Meet Xinyi Li

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xinyi Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Xinyi, 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 my purpose wasn’t a single moment of realization—it was a journey shaped by curiosity, self-doubt, and a pivotal decision that changed everything.

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling—not just in films or books, but in spaces, visuals, and interactions. As a child, I was captivated by the way light filtered through a window, how a well-crafted scene in a movie could make me feel something profound, or how a physical space could tell a silent yet powerful story.
But at the time, I didn’t know what that meant for my future—I just knew I was drawn to creating.

This curiosity led me to study architecture and film, believing that design and media were tools to craft emotional experiences. When I pursued my Master’s degrees at UCLA, specializing in spatial innovation and digital environments, I felt closer to understanding how these disciplines could merge. But despite my growing skills, I struggled with an underlying question: How do I use what I’ve learned to create something meaningful?

For a while, I followed the path I thought I was supposed to take—aiming for traditional architecture firms and established creative studios. But deep down, something felt missing. I wasn’t just interested in designing spaces or visuals; I wanted to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and craft immersive experiences that truly connect with people. That realization made me question everything. Should I take a safe route? Or should I carve out my own path, even if I didn’t feel fully prepared?
The turning point came when I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. I started Eon Visuals, a studio built on the belief that technology, design, and storytelling could converge to create experiences that go beyond entertainment. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, financial uncertainty, and the fear of failing. But every time I created a project that moved people—whether through an animated narrative, a virtual world, or an experiential space—I knew I had made the right choice.

Looking back, I realize my purpose was always there. It was in the films that made me dream, the spaces that made me feel something unspoken, and the quiet moments where creativity felt like magic. My purpose is to create worlds that inspire, challenge, and invite people to experience stories—not just watch them. And through it all, one belief keeps me grounded: never forget why you started.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Self-Introduction: I am Xinyi (鑫艺, meaning ‘gold’ and ‘art’ in Chinese), an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling through various mediums. With a foundation in Interior Architecture and Film from UW-Madison, I deepened my passion for storytelling at UCLA, earning a Master of Architecture and an M.S. in Architectural Technologies, where I specialized in spatial innovation and digital environments. As a full-ride fellowship recipient and Best Final Project Award winner, my work explores the intersection of space, media, and narrative— inviting audiences to feel stories rather than just observe them.

How I got into my industry & What type of services I provide: My journey into this industry started from a very young age, where I found myself deeply fascinated by how visuals, design, and technology intersect. I’ve always sought to create work that not only tells a story but also evokes deep emotions in those who experience it. Today, as an entrepreneur and multidisciplinary creator, I channel this fascination into projects spanning photography, animation, virtual worlds, and experiential spaces. Whether crafting a dystopian cityscape for a film, designing a responsive art installation, or creating a game environment that reacts to its players, my mission remains constant: to create work that resonates deeply, challenges perceptions, and transforms passive viewers into active participants. For me, design is more than aesthetics—it’s a language of empathy. Every frame, texture, and spatial rhythm is intentional, designed to spark curiosity, nostalgia, or wonder.

What am I most excited about: I’m most proud of building Eon Visuals, a business with purpose. Turning my passion for storytelling into a company has been both rewarding and challenging. Entrepreneurship requires more than just creativity; it demands resilience, strategy, and the ability to balance artistic ambition with practical execution. Eon Visuals is not just a studio—it’s a platform for innovation where technology and artistry intersect to redefine storytelling. Whether we’re designing cinematic animation, immersive environments, or spatial experiences, our work is about crafting worlds that invite audiences to feel, not just witness. We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with high-profile clients like Travis Scott, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, ComplexCon, Puma, SVRN, and SNL, helping bring their creative visions to life. Looking ahead, I’m excited about exploring AI-generated visuals and virtual production pipelines to amplify emotion through technology.

What I feel special about: What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to my mission, even in an industry often driven by trends. I stay grounded in my purpose by remembering the mantra, “never forget why you started.” Early in my career, I worked as both an architect and photographer, capturing moments where light and composition revealed untold stories. This approach still guides my work today—whether I’m storyboarding a film, prototyping a virtual set, or designing an interactive experience. The core goal remains the same: to create meaningful connections, not just to entertain. For me, this mission is deeply personal. It honors the curious child who was captivated by movies and the architect who learned to transform that fascination into real, emotional spaces. Every project I undertake is part of a larger story, where architecture and media become collaborators, not just tools. As I continue to evolve, my mission remains constant: to craft immersive worlds that challenge, inspire, and transform the way we experience stories.

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?

Risk-Taking – Early in my career, I believed I had to have everything perfectly planned before making a move. But I learned that waiting for the “perfect moment” often means never starting. Take the leap. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. Growth happens when you step into the unknown.

Adaptability – When I pivoted from a traditional architectural path to building Eon Visuals, I had to learn entirely new skills—entrepreneurship, business strategy, and emerging technologies. Stay open to change. The best opportunities often come from unexpected directions, and your ability to adapt will set you apart.

Following What You Truly Love – The only way to keep going without burning out is to constantly ask yourself: “Is this what I truly want to do?” If the answer is yes, you’ll find the energy to push forward, no matter how difficult the journey.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The biggest area of growth for me in the past year has been trusting myself more. I’ve learned to rely on my own instincts, rather than constantly seeking external validation. In the past, I often questioned whether I was making the right decisions, worrying too much about how others perceived my work or if I was meeting certain expectations.

Now, I focus on what truly excites and fulfills me. I’ve become more confident in my choices, whether it’s in creative projects, business decisions, or personal growth. This shift has allowed me to embrace my own voice, take risks without hesitation, and create work that feels more authentic. By trusting myself more, I’ve found clarity in my direction and the freedom to pursue what truly matters to me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Profile Picture: Sihyunhada
Others: Yu Shi, William Wu, Pingting Li & Alyssa Tohyama

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