Meet Xinran Wang | Motion designer & Animator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xinran Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xinran, how do you think about risk?
Risks have always been an integral part of my life and career journey, and I view them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

The decision to leave my hometown in Jinan, China, and move to the United States was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It was a leap into the unknown, with uncertainties about culture, language, and education. However, I saw it as a chance to pursue my passion for art and design in a new environment. It exposed me to more diverse perspectives, as well as expanded my horizons. It involved stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new ways of life, thinking, and social norms.

Moreover, switching from graphic design to dive headfirst into the world of motion design, was quite the gamble. It meant straying away from the expected, and embracing a journey filled with uncertainties and creative twists and turns. But now I realized that my heart and my talents were drawn to animation and motion graphics. So I took the plunge and embraced the risk. It transformed my career into a genuine calling,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a motion designer, 2D animator, and illustrator. My journey into the world of design started when I was a child – at just 3 years old, I was already painting on walls and letting my imagination run wild. My parents noticed my passion early on and have supported me throughout decades.

Fast forward to my teenage years, when I was 17, I watched a documentary called “Abstract: The Art of Design,” featuring Paula Scher, a graphic designer living and working in New York City. Her story of teaching, creating, and thriving in the city really struck a chord with me. It motivated me to make the bold move to the States alone, enroll at the School of Visual Arts, and begin my career as a graphic designer.

During my college years, I discovered a fascination with animation and its power to bring static images to live. Growing up immersed in Japanese anime and video games, this fascination led me to pursue a career that combined my artistic skills with technology and storytelling. That’s when I ventured into motion design.

I am currently working at Amazon Music in the role of a motion designer, specializing in creative marketing and seasonal campaigns. My role involves crafting dynamic motion solutions that inject a fresh vitality into the brand and deeply resonate with Gen Z and younger audiences through animated content. Notably, I had the privilege of leading the motion design efforts for several high-profile campaigns, including Amazon Music’s Hispanic Heritage Month in both 2022 and 2023, Holiday Season 2022, Black History Month 2023, Pride Month 2023, and the 50-year Anniversary of Hip-Hop in 2023. Working closely with local artists, I’ve guided them in transforming their illustrative concepts into captivating motion designs. These animations have been featured in New York Times Square, which is immensely rewarding.

Besides what I do as a motion designer, I want people to understand that my work goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating immersive experiences that stir emotions, and convey messages effectively, and most importantly, to captivate our audiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely say one unforgettable evening would involve a visit to the Santa Monica Pier in the late afternoon, followed by a stroll along the vibrant Third Street Promenade for shopping or people-watching. For dinner, I’d recommend some local seafood or classic California cuisine. As the sun begins to set, I love to grab coffee or tea from a beachfront café like and head to the sandy shores. With your feet in the warm sand, enjoy the coffee, watch the sunset and people chilling along the shore, and perhaps even roast marshmallows over a fire. It’s a simple but beautiful experience that captures the essence of California’s beach vibe and the joy of sharing moments with a friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my incredible parents, who have always been my rock throughout my life. When I decided to pursue my dreams of becoming a motion designer, their support was unwavering. They sponsored my tuition to study abroad, which was a tremendous financial commitment and a sacrifice on their part. I am also appreciative that they understood the importance of education and were willing to invest in my future, even though it meant being physically separated from me for extended periods. Their belief in my potential and my dreams kept me going during the challenging days of adapting to a new culture and educational system.

Another reason that I wanted to show my love to them was unlike many Asian parents who might focus solely on academic pursuits, my parents recognized the value of balance in life. They not only allowed but actively encouraged my passion for video games and anime when I was a little kid, which are often considered unconventional hobbies. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to chase my dreams consistently, and their words of support were a precious motivation. This support allowed me to explore my creativity and develop a unique perspective that later became invaluable in my future career as an animator.

Website: https://xinranw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xrandesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xinran-wang-38a1231a6/