I see myself as a designer specializing in both graphic and motion design, which would grant me true creative freedom without being constrained by limitations.
Born: Beijing, China
Now: New York, United States
Linkedin | www.zichunwang.art
INTERVIEW
How did you start your journey in motion design, and what inspired you to choose this field?
When I was 10 years old, I always spent my days sketching under the shade of a cherry tree in my backyard. Inspired by the intricate patterns of leaves, the flight of birds, and the vibrant colors of cherries, I filled my sketchbook with creations that captured the essence of nature.
Zichun, how does living in New York City influence your creativity and approach to design?
New York City is one of the most creative cities in the world. My inspiration comes from observing cutting-edge art installations, noisy street scenes, and dynamic advertising displays that push the boundaries of storytelling and design. Also, collaborating with a diverse community of creatives and top-tier studios and galleries, allows me to stay at the forefront of trends and techniques.
What skills do you believe became key thanks to your education?
Definitely foundational design principles, like 12 animation principles, which is the most basic but important skills for design. Also, learning skills is another important skill I learned from school.
You’ve received numerous awards, including the Red Dot and Muse Design Awards. Which of these achievements is the most meaningful to you, and why?
Probably my first design-related award – Arm’s Reach. My animation video was selected for exhibition in my school’s gallery as part of an online juried showcase of multidisciplinary works by alumni. I must say, this opportunity gave me a great deal of confidence, which encouraged me to continue pursuing my art journey.
Which of your projects best reflects your philosophy of “adding a little magic to the world”?
My favorite project is a series of promo videos for a non-profit organization. This organization fights for women, especially young girls. Our goal is to express our idea that each girl has a halo behind her even though it’s not visible. These halos make girls smarter and more powerful. These halos are formed from a kind of information, it’s different from technological data. It’s more like a type of knowledge girls can control and can learn from nature.
What goals do you set for yourself as an artist and designer in the coming years?
For my short-term goal, I hope to develop my design skills and experiment with different art styles, techniques, and software. I see myself as a designer specializing in both graphic and motion design, which would grant me true creative freedom without being constrained by limitations.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists and designers?
Keep learning new technical skills and keep up with design trends.