We recently connected with Huijun (anna) Wang and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Huijun (Anna), thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’m excited to share my animated short film OROBORO with you! OROBORO is an abstract, mixed-media motion graphics piece that tells a story exploring our relationship with modern life. The production began in January 2023, and since then, the film has has gone on to festivals such as Montreal International Animation Film Festival, and won gold metals in Collision Awards and Motion Design Awards. OROBORO is a journey that explores our relationship with modern life. In the age of rapid technological advancement, it poses questions such as what is our relationship with information? How are we shaped by our environments? Through vibrant visuals and a dynamic narrative, OROBORO invites the audience on a colorful exploration of existence.

Huijun (Anna), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into animation and filmmaking began in high school, where I first discovered my passion for storytelling through visual art. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by the films of Hayao Miyazaki, whose works spoke to themes of peace, environmentalism, and courage. His ability to fill audiences with hope and love left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to create art that could do the same.

With that dream in mind, I attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to study Film and Television, where I created and animated festival-winning films. As I continued my education at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, my passion for animation grew even deeper. There, I explored motion graphics and began experimenting with abstract storytelling, pushing the boundaries of how animation can convey emotion and meaning.

Today, I work at a creative agency, designing motion graphics for commercials and collaborating with high-profile clients like Apple, Airbnb, and Hoyoverse. My experience in the creative services industry has taught me not only the craft of animation, but also the art of client communication—balancing creativity with the fast-paced demands of the industry.

Outside of my agency work, I continue to experiment and create personal projects on the weekends. I enjoy exploring a variety of mediums, from traditional hand-drawn animation to motion graphics in After Effects and 3D software.

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

In many ways, animation is still often viewed primarily as children’s entertainment or a commercial tool. However, it would be incredibly valuable for the broader public to recognize animation’s full potential—not only as a medium for storytelling that can explore themes and ideas that live-action films sometimes cannot, but also as a powerful form of cultural expression.

For many animators, especially freelancers and independent creators, the industry can be financially challenging, with little job security or access to benefits. Despite these hurdles, many artists remain in the field driven by their passion and love for the craft. A greater public appreciation and understanding for animation, would be a tremendous source of encouragement for artists. It would not only validate the creative work being done painstakingly behind the scene but also help foster a more sustainable and supportive environment for animators to thrive.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the excitement I feel every day when I wake up and go to work. It’s knowing that I’ll be immersed in the creative process, whether that’s crafting beautiful visuals or engaging in inspiring discussions with other passionate artists. The daily inspiration I draw from my work, along with the appreciation for art itself, is what truly drives me. It’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from constantly learning, creating, and collaborating with others who share the same enthusiasm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annawang.art/reel
• Instagram: anna07190
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-huijun-wang

Image Credits

Screenshot from OROBORO (Anna Huijun Wang, 2024).