We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jiayi Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jiayi , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was trained as an architect at university since 17 and at that time I never imagined that one day I would devote my entire life to the film industry as a filmmaker. My decision to pursue a career in art and creativity was not a sudden epiphany but rather a series of experiences and intuitive choices that gradually shaped my professional direction. Looking back over the past decade, I realize that my passion for art and creation can be traced back to my architectural studies, a time when I aspired to become an architect.

During my second year of university, while working on an architectural project for an artist residency, I incorporated many narrative elements into my design. It was then that I began to realize my direct and profound love for storytelling itself. That same year, during a holiday break, I participated in an audition for a television drama with nearly 5,000 contestants and ultimately won a role, which unexpectedly led me into the film and television industry. At that time, I was nearing the end of my architectural studies. Although I loved architecture, I gradually felt that traditional architectural practice might not fully satisfy my creative desires. My first two jobs—as an assistant architect and as an actor—seemingly unrelated, placed me at the first crossroads of my life: Should I continue down the path of architecture, or explore the world of film and storytelling? Intuition told me to choose the latter, even though I couldn’t fully articulate why at the time.

After graduating, I chose to work as a freelancer, simultaneously engaging in both design and the film industry. This period exposed me to a wide range of creative fields, from photography and exhibition design to art direction and experimental filmmaking. Each project taught me something new, and I gradually realized that the aspects of spatial storytelling and visual composition from my architectural education could greatly inform my work in film and art.

Of course, this journey was not without its challenges. When my early attempts in the film industry didn’t yield the success I had hoped for, I considered shifting my focus entirely to contemporary art and even applied to graduate programs in the field. But deep down, I felt a sense of reluctance. I realized that my passion for filmmaking and storytelling was too strong to ignore. Trusting my intuition, I chose to stay in Beijing, continuing to seek opportunities in the film industry, and eventually founded a cross-media brand focused on exploring the intersections of film, art, and space.

Looking back, my creative path has been shaped by a series of intuitive choices. These decisions were not always easy, but they have brought me to where I am today: firmly committed to storytelling through film and confident in the uniqueness of my journey. I’ve come to understand that intuition is not just a fleeting feeling—it is the culmination of all my experiences, failures, and successes. It is what has allowed me to carve out a path that is entirely my own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Jiayi Li, and I am a filmmaker, actress, multidisciplinary artist, and creative director with a background in architecture. Over the past decade, I’ve navigated a unique path that bridges the worlds of design, film, and art, allowing me to create work that is deeply rooted in storytelling, spatial awareness, and visual expression. My journey began with a formal education in architecture, but it was my passion for narrative and visual storytelling that led me to the film industry, where I found my true calling. Currently, I am pursuing an MFA in Directing and Screenwriting at Columbia University, honing my craft and deepening my understanding of cinematic storytelling.

My creative journey started at 17 when I began studying architecture at university. While I initially aspired to become an architect, a pivotal moment during my second year shifted my perspective. While working on an architectural project for an artist residency, I incorporated narrative elements into my design, which sparked my love for storytelling. Around the same time, I unexpectedly won a role in a television drama through a highly competitive audition, marking my first step into the film industry.

During this time, I also trained as an actor in both Melbourne and China, which gave me a deeper understanding of performance and character development—skills that have greatly influenced my work as a filmmaker. After graduating, I chose to work as a freelancer, simultaneously exploring architecture, film, and art. This multidisciplinary approach allowed me to experiment with various creative fields, from photography and exhibition design to experimental filmmaking and art direction. Over time, I realized that filmmaking was where my passion truly lay, and I founded a cross-media brand focused on film and visual storytelling, while also exploring the intersections of art, space, and narrative.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I hope that my films can serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of everyday life. By focusing on these subtle moments, I want to inspire empathy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the small things that make life so rich and meaningful. This is what drives me as a filmmaker and artist—to tell stories that matter, stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to do so in a way that touches hearts and minds.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to discover and amplify the subtle, often overlooked stories and moments in life. Since I began working as an independent filmmaker, I’ve developed a heightened sensitivity to the world around me. I’ve started noticing small, beautiful details—fleeting emotions, quiet interactions, and hidden narratives—that I might have missed before. These moments have become the foundation of my work, and they’ve profoundly illuminated my life.

Through my films and creative projects, I have the privilege of capturing these moments and sharing them with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about translating these intimate, often invisible experiences into something tangible and universal. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level, evoking emotions, and sparking conversations.

Moreover, being creative allows me to explore my own identity, values, and perspectives. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge myself. The process of creation—whether it’s writing a script, directing a scene, or experimenting with visual storytelling—is deeply personal and transformative. It’s a journey of self-discovery as much as it is about connecting with others.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to find meaning in the every day and to share that meaning with the world. It’s about creating work that resonates, inspires, and, in some small way, makes life feel more vibrant and interconnected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiayilii/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiayi-li-2b27a378/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jiayilii
• Other: Rednote: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/604f754900000000010044ae

Image Credits

Jiayi Li