We recently connected with Bo Li and have shared our conversation below.
Bo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
To answer your question, I have been able to earn a living from my creative work, although most of my income comes from working for someone else, not necessarily in a creative capacity. So while I can make a living using my skills, it’s not exclusively in the creative field.
My journey in the audio industry began when I started as a string instrument performer, specifically playing the Erhu. Around the age of 12, I had the opportunity to visit a recording facility, which sparked my interest in audio. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in recording arts and received a three-year full scholarship from CalArts. Since then, I have been working in the field. However, there have been moments when I considered giving up due to the challenges of making a living while pursuing my artistic passions.
My path did not start off this way from day one. Initially, it was about being true to myself, with the support of my family for my education and my somewhat unrealistic dreams. But as time went on, the realities of the competitive real world became apparent, particularly when I was in school. In addition to contending with capitalism as artists always have, we now also face challenges from AI. It’s unclear what lies ahead.
If you’re interested in the creative world of audio, I would encourage you to nurture your own ideas. While skills are important, having unique and interesting ideas can help you stand out among others, put it simply, you must have something others don’t have then they might consider hiring you. To generate captivating ideas, pay attention to life and seek out diverse experiences that allow you to feel more deeply.
Bo, 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?
Hi, I’m Bo. My journey began as a string instrument (Erhu) performer, but my passion for audio blossomed when I had the opportunity to visit a recording facility at the age of 12. This experience ignited my interest in the world of audio, leading me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in recording arts.
During my early career, I garnered recognition from various organizations worldwide for my personal projects. Notably, a film I worked on as a sound supervisor received the Gold medal in the 2021 Student Academy Awards in the Animation category. In the field of music, I was honored with the Denny Award Gold Statue at the Denver International Art and Technology Festival, which reached an online audience of approximately 0.65 million viewers. Additionally, my sound design skills earned me the Third Prize in the Berlin International Sound Design Competition and the Silver Medal in the Sound Academy Awards in China. Furthermore, I received the Chunhui Cup Crystal Statue, presented by the Chinese government’s education department, for my contributions to audio technology and interactive media. I’ve also been recognized through numerous film festival awards for my collaborations.
As a freelancer in the Film/TV industry, my work as a sound designer can be found on platforms such as Apple TV, iTunes, Google, Amazon, and more. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with EarsUp Sound Design, a company specializing in crafting immersive sonic experiences for renowned theme parks like Warner Bros. World, UAD, and Universal Studio Japan.
In terms of my involvement in the field, I was invited as a sound design visiting artist for the Animation program at Arizona State University in 2021, which proved to be a successful endeavor. Subsequently, I was offered a position as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Sound for Animation at Arizona State University. In 2023, I received an invitation from the Chinese education groups AAE and ACG to join them as a sound class tutor. Additionally, I served as a distinguished judge for the Berlin International Sound Design Competition and the China Advertising Golden Lion Award in 2022.
I’m passionate about exchanging ideas related to sound, music, soundware, theater, games, and more. Feel free to reach out with any questions or topics you’d like to discuss.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist or creative brings numerous rewarding experiences. For me, one of the most fulfilling aspects is the intersection of technology and art. Technology allows us to save time and energy, enabling us to delve deeper into our creative pursuits.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the art world, and there are several moments that stand out as particularly rewarding:
Assisting fellow creatives in bringing their ideas to life by leveraging my skills to enhance their artistic endeavors. It’s a joy to collaborate and provide a richer and more immersive sound experience for their projects.
Sharing knowledge and expertise through educational courses, guiding and inspiring the next generation of artists. Witnessing their growth and helping them find their own unique paths is incredibly fulfilling.
Creating sound experiences and composing music, where I can manifest my skills and imagination in tangible ways. Transferring abstract ideas into real-world audio and witnessing the emotional impact it has on others is truly rewarding.
These moments of connection, contribution, and artistic expression form the essence of why being an artist or creative is so rewarding to me. It’s a constant journey of exploration, growth, and making a positive impact through the power of sound.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
A.I.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bolisound.com
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bolisound
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBYo-eHsO8eENdFtUmIOKw