We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanne Jian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanne below.
Hi Joanne, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I believe Steve Jobs’ quote, ‘You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward,’ perfectly captures my perspective on the timing of my creative career. I first encountered this quote during primary school while playing a game of connect the dots. Although it intrigued me, it took time for me to fully grasp its meaning.
In high school, I made a pivotal decision to shift my focus from mathematics to the arts. It was during this transition that I discovered my interest in graphic design, a field I later chose as my major in college. As I embarked on my college journey, I was exposed to the vast spectrum of graphic design, including typography, digital image design, print media design, web design, and more. It was only after exploring various facets of graphic design that I stumbled upon my true passion: motion design. This specialization wasn’t initially offered as a formal course, but I encountered it as a branch unit within a web design program. Over time, my interest in motion design grew, and I realized that I had made the right choice.
Looking back, I see how each step in my journey was a dot, and they’ve all connected to bring me to where I am today—a passionate motion designer. Steve Jobs’ quote resonates with me because, at each juncture, I couldn’t predict the future, but I trusted that my experiences and choices would eventually align to form a meaningful career path.
Joanne, 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?
I’m Joanne, a Motion Designer from Taiwan. My journey in the world of motion design has been shaped by a series of meaningful experiences, including a 19-month internship at a technology company, I had the privilege of creating the company’s motion design logo and took charge of various aspects of video production. From conceiving compelling narratives to skillfully executing shoots, and post-production, I’ve consistently found inspiration and a sense of accomplishment in motion design.
My dedication to motion design extends far beyond the confines of the workplace. I’m passionated by the continuous exploration of innovative ideas and their transformation into engaging visual stories. In our modern digital age, where information predominantly exists in digital form, I recognize the importance of digital media. This significance is amplified during times like lockdowns and remote work periods, underscoring the crucial role of conveying messages effectively.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is the ability to bring imagination to life and connect with others on a emotional level. Artists and designers have the power to convey complex ideas, emotions, and stories through their work, whether it’s through visual art, music, writing, or any other form of creative expression.
When the creative work resonates with an audience, it can evoke strong emotions, provoke thought, or inspire change. This connection between the creator and the audience, where the artwork becomes a bridge for communication and understanding, is incredibly rewarding.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Creativity is a dynamic and often unpredictable process. Two aspects of this unpredictability that can be challenging for non-creatives to grasp are the spontaneous nature of inspiration and the existence of creative blocks.
Unpredictable Inspiration: Inspiration can’t be scheduled and that creative blocks are a natural part of the process, akin to droughts before a river flows freely again. This dynamic, albeit unpredictable, journey is where creativity finds its magic.
Creative Block: Creative minds are not immune to periods of creative block. These are times when inspiration seems to evaporate. Just as a river can experience droughts before flowing freely again, creatives need time and various techniques to overcome these blocks. It’s a phase where ideas may lie dormant, awaiting the right conditions to bloom once more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://callme9n.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9n.joanne/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-jian-%E7%B0%A1%E5%90%9B%E5%AE%89-0898721b8/