Today we’d like to introduce you to Xueting Li.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a recent graduate student in animation, originally from China but currently residing in Atlanta. I am looking for a job as a 3D Generalist.
Growing up, I developed a deep passion for Japanese animation, then American cartoons. I pursued my undergraduate degree in animation in China, which further solidified my interest in the field. However, upon completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that my school experience had left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied, particularly in areas beyond 2D animation and digital painting. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to attend SCAD and continue my journey toward fulfilling my animation dream.
When I first arrived in the United States, I was confronted with the unknown. Although I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with English, it took me quite some time to acclimate to the language and my new surroundings during the initial months. Throughout my graduate studies, I recognized that effective interpersonal communication is essential in the animation industry, as it often requires collaboration among multiple individuals. As a result, I actively engaged in additional projects at the school, which significantly bolstered my confidence in interpersonal communication. Moreover, this period allowed me to acquire valuable skills in 3D animation, ultimately guiding me toward a clearer career path. I don’t consider my choice to focus on 2D animation as an undergraduate a mistake, as it was my genuine passion at the time and subsequently provided a stronger aesthetic foundation for my 3D work.
In my view, storytelling lies at the heart of animation, regardless of an animator’s ability. Therefore, I sought to infuse my work with a more robust narrative and literary content. Literature possesses a unique advantage over other mediums in that it offers greater room for imagination, while animation expands the possibilities for imaginative exploration even further.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey in the animation field has not been smooth, and it took me quite a while, even during my time in graduate school, to decide whether I wanted to pursue a career related to 3D animation. To many, it may appear that I wasted a significant amount of time focusing on an area that didn’t align with my ultimate goal. The decision itself was a source of ongoing struggle, as shifting my studies’ direction would mean starting over from scratch. However, as I mentioned, I realized that my previous studies were not in vain. Instead, they provided me with some artistic aesthetics, making me more intuitive in art.
To all students pursuing a career in this field, I would advise that if you cannot determine your career direction right away, it is best to focus on what currently brings you the most enjoyment. This innate drive will propel you toward acquiring knowledge in other areas as you progress.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At present, my primary focus is 3D Lighting. However, I will also undertake various projects about 2D animation. I aim to merge diverse art styles and forms, emphasizing creating a captivating atmosphere.
What were you like growing up?
My parents divorced when I was 12, and I resided with my mother until I entered college. Consequently, before my college years, I was an introverted person. Movies, animation, and literature became my refuge, offering me a gateway to discover extraordinary experiences. Additionally, I am an avid gamer and enjoy games like Disco Elysium. Fortunately, I have encountered a supportive circle of friends, which has helped me become more open-minded. I believe that some individuals can utilize their childhood experiences to heal and thrive throughout their lives, while others may spend their entire lives attempting to heal from their past. For my part, I aim to take actions that will compensate for the shortcomings of my childhood and embrace a brighter future.
Pricing:
- Opening for digital painting works – 50/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tingsartspace.wixsite.com/design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuetingli0807/
Image Credits
Xueting Li
