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

Hi Jingyu, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a young age, I found myself less engaged in typical childhood social activities and more captivated by the world of comic books, animated movies, and fantasy tales. These weren’t merely sources of entertainment; they were integral to my childhood, nurturing a deep-seated love for art and shaping my career aspirations. Growing up in this imaginative environment, I learned to see the world differently and discovered my unique place within it. My passion for art and creativity didn’t just persist as I grew older—it intensified, guiding me towards my true calling. There was a moment of clarity when everything seemed to fall into place, and I realized my future lay in the creative field. I was eager to transform static images into living stories through art. When it was time to decide on a career path, animation was an undeniable choice, blending narrative storytelling with cutting-edge technology, almost like magic in the real world. But my family didn’t initially support my choice. They had pretty traditional ideas about jobs and success, and here I was, choosing my path without consulting them. We had some pretty heated discussions, that’s for sure. Despite their concerns, I never second-guessed myself. I knew this wasn’t a passing phase; it was what I was meant to do. Sharing my achievements and creative works with my family gradually changed their perception. They witnessed the joy it brought me, and their skepticism slowly turned into support. Eventually, their doubts turned into encouragement. That’s when I knew for sure that my future would be as I had envisioned. It would be filled with creativity, new ideas, and bringing my wildest imaginations to life. The moment my family fully supported my artistic pursuit marked a significant milestone. It was then that I understood I wasn’t just dreaming of becoming an artist; I was actively stepping into that role.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Jingyu Li, originally from China, where my journey in the visual arts began. As a child, comics and animations captivated me, igniting a passion for storytelling through art that has guided my career. This early love led me to major in animation in South Korea for my undergraduate studies, where I immersed myself in the intricacies of the field. It was during this time that I discovered a deep interest in movie effects, particularly after a class taught by a visual effects professional. This pivotal moment steered my passion towards the visual effects industry. Driven by a pursuit of excellence, I moved to the United States to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, drawn by the advanced film industry there. My education was more than just attending classes; it was an intense pursuit of excellence. I engaged deeply with my coursework, actively reaching out to industry experts, participating in discussions with peers, and attending portfolio reviews by top entertainment companies. The feedback and insights I gained were crucial in transforming me from a student to a professional ready to impact the industry. After graduation, I joined SkyEdge Studio to work on visual effects for Netflix’s ‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North.’ As a junior artist among seasoned professionals, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting. This role was a continued education, preparing me for my subsequent position as a CG Generalist at Ingenuity Studios. In this ever-changing industry, adaptability and a commitment to ongoing learning are vital. I bring a combination of technical skill and creative vision to each project, striving to surpass industry standards. My international journey, enriched by diverse cultural experiences, informs my approach to visual storytelling, allowing me to offer a unique perspective in every project. It is this fusion of continuous improvement, adaptability, and creative innovation that distinguishes me in the field of visual effects.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

An artist’s journey is never simple; it’s a mix of challenges, learning experiences, and important moments. For me, the best part has been the great feeling of success from both personal growth and professional recognition. One of my most cherished memories is winning the Rookie Excellence Award as a student, a moment that affirmed my hard work was acknowledged and appreciated by industry professionals. It fueled my passion and drive to continue in this path. In my professional career, seeing my name in the credits of a film or TV series is exhilarating. It’s tangible evidence of my contribution and hard work in the industry. Working on projects like “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” “The Walking Dead,” and “La Brea,” and evolving from basic tasks to key roles in these major projects, has been incredibly inspiring and motivating. The joy and satisfaction I derive from bringing my creative visions to life on screen are indescribable. Each project is a unique journey, presenting new challenges and opportunities to unleash my creativity and excel. Beyond my professional achievements, on a personal note, I was invited to make a tutorial for Yihuwang, a leading educational platform in China. It’s incredibly fulfilling to assist beginners and answer their questions, giving back to the community that fostered my growth. Being able to give back to the community that helped me grow is very rewarding. This combination of creativity, teamwork, and teaching is what makes my career in the arts so fulfilling and rewarding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, having a clear plan is something I deeply value as it provides me with a sense of direction and control in my creative journey. My goals and missions are multifaceted and crucial to my career path. Firstly, I aspire to progress to a senior or lead artist position. This goal transcends mere career advancement; it’s about taking on a mentoring role, guiding and nurturing new artists in the industry. I envision myself tackling the more complex aspects of projects while simultaneously helping younger team members to grow and flourish. This role requires not just exceptional technical skills but also effective team management to ensure that the collective talents of the team are harmonized to produce exceptional final results. On an artistic level, my ambitions are more profound than creating visually stunning works. I aim to craft art that resonates emotionally with viewers, art that is not merely observed but deeply felt and leaves an indelible mark on the audience. My goal is to be an artist whose creations transcend visual aesthetics, reaching out to touch hearts and minds. This goal drives me to continually evolve, to embrace experimentation, and to take creative risks, all in the pursuit of those moments when someone is genuinely moved by my work. These goals act as a compass, guiding me on my artistic path. They steer me towards a future where my work is recognized not just for its technical proficiency or aesthetic appeal, but also for its capacity to inspire fellow artists and evoke deep emotional connections with the audience. My commitment to leadership, making a meaningful impact, forging emotional connections, and exploring new creative frontiers lies at the core of my art career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jingyu3d.artstation.com/projects
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingyu3d/