects of Nolyaw’s look. I also studied natural aesthetics, such as how plants grow and decay, which gave the design additional depth and meaning.
I keep my creativity flowing by dedicating time to personal projects. Whether it’s sketching on Procreate or experimenting with traditional animation, I enjoy exploring different mediums. Even in my current role as a full-time motion designer in New York, I continue to engage with art across multiple forms. I also like to sketch live portraits of friends and my partner, which not only sparks creativity but also brings a real-life connection to my work. In many ways, I see myself as a modern version of a caveman artist—capturing the passion and experiences of everyday life in my creations.
Collaboration has also played a huge role in keeping my creativity alive. Working on Aliisha showed me that “one brain is not enough.” Feedback and insights from other talented artists helped shape and refine concepts like the giant musical instrument in the Room of Veneration. What started as a simple puzzle design became a rich, symbolic representation of the temple’s rituals.
Ultimately, maintaining creativity is about balancing curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to explore new experiences. By continuously trying different mediums, working with others, and challenging myself with fresh projects, I ensure my creative energy stays strong. After all, that’s what makes the art world so rewarding—constant growth, exploration, and passion.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a concept artist and motion graphic designer, I’ve always been driven by a passion for telling stories through visual experiences. My professional journey really began with Aliisha: The Oblivion of Twin Goddesses, a Nintendo Switch puzzle game developed by Joy Brick and Underscore, which was honored with the “Best Console Game” award at Game Connection Europe. Leading the concept design for Aliisha was both an exciting and challenging experience, as it required blending mythological inspiration with fresh gameplay mechanics. What I love most about my work is the opportunity to create immersive worlds where players can connect emotionally, using a combination of art, technology, and storytelling to bring those worlds to life.
As the Lead Concept Artist for Aliisha, I had the privilege of working with an incredibly talented team, translating our shared vision into intricate designs that made the characters and environments stand out. A particularly memorable moment was designing Nolyaw, a cursed monster that had to balance Nintendo’s iconic style with deeper, narrative-driven elements. Seeing Aliisha gain international recognition was validating not just for me, but also for Taiwan’s growing game industry. It was an honor to play a role in crafting the game’s artistic vision.
Now based in New York, I work full-time as a motion designer, continuing to explore new creative boundaries in motion graphics and animation. My toolkit includes Cinema 4D, After Effects, and Redshift, which I use to develop visually impactful content across a range of media platforms. One of the recent projects I worked on was advertising for IWF 2024, North America’s largest woodworking event. What I love most about my career is the freedom it gives me to experiment across multiple mediums, from game development to motion design and even traditional art. I also often sketch live portraits of friends and colleagues, drawing on real-life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to my work.
The ability to translate real-world experiences into artistic creations—whether for commercial projects or personal expression—adds richness to my work that keeps me energized and excited for what’s next.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to explore new collaborations and expand my role as a guest lecturer. I’ve had the chance to speak at events like TGDF and Twitch, and I find mentoring and teaching aspiring artists incredibly fulfilling. I’m also excited about the future projects that will allow me to merge art, storytelling, and technology, continuing to grow as both an artist and a designer.
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 on my journey, the three qualities and skills that have been most impactful for me as a concept artist and motion graphic designer are:
Curiosity and Willingness to Explore
Curiosity has played a significant role throughout my career. Exploring new ideas, art styles, and technologies is essential for staying creative and pushing boundaries. Whether it was diving into mythological stories for Aliisha or learning new software to enhance my motion design skills, curiosity helped me grow. For those early in their journey, I recommend remaining open to learning from a variety of sources—art, nature, technology, or everyday experiences—and letting that curiosity guide your creative process.
Adaptability and Versatility
Adapting to different projects, mediums, and challenges is crucial in any creative field. While working on Aliisha, I had to balance Nintendo’s stylistic preferences with deeper, narrative-driven elements. Transitioning between concept art and motion design required versatility, as each medium brings its own set of tools. My advice to those starting out is to embrace different techniques and tools. Developing a flexible skill set, whether in 2D, 3D, or motion graphics, will prepare you for diverse projects and make you a stronger, more versatile creator.
Collaboration and Communication
Creativity often involves teamwork, and collaborating effectively with others is key. On Aliisha, I worked closely with developers, animators, and artists to ensure our designs fit the overall vision. Clear communication and openness to feedback were vital in improving my work. For those starting their careers, I recommend focusing on teamwork—seek out projects where you can collaborate and practice giving and receiving feedback. Good communication is just as important as technical skills, and it helps build strong working relationships.
For anyone early in their journey, I encourage staying curious, embracing versatility, and being open to collaboration. These qualities not only help you grow as an artist but also prepare you to navigate the ever-changing creative landscape.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was nurturing my artistic talent from a young age. Both of them were art school teachers, and they recognized my early passion for sketching and creativity. They provided me with the support, encouragement, and resources I needed to pursue art seriously, giving me a strong foundation in fine arts. Their belief in my abilities allowed me to explore different mediums and styles, which became the cornerstone of my creative journey.
Not only did they nurture my passion early on, but they also supported me financially and emotionally when I decided to pursue my MFA in Computer Arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York. This opportunity was pivotal in shaping my career, allowing me to immerse myself in cutting-edge techniques and collaborate with top professionals. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to expand my skills or gain the confidence to build a professional artistic career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waylonting.design/
- Instagram: waylon_republic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itswaylonting
Image Credits
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