Meet Zhen Liu

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

Zhen, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

As a motion designer and 2D animator, staying inspired is crucial. I constantly immerse myself in art exhibitions, films, and nature walks, inspiration can strike from anywhere. I also maintain a digital mood board that I update regularly with visuals that resonate with me. This helps me tap into different aesthetics and keeps my ideas fresh. Also, collaborating with other creatives is another big one, I can always get a lot of inspiration and experimental spirit from my colleagues, which helps me open up many new creative avenues.

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 full-time motion designer and 2D animator based in New York. From a young age, I was captivated by storytelling and visual arts. Animation, with its ability to blend narrative with artistic expression, fascinated me deeply. After completing my studies in animation, I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment that would nurture my creativity further. New York City’s dynamic arts scene and its reputation for innovation drew me in. Moving to New York was a significant leap for me, both personally and professionally. Adapting to a new culture and environment was a learning curve, but it also brought immense opportunities. Professionally, I’ve had the chance to work with incredibly talented individuals in the advertisement industry, collaborating on projects that have allowed me to grow as an animator and expand my artistic vision. During the process, I find the most fulfilling aspect of my career is the ability to create meaningful visual stories that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s a short commercial or a longer animation project, the process of conceptualizing ideas, bringing characters to life, and crafting visual narratives is incredibly rewarding. I’m particularly passionate about exploring different art styles and techniques, constantly seeking to evolve and innovate in my work.

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?

First of all, as an animator, I believe a strong understanding of design and animation principles such as composition, color theory, typography, and the relationship between timing and space are important. This helps in creating visually appealing and effective animations.
Secondly, stay passionate about what we are doing and always keep learning. Motion design and animation require dedication and perseverance. New techniques and tools can open up new creative versions. Also, surround ourselves with supportive peers who can provide constructive feedback and encouragement will help us grow better.
Last but not least, keep sensitive to both external surroundings and internal emotional changes. Inspiration can come from anywhere, stay curious and always think outside the box.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth as a motion designer and animator has been in mastering advanced techniques and workflows within animation software, particularly Adobe After Effects and Animate. This growth has not only allowed me to create more complex and visually engaging animations but has also enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively with other designers and animators on projects requiring sophisticated visual effects and seamless integration of 2D and 3D elements.
Furthermore, I’ve made strides in refining my design sensibility, paying closer attention to details in animation timing, transitions, and overall visual aesthetics. This improvement has been crucial in elevating the quality and impact of my motion design work, ensuring that each animation effectively communicates its intended message and engages its audience.
Overall, this period of focused learning and practice has significantly expanded my skill set and confidence as a motion designer and animator, enabling me to tackle more challenging projects and contribute creatively to a wider range of design and multimedia endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liujane.com
• Instagram: janeeyoyoyo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-liu-animation/

Image Credits

“Bliss,” Zhen Liu, Jesseter Wang;
“Bliss,” Zhen Liu, Jesseter Wang;
“Bliss,” Zhen Liu, Jesseter Wang;
“Bliss,” Zhen Liu, Jesseter Wang;
“Bliss,” Zhen Liu, Jesseter Wang