Today we’d like to introduce you to Yang (Kaisin) Qiu
Hi Yang(Kaisin), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in 2001 and spent my childhood and teenage years bouncing between China and the U.S. I was really into fashion design back then, until high school, when I stumbled upon motion design—and that was it, I was hooked. That discovery led me to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL, where I studied for four years. After graduating, I kicked off my career as a freelance motion designer and even got to make some fun shapes move for Nickelodeon. Now I’m based in beautiful Atlanta, still doing what I love: bringing designs to life on screen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When COVID hit in 2020, it was my freshman year of college. After that, layoffs swept through many studios and agencies, and as my graduation date approached, my friends and I were anxious about finding work. Seeing alumni before us land their dream jobs made us want the same, not only for ourselves but also to make our families and professors proud.
Graduating into a challenging job market was tough, and it required coming to terms with the idea that things happen in their own time. It wasn’t easy when my Excel sheet was packed with over 100 contacts and applications sent out, with no guarantee of a response. Believing in yourself and your work sounds simple, and so does finding the right job—but starting out, those things feel anything but easy
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a motion designer! Explaining my work can get a bit complicated, but essentially, I tell stories through engaging visuals. I design and animate across a range of mediums, including 3D, 2D, cel animation, stop motion, and sometimes a mix of all of them! That variety keeps things fun and exciting each day.
I genuinely love what I do—the creative problem-solving in design, the fine details of animation, the deep dives during projects, and even the emotional rollercoasters that sometimes require four shots of espresso at 4 p.m. It’s all part of a process I truly cherish.
When designing, I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources—not just from other motion design work, but from stage design, fashion, nail art, real life, and, most importantly, my friends. I wouldn’t say this necessarily sets me apart; rather, I think it helps me grow by continuously learning from others
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think the ability to connect with others has been essential to my success. The motion design community is incredibly tight-knit, and nearly everyone I’ve met through events or collaborations has been supportive and generous. We share an understanding of the industry’s ups and downs, and we know how challenging things can get (especially with certain clients—kidding… mostly!). It’s reassuring to know we have each other’s backs. Talking, sharing experiences, and exchanging ideas with others has been invaluable in helping me find my footing in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaisinqiu.com
- Instagram: kaisinqart
