Meet Julie Zheng | Animator

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

Hi Julie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Everyone has their reasons for pursuing a career in the arts, and for me, it’s about bringing vibrancy and excitement into my life. Without art, everything feels too plain and repetitive. I’ve always been drawn to how art can transform the mundane into something extraordinary. It’s a way for me to explore things I can’t express in other ways, offering fresh perspectives and endless possibilities.

What I love most is the sense of fulfillment in the process of creating something from nothing. There’s a deep sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing my ideas take shape, whether it’s in a drawing or an animation. Art allows me to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and continuously grow both personally and professionally. It’s this combination of passion, curiosity, and accomplishment that keeps me committed to a creative path.

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 not sure what exactly sets me apart, but I believe that by staying true to creating the things I’m passionate about, my work will naturally stand out. I’m currently a student at the California Institute of the Arts, and to be honest, balancing school and life has been challenging. I’ve struggled with time management, but through this process, I’ve learned a lot and grown as an artist.

In the future, I hope to have my own brand and studio where I can use animation to tell stories that resonate with others. I’m excited about the possibility of creating something meaningful that connects with people on an emotional level.

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?
Actually, one of my friends recently came to LA to visit, and I made sure to show her the city’s unique vibe.

We started our mornings with a walk along Venice Beach, which is my favorite spot. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without hitting other iconic beaches. Santa Monica and Malibu are well-known and absolutely worth visiting, but Venice Beach has a special place in my heart. I love the unique vibe of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, with all the shops and cool places to explore. It’s one of the best parts of LA to stroll around and enjoy the local scene.

After that, we grabbed lunch at In-N-Out, because it’s a must-try for anyone visiting LA.

In the afternoon, we went to the Getty Museum. The exhibits are incredible, and the views from the museum are just stunning. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours appreciating art and architecture.

This mix of beach time, good food, and cultural experiences made for an unforgettable trip!

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?
I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. They’ve always been there for me during my lowest moments. I’m also incredibly thankful to my friends for always being there, giving me the confidence to keep going. Lastly, a special shoutout to my cat, Miibo, who has been an important source of inspiration for my creative work.

Website: https://juliezheng.portfolio.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_z._.z/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/peiyu-zheng-0126a3265

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliezheng_z._.z