We recently connected with Jingyuan (John) Li and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jingyuan (John) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned came during a time when I was juggling multiple freelance projects, trying to gain a foothold in the industry. I was eager to say yes to everything, driven by the fear of missing out on opportunities. In the process, I ended up working with a few people whose intentions weren’t as genuine as they first appeared. At first, I didn’t think much of it—I assumed everyone had the same collaborative mindset. But over time, I started to notice how those dynamics drained me, creatively and emotionally. I wasn’t being heard, and worse, I was being taken advantage of.

That experience forced me to reevaluate how I choose collaborators and who I surround myself with. It taught me to listen to my instincts, to pay attention not just to talent, but to character. Since then, I’ve become more mindful about working with people who share the same values and respect the creative process. It’s not about closing yourself off—it’s about creating space for the right kind of connections to grow.

Another lesson that came hand-in-hand with that experience was resilience. During that same period, I went through long stretches of uncertainty—projects would fall through, emails went unanswered, and self-doubt crept in. But I learned to keep showing up, to stay grounded in the work itself rather than the outcome. That quiet persistence—choosing to keep going even when things felt unclear—has been one of the most valuable habits I’ve developed as an artist.

These moments weren’t glamorous, but they were deeply formative. They reminded me that growth often happens in the quieter, more difficult chapters—and that every challenge, in its own way, shapes your voice.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a composer working primarily in film, television, and video games. My journey into music wasn’t a typical one—I didn’t grow up in a musical household, and for a long time, I never imagined this would be my path. But early on, I was lucky to have a piano teacher who opened my eyes to the creative world and encouraged me to follow my passion. That spark led me from playing in bands, to writing concert music, and eventually to composing for visual media.

What I love most about my work is the ability to help bring stories to life through music. I see music as a bridge between narrative and emotion—something that deepens the viewer’s experience in ways words and visuals can’t always do alone. Every project is a new chance to explore that connection, and I try to bring a unique perspective to each one, shaped by both curiosity and a constant desire to grow.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection—being able to express something through music that resonates with someone else, even if we’ve never met. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating a piece of music that becomes part of someone’s emotional experience, part of their memory or their story. That kind of invisible connection is what keeps me inspired.

It’s also rewarding to see a project come together—when all the pieces align, and you can feel that the music has found its place in the world it was meant for. Whether it’s underscoring a quiet, emotional scene or building the energy in a game moment, knowing that I’ve helped elevate the storytelling in a meaningful way—that’s the kind of fulfillment I keep chasing.

And personally, it’s about growth. Every project challenges me to learn something new, to push past habits, and to explore new ideas. Being an artist means living in that constant state of discovery, and that, to me, is a beautiful way to live and work.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource I wish I had paid more attention to earlier in my creative journey is the power of social media. We live in a time where technology allows us to connect with people across the globe instantly, yet I underestimated just how important it is to maintain a strong online presence.

Sharing your work, your process, and your story helps others discover what you do—and it opens the door to opportunities and collaborations you might never have imagined. I’m currently working on being more intentional and consistent with that aspect of my career. I’ve heard so many incredible stories of artists and creators forming meaningful connections online, leading to projects that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s something I’m learning to embrace more and more, and I see now just how valuable it can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jlimusic.wixsite.com/jl-web-2024
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnli0808/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LAtOWT4hezzRen3FZTInx?si=aik7THy6Qhu1OcdyaFJ62Q

Image Credits

Image Credit: Kristopher Carter
Image Credit:Joshua 魏 Nai