We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susan Huang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susan below.

Alright, Susan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Absolutely, yes. I have always loved drawing since I was a kid. I would often doodle on my textbook and quietly draw in the corner. Although I have a deep passion for drawing, there was limited information available on how to pursue a career as an artist during my high school years. I thought I would end up as a regular office worker and only draw as a hobby for the rest of my life. My high school years were a dark period for me. Every day I would wake up and do nothing but study. I had a feeling that I might not like the regular job, but during that period of time, all I knew was to do my best to get into a good college and become a doctor or engineer.
Eventually, I ended up majoring in management, which brought me closer to the idea of having a regular job. I found myself in an office environment, dealing with paperwork, emails, and phone calls. Fortunately, the following year, I switched to industrial design and began drawing again.
Although it took me several years to figure out my career path, that experience made me truly appreciate what I have now. I value every project I receive and learn from each assignment. Through these experiences, I have come to understand the importance of enjoying what I do. Being able to turn my hobby into a career is one of the luckiest things that has happened in my life. It has ignited a passion within me to continuously learn and strive for the next level.

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

I’m a concept artist and background painter in the entertainment industry. I worked as a graphic designer and illustrator before. I never imagined myself working in the animation industry until I watched the film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” by Ghibli. That film blew my mind and made me want to learn more about animation. During my internship at TAIKO Studios, I received my first background painting assignment, working on an animated short film called “Pangu.” This project taught me a great deal about painting and composition. It also helped me develop my painting style, characterized by bright colors and graphic shapes. After graduating from Ringling College, I had the opportunity to work on various projects involving background painting and concept design. That’s how I entered the animation industry.
As a designer for animated films, I truly enjoy exploring the relationship between characters and their environments. For instance, when designing a character and their house, I begin by considering their personality, occupation, hobbies, and more. If the character is a fisherman, I contemplate their traits and what they might wear. I think about the type of hat, clothing, hairstyle, and so on. Then, I think about the location and appearance of the building. Do they live in the city or the countryside? Is their setting in Europe or Asia? If it’s an Asian countryside, I start researching AsiaAdditionally, when designing the character.
After going through these research and thought processes, it’s time for some sketches! When working on the character, I enjoy pushing the pose and shape, considering proportions, and finalizing with small details. As for the environment, such as the character’s room, I like adding small details and textures to convey their story. Perhaps I include scratches on the table or chair to suggest the character might have a cat. I also consider how they arrange their belongings. Are they messy or organized? Even the arrangement of furniture can reveal the character’s personality. The more details I incorporate into the drawing, the more I can immerse myself in the character’s story.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I hope I can start my drawing career earlier and gain more knowledge about working in the animation industry. Growing up in a traditional Asian education environment, I believed that drawing was merely a hobby and was unaware that pursuing animation as a career was an option. Like most of my classmates, I dedicated my time to studying math, science, and literature, hoping to secure admission to a good college and obtain a regular job. Fortunately, I was fortunate enough to become an animation designer at the end.

One organization that has been instrumental in supporting and assisting diverse talent interested in the animation industry is Rise Up Animation. They offer free feedback sessions to aspiring animators and creatives, where individuals can sign up for a session and engage with experienced mentors from the animation industry. During these sessions, one can seek portfolio feedback or ask questions about the industry. Mentors are available to discuss their own experiences, and how they entered the industry, or provide guidance on making a resume and portfolio stand out.
The resources provided by Rise Up Animation to those interested in the animation industry are invaluable. I remember a time when I felt lost and unsure about my next steps. Signing up and speaking with a mentor proved to be tremendously helpful. She provided advice regarding my portfolio and resume, and most importantly, offered guidance on maintaining positive mental health. I truly appreciate their kindness, patience, and willingness to dedicate their time to helping individuals they have never met.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The reason I enjoy animation is because it serves as an excellent medium for storytelling. It not only showcases beautiful drawings but also considers factors such as staging, character dynamics, and the relationship between characters and their environment. An animated film has the ability to adapt its art style to better suit the story it aims to tell. Ever since my time as an animation student, I have harbored a deep desire to depict Taiwan’s narrative through the medium of animation. Taiwan is a breathtaking country, abundant in natural beauty, as well as steeped in a rich history and culture. However, the challenge lies in effectively conveying a specific culture to those who are unfamiliar with it. How can I make people connect with my story? Striking the delicate balance between conveying authenticity and ensuring comprehension is no easy task.
I acknowledge that my current knowledge about creating a compelling film about Taiwan may be insufficient. Nevertheless, my aspiration remains unwavering—I hope to create an animated film that shares Taiwan’s captivating story with the world. Through the power of animation, I aim to showcase Taiwan’s unique cultural heritage and captivate global audiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.susan-huang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.ssh/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ssh/