We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ningjing (Julia) Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ningjing (Julia), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project to me so far is my thesis film in graduate school. It was my first time spending a whole year producing a motion graphics character animation in AfterEffects, making it a challenging but unforgettable experience in my life. I came up with the basic idea for the story at the end of the first year. Then everything started to take shape at the beginning of the second year, which was in September 2022.

My thesis instructor was a highly experienced professor, not only in techniques but also in guiding students. He emphasized the importance of having a complete, compelling story before diving into production. So, the first major challenge for me was refining my story. I revised my storyboard again and again to keep my film short, logical, unique, and in line with my animation style. After the mid-year review, during which we presented our work-in-progress to the staff and professionals from the industry, I realized that the two months spent fixing the story were truly worthwhile. A good animation should have a strong story or idea that resonates with the audience.

With the story polished, the real production began in Jan 2023. I felt overwhelmed and lost at times because I was striving for perfection throughout. However, I soon learned that the key to animation production is to simply start. As the whole film took shape, new ideas and improvements came along surprisingly. So, the second invaluable lesson I learned from creating my thesis film was to begin, transfer my thoughts onto paper or screen, and focus on finishing everything on time before aiming for perfection.

Additionally, I was very lucky to have had a highly talented sound designer handling the music and sound effects for my film. Sound plays a vital role in animation, breathing life into the visuals and enhancing the overall experience. Having a composer on board sooner rather than later is crucial for a successful outcome in production.

Ningjing (Julia), 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 grew up in Shanghai, China, and just graduated from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC with my MFA degree in Computer Arts. Now I work as a motion/product designer at Harness.io.

Since I was four years old, I’ve loved doodling, and it’s all thanks to my grandfather. Though he never attended any art school, he had a remarkable ability to draw whatever he saw. Our time together during my childhood always ended with the two of us creating stories based on his drawings. These moments were magical and inspired my love for drawing and painting as hobbies throughout primary and high school.

When I arrived in the United States for my four-year college education, I knew art had to be my major. My parents wholeheartedly supported each of my decisions, believing that people should pursue a living by doing what they are passionate about. It was during my third year in college that I fell in love with animation. Witnessing my characters come to life on the screen filled me with unparalleled excitement. Even simple shapes like cubes or circles held infinite possibilities in the world of animation.

I create 2D and 3D motion graphics and character animations, utilizing hand-drawn methods and computer software. My inspiration often comes from my cultural background and real-life experiences. As a Virgo, I am always dedicated to personal feelings and love to bring these emotions to life with my fresh aesthetic and storytelling ability. I believe animation is one of the best ways to reflect what is happening in society and has a healing quality towards people’s mental worlds. Outside of art, I also enjoy watching films, having deep conversations with friends, and fashion.

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

Appreciation and respect for originality are paramount. Throughout history, art has played an indispensable role, with artists contributing value to culture, education, and innovation across generations. Nowadays, being an artist presents both ease and challenges. The wealth of online inspiration and the availability of AI tools can make the artistic process more accessible. However, this accessibility can sometimes inadvertently shift focus towards fame and financial gain, potentially eroding the belief in creating genuinely original works.

In my perspective, the concept of pure originality does not exist. It’s true that art often draws inspiration from existing works, and artists inherently build upon a collective pool of creativity. This should not discourage artists, as it’s perfectly valid to seek inspiration while infusing their distinct ideas and perspectives. I see art as a blend of its outer appearance, like the body, and the inner story, like the soul. Since each of us possesses a unique mind, this inner part can never be replicated exactly.

When we use someone else’s ideas, it’s essential to acknowledge the original creator. This isn’t copying with shame; it’s actually a way of honoring their originality. When we equally value each individual’s unique perspective, it paves the way for more creative expressions to emerge.

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

I would say is the the capability to translate my emotions and personal perspectives about the world into visual content on the screen. which can also resonate others. As a motion designer and animator, I use animation as a bridge to connect my inner world with the reality. So even people who never met me before could connect with my feeling when watching my animation, This experience is truly exceptional to me. Also, my initial goal of making animation is not only express my thoughts but also speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. To me, art is a mirror to reflect what is going on in our society. I aim to prompt people to think even slightly differently or to pay a little bit more attention to pressing issues in today’s world. If I can achieve that, it would be deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: juliachen.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlejulia_art/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ningjing-julia-chen-968abb200/