We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jingxi Guo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jingxi below.
Hi Jingxi, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
As a sound engineer and designer, ever since I graduated from Beijing Film Academy, my father has been advocating for me to find a decent job from a big company, be it Tencent or Google. For the older generation, this represents a stable, socially connected job. But unfortunately, from my college graduation to now, I still haven’t found a 9-to-5 job that allows me to commute between home and the office.
As a creator of film sound, almost all of my work comes through friends reaching out or a phone call one day, followed by my schedule being booked for days or even months ahead. The fortunate aspect is that I get to engage in production sound work, meaning I have the opportunity to travel to different locations with the film crew, while on the other hand, I get to work in the post-production flow, enjoying hot coffee in the studio, and having the flexibility to immerse myself in creating new soundscapes at any time I wish.
I’ve often image about what it would be like to work in a corporate environment, living a 9-to-5 life. Wake up in the morning, commute to the office. Perhaps it would offer an easier and more stable life. I would love to experience that if given the chance.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Five years ago, I embarked on a journey that began at a film school known for its rigorous and comprehensive approach to education. This invaluable experience laid the groundwork for my understanding of the film production process, instilling in me a profound respect for the industry’s standards and a commitment to excellence. This solid foundation has been the cornerstone of my career, guiding me through the complexities of sound design with a steady hand.
The trust and confidence that have blossomed from countless collaborations with friends and colleagues since graduation are treasures I hold dear. Their unwavering support paved the way for a pivotal opportunity early in my career: a role as a production sound mixer on a feature film. This experience was not just a job; it was a vote of confidence in my abilities and a stepping stone into the professional world of sound.
In my current role, I dive into the world of post-production sound, offering sound design inspirations across a broad spectrum of media, including movies, TV shows, podcasts, and commercials. Among my proudest achievements is designing sound icons for Procter & Gamble, a testament to the innovative solutions I strive to provide. My approach is to blend the familiar with the unexpected and to gather and mix sounds from around the globe, creating auditory experiences that captivate and inspire. This penchant for innovation has made me a go-to resource for clients seeking out-of-the-box sound designs.
Above all, what fills me with pride is my creative methodology and the opportunity to collaborate with immensely creative individuals. Working alongside such talented artists not only stimulates my latent potential but also affords us the chance to present our collective works at numerous international film festivals. This synergy between creative collaboration and the ability to inspire and be inspired by others’ creativity is what I cherish the most in my professional journey.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The books that have truly influenced my creativity and management style seem to have little to do with my actual profession. In my journey as an entrepreneur, three books have left a deep mark on me: Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian – Biographies of Wealthy Businessmen,” Wassily Kandinsky’s “On the Spiritual in Art,” and a novel, “Time Enough for Love.” They have shared with me three sets of values.
The saying “Rely on effort when penniless, engage in wisdom when slightly affluent, and compete over time when rich” from the “Biographies of Wealthy Businessmen” means that in the early stages of starting a business, you have to depend on yourself. But as your business grows, you need to collaborate with others and create better working methods through intellect. Once you have a solid team, and the business is stable, it’s essential to stay true as a creator and leader, and let time handle the rest. This philosophy guides how I run my career.
“On the Spiritual in Art” illuminated for me the essence of creation. All creative work is driven by an underlying idea, and finding that idea is more important than the practical work itself. So, for every project, I spend 80% of my time thinking about what its core idea should be, and then use the remaining 20% to make it happen.
The third book, a lengthy novel, tells the story of a pioneer with a “western spirit” adventuring through space. Its series of grand adventures made me realize what I’m fighting and striving for: I’m doing this for myself, for the people I love in my life, and for my entire community.
These spirits continually push me forward.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist, my creative philosophy leans more toward the traditional side. I create art for express my insight on the world, using my pieces to communicate how I understand emotions, and aims to gently deconstruct the illusion of media by exposing the underlying technology. This desire to share and express is what keeps me going. The most rewarding part for me? It’s definitely the deep sense of fulfillment I get when my art helps someone see the world in a new light or understand it a bit better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yedianyang.com
- Instagram: yedianyang