Meet Zongyi Xie | Digital Artist & Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Zongyi Xie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zongyi, why did you pursue a creative career?
As far as I can recall, during my childhood, television was the only window through which I could take a glimpse of this world. This small black box became my primary gateway to explore the mysteries beyond the confines of my little countryside hometown, Chiayi, a tiny and simple city in Southern Taiwan. Through those news and stories flickering on the screen, which sparked an initial curiosity in mind as a storyteller.
However, the defining moment in my journey towards becoming an artist occurred when Anime entered my life. As I immersed myself in Japanese Anime series like One Piece, binge-watching every episode on TV. Inspired by these narratives, I started to pick up my own pen, eager to dig my own treasures in paper, dreaming to become a manga artist.
Yet, the road ahead was far from smooth. In the midst of a rigorous Asian educational environment, after encountering endless cramming and memorization for college entrance exams, I found myself losing sight of my future direction. I believe every student pursuing a creative path encounters this self-doubt stage, particularly amidst overwhelming peer pressure and societal expectations.
Eventually, I enrolled in the Design department at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to find an alternative way to strike a balance between art and securing a stable career, compared to being a manga artist in Taiwan. However, fortunately, this decision turned out to be a lucky break, leading me back to my original dream.
After delving into my Bachelor’s degree, I broadened my understanding of visual design and discovered the power of communicating through images. I began to explore various art mediums as tools for storytelling. Over time, my work transitioned from photography and posters to sequences, videos, and eventually animation. It was through this evolution that I discovered my passion for narrative cinematic art, and Animation emerged as my preferred medium. Since it is unbound by any single production method and styles, offering the flexibility to translate any imagination for artists into reality.
To further pursue my aspirations, I ventured to LA as a visiting scholar at the University of Southern California’s John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts. Not only to refine my skills but also to immerse myself in the dynamic artistic ambiance of Hollywood. I see this as just the beginning of my cinematic art journey, slowly weaving the pages of my vision into sequences; for me, this is why a creative career holds such appeal for artists. Now, my greatest dream is to continue savoring life’s moments and seamlessly infuse them into my work with the hope of resonating with someone.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve explored various roles in the creative realm, ranging from previs and storyboard artist to photographer and director. This year, I’m thrilled to serve as an assistant intern for director Saad Moosajee, an opportunity that allows me to delve deeper into commercial projects and gain invaluable first hand directing experience. Personally, I enjoy experimenting with innovative approaches to storytelling for different projects. For instance, in my last project “MacGuffin,” a music video, I utilized motion capture technology to animate live performers as virtual characters in Unreal Engine 5. Drawing from my background in animation and filmmaking, I crafted a stylized, black-and-white visual narrative that resonated with audiences.
While visual elements are essential, I firmly believe that the script is the cornerstone of any production. Usually, my work often stems from personal experiences, such as my first animated short film “One After Another,” which explores the bond between a grandfather and grandson through the symbolism of folding and traditional origami boats with Taiwanese calendar paper. Everyone’s memories may vary, but the feelings they bring are understood by everyone. For me, as a storyteller and artist, this ability to evoke emotion in others is incredibly valuable. I believe that every great story originates from simple yet profound moments and attitudes on life.
Despite the challenges facing filmmakers in today’s industry, including widespread layoffs, the disruptive impact of AI, I still retain my strong passion for storytelling. After producing my first short film reinforced my dedication to this area. Especially, as I witness my work being showcased in multiple local film festivals, I come to realize that filmmaking is more than just entertainment; it’s a gateway to connecting with people worldwide. And Taiwan, a small yet vibrant island nation, I hope the inspiration from its rich culture can be shared to the world. I am proud to be among the storytellers who bridge Taiwan cultures and communities through the power of film.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re into hiking, Los Angeles is waiting for you to explore. When you think of LA, picture those iconic pink skies, sunny days, and stunning beaches. I highly recommend checking out the Escondido Falls trail, Malibu beach, and The Getty Villa all in one go. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather, and you’re sure to run into plenty of friendly locals for a good chat. And also keep an eye out for some adorable dogs along the way!
Once you’ve finished all the must-see spots like the Hollywood Sign, LACMA, and Santa Monica beach, if you’ve got some spare time, there’s this incredible bookstore you’ve got to check out – Stuart Ng Books. It’s a cool bookstore my friend took me to and what impressed me was how connected they are with local artists and students. Alongside the usual concept art books, they’ve got portfolios and art books from indie artists based in LA. It’s the perfect spot for artists to discover new inspirations and make connections with fellow creatives in LA.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout all this time, I’ve had a lot of help along the way from my beloved family, friends, mentors and industry experts who offered invaluable advice and support. Without them, it would have been impossible for me to travel thousands of miles from Taiwan to Los Angeles, navigate numerous obstacles, and continue to grow and develop as a storyteller. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from those best people, and I embrace every experience—both tough moments and great moments—as essential fuel for my ongoing journey.
As I mentioned, I feel like I’ve come full circle after spending time exploring different paths, only to realize that what I truly wanted was just a pure desire from a kid watching awesome animations and films. During college, I gradually recognized a shift within myself, transitioning from being mere audience to embracing the role of a storyteller, inspired by the lessons from my professor, Sheng-Wen.
His guidance encouraged us to analyze and appreciate classic films through the eyes of experts. Through his teachings, I learned to approach the artistic beauty of this medium with a deeper understanding and appreciation. Ultimately, I completed my first short animation, “One After Another” in 2020, marking a significant milestone in my journey as a creator, motivating me to boldly pursue new avenues in my craft.
Looking back on my time in LA, even though my time at USC was brief, I was still so lucky to cross paths with multiple gifted classmates who play with a variety of styles to bring their stories to life through animation. Their diverse approaches have enriched my potential creativity, offering insights that have broadened my once-narrow imagination. Observing their innovative approaches has sparked new ideas and reflections within me.
Moreover, the professors at USC provided invaluable guidance and encouragement, pushing me to explore and develop my personal style further. Michael and Candace, in particular, consistently offered brilliant and classic works as references to help bring my imagination to life. They not only supported my artistic endeavors but also cared about my career and life in the US. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have met them; their attitude to artwork continues to inspire me greatly. They’ve welcomed me like family, making me feel at home in LA. They’ve truly become mentors in my life.
Website: https://zongyixie.wixsite.com/portfolio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zonzon.x.x/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zongyi-xie/
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