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

Alright, Yibo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I’ve gradually come to realize the profound impact early life moments can have on one’s journey, particularly those spent with parents during childhood. It’s the simple sentences from your dad, the caring details from your mom, or those random things they did with you that become engraved in your memory. These moments, seemingly insignificant at the time, grow like seeds subconsciously, eventually illuminating hidden potential throughout your life.

I consider myself a fortunate individual, blessed with joyful moments that wasn’t regarding material factors or my origin. It’s about the humane, genuine, and precious aspects of love that we, as human beings, cherish.

Imagine a child growing up in a historically traditional place in China, devoid of any religious background, unaware of the internet, surrounded by peers in uniforms and red scarves yet genuinely believed in Santa Claus. That child was me, and one of the fondest memories my parents cultivated for me was around Christmas. My parents always found indirect ways to discover what I wanted, weaving lovely stories to tuck me into bed. The next morning, I would wake up to a hand-written letter from “Santa” and the long-craving-for gift, which brought pure joy to my childhood. They tried their best to preserve this sweet secret, and it wasn’t until elementary school that I began to suspect Santa’s existence, realizing no other kids shared in the same experience.

While this Christmas story may seem ordinary to audiences hearing these, it was extraordinary for me, considering my parents were among the very few who did this in the place I grew up. This experience planted a seed in my personality, one that has gradually flourished and continues to warm me with the belief that I am loved and capable of doing unique things, just like my parents did. Though seemingly distant from my current pursuits, I strongly believe that these moments profoundly influence our paths at a fundamental level. The personality traits inherited from these experiences, such as empathy, love, and kindness, are evident in my works and thoughts today.

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

Hey there! I am Yibo Xu, a story artist who shares his thoughts through visual ways. My professional work involves creating storyboards for clients, while my personal projects typically feature captivating characters in uncanny worlds.

I have a particular fascination with storyboards closely aligned with the form of animation. This means I often design elements characterized by exaggerated humor, performance, and personalities, unconstrained by the limitations of live action. My storyboard creation process isn’t about just managing visual elements; it’s more like “roleplaying” as my characters. I imagine myself to be in those offbeat characters’ body, really dig out those energetic, jumpy, expressive part of mine and let them take charge of my personality, then the performance would flow naturally with the drawing.

In the meantime, my personal work reflects a more introspective, philosophical side. My diverse upbringing and travels exposed me to various thoughts and perspectives, fostering an observational approach to understanding my environment. I strive to articulate feelings that resonate with our generation — themes of uncertainty, the sense of being caught in a liminal, transitional space, unsure of the future, and tinged with nostalgia. These motifs are increasingly evident in my recent animated works, where characters voice their concerns in a conversational manner while exploring a surreal, lucid-dream-like world. My current goal is to continue in this direction, creating visually stunning pieces that connect with a broader audience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to share some of my personal stories here. One thing that I believe has built my resilience is the constantly changing life I experienced as a child. My parents and I moved to different cities, and I transferred to various schools. It felt like we were starting a new life from the bottom every one or two years, without any financial resources or connections. Despite this, we strove to move forward, driven by a strong desire to make a difference. What I learned from those times is the importance of being genuine and dedicated to our work. This is the foundation that continues to strengthen our lives, no matter how drastic the external changes are.

Fifteen years ago, I lived with just my dad in a modest room in a neglected corner of a new city we had moved to. Our possessions were limited to a bed, my dad’s canvas (he’s a painter), and, unfortunately, lots of cockroaches. We were in such a financial state that the only meat we could afford was chicken necks, and my 10th birthday treat was a single Big Mac from McDonald’s. Life was challenging; we faced obstacles and discrimination as outsiders. But we always supported each other, focusing on our work and fields to make progress. Equally important, we never lost our curiosity to explore the broader world. Looking back, it’s remarkable how much our lives have changed. I always remember how difficult it is for most people to survive in society, having seen a wide spectrum of social conditions. However, I trust in the effort and thought I have put into building a solid foundation for myself. This dedication and the intentional will to seize ourselves and make a difference are, to me, the sources of my resilience.

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

When you think about it, one might realize that as human beings, we don’t necessarily need to achieve or create something monumental to have a meaningful life. We could simply work, eat, and sleep every day until the end, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! However, sometimes, some individuals feel a compelling urge, a drive in the back of their mind pushing them to express and explore something for the world. This feeling prompts them to abandon a steady routine and start creating. I, too, have an insatiable eagerness driving my creative journey. I can’t just live without thought! My desire is to leave messages for others who share common thoughts, so I could feel I have somewhere I belong. I aim to establish an idea that portrays a vision many people of our generation resonate with. Perhaps one day, when future generations want to figure out the mindset of our era, my art will at least offer them some clues!

The reasons behind my creative intentions are complex, with each life experience contributing a fraction to my need for creation. For instance, my love for exploring fictional characters and worlds inspires me to create content that entertains. Having lived a life of constant change, I want to create works that connect with people who have had similar experiences. Exposed to a wide range of perspectives, I feel compelled to say more, to find ways to unite people rather than divide them. This feels almost like a lifelong duty. This journey is also intertwined with my self-realization. As life provided me with enough clues, I awakened to a desire to discover who I am. I see my work as milestones, reflections of my inner world. This creative journey is not just about art; it’s a path to fulfilling my life’s purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yibozone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiboeebow/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yibo-xu-208990264/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/YiBoZONE