We recently connected with Ken Hsu and have shared our conversation below.

Ken , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

To answer this question, I must first introduce my background. My undergraduate major was Physics, which is not directly related to art and design. However, my true passion lies in painting, and it is this passion that led me to make a major change.

If I were to start over today, I would embrace the courage to pursue whatever I desire. Drawing from my own experience, I decided to become a designer after graduating from college, but I had known my love for painting since childhood. Unfortunately, due to advice and arguments from family and friends, I hesitated to pursue it until after graduation. Looking back, I realize that had I followed my heart earlier and not been influenced by others, I would have had more time to improve my design skills and fully immerse myself in the world of art. On the flip side, if I did not enroll in the Physics department, I did not know that Physics was not my true passion. So, moving forward, my approach would be to fearlessly explore and try everything I am passionate about, regardless of external opinions.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Ken Hsu, and I am a 2D motion designer. My primary areas of focus include frame by frame animation and keyframe animation. I love to draw the details of the objects, so most of my artwork is close to illustration style. I am interested in exploring various styles and also enjoy visualizing concepts using abstract geometry. I believe in breaking free from limitations and not restricting myself to a particular form. My goal is to create artwork that is as diverse as possible, allowing my creativity to flow freely and express itself in unique and innovative ways.

The training I received at the Physics department shapes my approach to problem-solving, idea presentation, and analytical skills. These skills also work for the design field, where I feel confident in tackling challenges. Whenever I encounter a design challenge, I know how to look for suitable references that match my vision and effectively convey my storytelling to the audience. My creative career’s concept is to communicate ideas clearly, ensuring viewers understand the feelings and stories I wish to express through my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The beginning of my journey into the field of design is a fitting example to answer this question. After completing my studies in the Physics department, I enrolled in a cram school for design. Among my classmates, there were many talented individuals who had been studied in design for over four years. In contrast, I had just begun this creative path merely a month ago, and it was obvious that my work was not as excellent as theirs. Despite this, I decided to apply to five art colleges for a master’s degree, only to face rejection from all of them.

During that period, two questions haunted me every day. The first was whether I should return to the science field, and the second was whether design was a suitable path for me. The answers to these questions emerged from my own works, particularly the two or three pieces that stood out from my time at the cram school. Although I had created numerous pieces, it was those few exceptional works that provided the affirmation I needed to continue on this path. Even to this day, the artworks I encounter and the designs I create are my motivation to strive for higher quality and to overcome challenges. Because of this journey, I remain committed to pushing my creative boundaries and achieving excellence in my chosen path.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a specific mission: to improve every day and consistently learn something new. In today’s fast-paced world, information travels swiftly, and technology advances at a rapid rate. Relying solely on one or two skills may not be able to expand our creative careers. Yet, understanding the entirety of a new field can be challenging. To navigate through this changeable generation, the approach of daily learning is what I am trying. By consistently acquiring new knowledge and skills, I can adapt and reduce the impact of these rapid changes. This commitment to continuous growth empowers me to stay prepared for whatever challenges come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://motionken.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motion.ken/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ken-hsu-a4b98b263