Meet Luao Liu | Animator & Motion designer

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

Hi Luao, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Deciding to leave my hometown to work and live in the United States was the most challenging decision I’ve ever made. Being away from family and old friends was genuinely painful for me. However, I was fortunate to meet new friends and colleagues, and I’ve found my place in this new chapter of my life. Now, I’m grateful for the decision I made back then, as it has shaped me into the person I am today.

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 am a 2D frame-by-frame animator, and my work is characterized by a very simple, hand-drawn style. I adore the texture and feel of such artworks. My goal is for the audience to perceive a warm, unpretentious human touch in my creations. Achieving this effect is challenging; it’s not easy to convey a natural roughness in a way that convinces and appeals to the audience. Even seemingly simple lines and color blocks require careful thought and execution to provide a natural and comfortable viewing experience. Throughout my creative journey, the most vital lesson I’ve learned is that passion is the most precious quality. I’ve doubted my work, my motives, and even myself countless times. However, as Anton once told me, the act of creation is a success in itself. Accepting oneself is crucial. I wish the world would recognize the charm of frame-by-frame animation more. It’s a timeless art form that always feels fresh. I hope viewers will always find this labor-intensive yet magical form of animation captivating.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d ensure they experience the unique charm of this city. We’d start at Griffith Observatory, where not only can you get a panoramic view of the city, but you can also get up close and personal with the stars. Next, we’d hit Hollywood Boulevard to soak in the history and culture of this cinematic city. Los Angeles isn’t complete without its beaches, so Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach would be on our must-visit list, where the street performers and beach culture are simply captivating. When it comes to food, LA’s diversity offers a plethora of culinary delights. We’d venture to Little Tokyo to try authentic Japanese cuisine, followed by a trip to Koreatown for some genuine Korean BBQ. In the evening, we could enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar downtown, taking in the LA skyline.
Throughout the week, we’d also explore LA’s Arts District, visiting modern art galleries and appreciating street art, immersing ourselves in the city’s unique creative spirit. In essence, Los Angeles is a vibrant city where multiple cultures converge, and I’m confident my friend would find joy and inspiration in every corner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate a shoutout to Anton, a classmate I met during my graduate studies. The experience in graduate school was vastly different from my undergraduate days, surrounded by incredibly talented peers, some of whom were even university professors. We learned from each other, and Anton, an exceptionally skilled 2D animator, offered me tremendous support during my academic journey. With his help, I reevaluated my approach to art and my future aspirations. I devoted myself to refining my work, and ultimately, I achieved success in my field. Anton truly deserves recognition and credit in my story for his guidance and influence.

Website: https://www.luaoliu.work/

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Image Credits
Photo by Jiayin Gu