We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xiaoqian Zhu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xiaoqian below.

Xiaoqian, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I didn’t fully commit to studying art and creating videos until my Junior year in college. It wasn’t until three years ago, during my graduate program, that I ventured into the realm of stop-motion animation. Reflecting on my journey, if I were to start over, I believe I would make the same choices. However, had I embraced stop-motion earlier, I might have gained more work experience in the field.

However, things related to creative things are different. Industry experience can occasionally lead to more rigid ideas. Experiences and perspectives hold monumental sway, surpassing the weight of technical expertise. They mold your creations and are indispensable elements. My diverse background within the realm of art has gifted my creative pursuits with a distinct texture. Rather than wishing I had delved into stop-motion sooner, I find myself yearning to fathom the intricacies of humanity and society sooner and more profoundly. This longing stems from the recognition of a gap between the life of a student and the life beyond the confines of school.

Xiaoqian, 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?

I am Isa Xiaoqian Zhu, a stop-motion animator, fabricator and filmmaker who was raised in Beijing and is currently based in Los Angeles. Holding a BFA in Art Video from Syracuse University and an MFA in Animation from the University of Southern California,  I’ve delved into a diverse range of various mediums. My creative palette encompasses stop-motion animation, live-action video, installation art, and digital art. This dynamic breadth fuels my enthusiasm, driving me to immerse myself in both industry projects and independent creations.

Besides directing for my personal projects, my experience includes being a puppet fabricator, contributing to projects such as animated TV series “Shape Island” and “The Tiny Chef Show”, and being a set fabricator for animation short “Cang Jie” and participated in exhibition projects like “Han Hai” in Beijing. Mostly recently, I’ve created and animated stop-motion shots for live-action feature film “Future Date” and crafting captivating spaces for YouTube channels.
I am eager to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft, anticipating exciting possibilities and engaging collaborations ahead!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most exhilarating aspect of creation is having the freedom to unleash my imagination and bring the inner space of my mind to life, resonating with audiences. I am interested in transposing my emotions onto animals in unrealistic world. My works often feature non-human characters that effectively convey my feelings, allowing me to communicate my innermost thoughts. Handcrafting puppets and environments, breathing life into them through animation, and placing them around my living space (extra bonus :) —these are the pleasures that fuel my creative journey.

In my recent role creating stop-motion shots for film “Future Date”, I cherished the freedom of creation. Thanks to director Stanley Wong for giving me this exciting opportunity! Besides, in my role as a puppet fabricator for animated TV series “Shape Island”, I found myself immersed in an imaginary world as well. The multitude of characters within the show required numerous copies at different stages of animation. The diverse body parts and their equivalents made stories elaborating in my mind. Each puppet seemed to have a life of its own, an inner tale that fueled my craftsmanship. Maybe I will create my next film based on this story.

I feel nowadays AI continues to advance, becoming more sophisticated by the day. However, there’s a distinct contrast between these creations and human artists—they lack the life experiences, thought processes, and motivations that drive our creative endeavors, which stand for the uniqueness of human expression. I cherish them a lot, and I love being an artist as I can thinking and talking about them. It’s worth noting that I’m not against AI; I believe any tool can be harnessed for positive purposes, as long as it’s guided by human intention and creativity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey doesn’t follow a specific destination; rather, it’s driven by the currents of my interests. Motivation, for me, is closely intertwined with my passions. At times, it’s my interests that propels me forward. Other times, it might be a desire, like the aspiration to be chosen for a film festival. There are instances when the urge to embark on personal projects serves as the spark, and sometimes, it’s the encouragement of a friend that lights the way.

This dynamic mix of inspirations forms the intricate tapestry of my creative drive. It’s an ever-evolving landscape where my interests interplay with aspirations, lending direction and purpose to my artistic pursuits. The absence of a rigid goal doesn’t hinder my progress; rather, it allows me to explore, adapt, and continuously uncover new realms within the vast expanse of creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xiaoqian.in
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isa_aplumeofbreath/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhuuxq/