Meet Xinyue (casey) Gu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xinyue (casey) Gu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Xinyue (Casey), 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.

I keep my creativity alive by staying curious and continuously exploring new inspirations. As a motion designer, I find inspiration in various fields, like film, architecture, and even nature. I enjoy experimenting with different tools and techniques, especially combining 2D and 3D elements to push the boundaries of what I can create.

I also make it a habit to step away from the screen and experience the world around me—whether it’s taking a walk, visiting a gallery, or observing everyday life. This helps me refresh my perspective and come back to my work with new ideas.

Additionally, collaborating with other creatives is another big source of inspiration. I love exchanging ideas and seeing how others approach challenges, as it helps me learn and grow. Lastly, I remind myself to take breaks and give my mind space to wander, as some of the best ideas come when I least expect them.

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?

Hi! My name is Casey, and I’m a motion designer with a passion for storytelling through dynamic visuals. My journey into motion design started a few years ago when I was experimenting with K-pop edits, which sparked my love for combining design, animation, and narrative. That curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown passion, leading me to pursue a Master’s degree in Motion Media Design in the US, where I had the chance to sharpen my skills and push my creative boundaries.
What excites me most about motion design is its versatility. It’s a space where you can merge 2D, 3D, typography, live-action, and much more to craft compelling stories or communicate powerful ideas—often in just a few minutes or less. I think what makes my approach unique is my love for blending smooth motion with unexpected combinations of media, creating pieces that feel fluid and captivating. Whether it’s a cinematic sequence or a playful animation, I’m always focused on delivering work that feels fresh and meaningful.
For 2025, I’m aiming to expand my creative reach by diving deeper into realistic 3D animation and collaborating with creators who want to push the limits of visual storytelling. To anyone reading this: if you’re looking for a motion designer who loves bringing bold ideas to life, I’d love to connect!

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?

Looking back on my journey, I think three qualities and skills have been the most impactful:

1. Curiosity and a willingness to learn
From the moment I discovered motion design, I’ve always been eager to explore new techniques and tools. Whether it was learning 3D animation through Cinema 4D or diving into compositing in After Effects, staying curious and open to new knowledge kept me growing creatively. My advice to those just starting out is to stay curious and experiment fearlessly. Don’t worry about making things perfect right away—embrace the process, and let your mistakes teach you.

2. Storytelling
Understanding how to tell a compelling story has been a game-changer for me. Motion design isn’t just about cool visuals; it’s about using those visuals to communicate something meaningful. I honed this skill by studying films, commercials, and even social media content to see how they structured their stories.

3. Resilience and adaptability
The creative journey isn’t always smooth. There were times when projects didn’t go as planned or ideas fell flat, but learning to adapt and keep moving forward was essential. For those starting out, I’d say: don’t be afraid of challenges or setbacks. They’re part of the process, and each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. Build resilience by taking on projects that push your limits, even if they scare you a little.

Lastly, I’d add one bonus tip: surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s classmates, colleagues, or online peers, having people who can offer feedback, share ideas, or just cheer you on can make a huge difference in your growth.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. It’s a short but powerful read. A few key takeaways that really stuck with me:

“Nothing is original.” This idea was incredibly liberating for me. It reminded me that creativity isn’t about inventing something entirely new but rather about taking inspiration from what exists and making it your own. As a motion designer, this has helped me embrace the process of remixing ideas and drawing from diverse sources like films, music, and even everyday moments.

“Side projects and hobbies are important.” This nugget reinforced the value of passion projects. It’s through experimenting on the side—like creating fun, personal animations or trying new tools—that I’ve discovered some of my most unique styles and techniques. It’s also a reminder to keep the creative spark alive by doing things for yourself, not just for clients or deadlines.

“Creativity is subtraction.” This one taught me the power of simplicity. In motion design, it’s easy to want to add more effects, more layers, or more complexity, but sometimes the most effective work comes from stripping things down to the essentials. This advice has guided me in creating more focused and impactful designs.

I’d recommend this book to anyone in a creative field because it’s both practical and inspiring.

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