Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xueting Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xueting, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being an artist in the animation industry brings me immense joy. However, I must admit that my job can be challenging at times. There are moments when it feels like a torturous process as I strive to meet deadlines and align my work with the entire production workflow. Balancing artistry and technology becomes crucial, and seeking creative inspiration within specific timeframes can be demanding. Occasionally, I contemplate whether pursuing a conventional job would provide better financial stability and reduce the perceived weak moments spent seeking inspiration.

Nevertheless, I am acutely aware that my deep love for art propels me forward on this path. My ultimate desire is for my profession to revolve around doing what I am most passionate about, which remains my constant pursuit.

Xueting, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At present, my primary focus is 3D Lighting. However, I will also undertake various projects about 2D animation. I aim to merge diverse art styles and forms, emphasizing creating a captivating atmosphere.

My journey in the animation field has not been smooth, and it took me quite a while, even during my time in graduate school, to decide whether I wanted to pursue a career related to 3D animation. To many, it may appear that I wasted a significant amount of time focusing on an area that didn’t align with my ultimate goal. The decision itself was a source of ongoing struggle, as shifting my studies’ direction would mean starting over from scratch. However, as I mentioned, I realized that my previous studies were not in vain. Instead, they provided me with some artistic aesthetics, making me more intuitive in art.

In my view, storytelling lies at the heart of animation, regardless of an animator’s ability. Therefore, I sought to infuse my work with a more robust narrative and literary content. Literature possesses a unique advantage over other mediums in that it offers greater room for imagination, while animation expands the possibilities for imaginative exploration even further.

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

For me, the most precious aspect of being an artist lies in my ability to harness and merge my sensibility and rationality throughout the creative process. It encompasses a value that transcends the constraints of reality; it is not merely about financial compensation but rather the opportunity to utilize my personal aesthetic inclinations as a substitute for traditional notions of technique. In my perception, it is solely through the medium of their craft that writers and artists possess the power to transform the tribulations of life into something universally embraced and communicate it to the world. Each individual is exceptional, and art enables me to express that distinctiveness in a playful and satirical manner.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In contemporary times, many countries offer substantial support to artists, such as regular art exhibitions and cinema assistance promoting student works. From my perspective, these initiatives greatly benefit artists. However, it is undeniable that, for most people, the value attributed to a work of art can never supersede the importance of meeting basic life necessities in the traditional sense. People may willingly spend more money on a lavish meal than on attending an art show, even if the show only requires a minimal fee or is free of charge. The most immediate impact I have felt is that there will always be people in society who will question whether a freelancer’s artwork meets his pricing standards. Art may not necessarily require commercial backing, but artists themselves do. This reality can be both disheartening and harsh. It would be wonderful if the community could organize a greater number of art shows specifically dedicated to student artists. These events play a crucial role in boosting the confidence of students in their artistic endeavors while also fostering increased motivation to create when they receive positive feedback on their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tingsartspace.wixsite.com/design/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuetingli0807/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Xueting Li