Meet Xiaotong Wen | Digital Artist, 3D motion designer

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

Hi Xiaotong, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born and raised in china, a city where winters are very cold. I’ve been learning painting since elementary school, including traditional Chinese painting, figure sketching, and landscape oil painting.

The passion for creating artistic designs blossomed during my graduate studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where I delved into the realms of experimental art, animation, and film language. It was during this time that I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Zhang Yonghe, the head of the Department of Architecture at MIT. I joined his team and collaborated on creating short films – This experience was truly special as it pushed me beyond my previous boundaries and expanded my understanding of art. It served as a catalyst for me to pursue my MFA studies at the University of California’s School of Cinematic Arts. The study in animation and digital media allows me to developing a keen interest in exploring new technologies and mediums, and also participate in projects such as Immersive projection mapping show at the Getty Museum.

These projects allowed me to apply my accumulated aesthetic sense from a young age and further fuel my artistic pursuits. I firmly believe that my passion, coupled with my diverse experiences and exposure to different artistic disciplines, will continue to drive my artistic journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a digital artist, I have collaborating with agencies and studios worldwide to create stunning 3D motion designs. Some notable projects I have worked on include making social broadcast marketing content for the award-winning AAA games CALL OF DUTY®: MOBILE and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile; CG real-time documentary “The Transition”; Immersive national live tour VJ experience for musical brand; Projection mapping show at Getty Museum. My personal works been awarded and nominated at several International Film festivals.

Doing creatives for brands is not the same for doing my personal design, how the video assets could to be performance well in the commercial advertising is the top priority. I’ll have to spend long time to do the research about the established brand identity, and also holding a strong point of view to creates a unique and original approach of production.

Continuous learning played a crucial role in my ability to overcome challenges. By keep myself learning new 3D technology, researching and developing designs based on my art skills and aesthetic sense from my fine art background. Also I sought support and feedback from mentors, peers in the 3D industry. Additionally, maintaining a strong mindset and achieving a healthy work-life balance are priorities for me. These factors contribute to my overall well-being and ensure that I can approach each creative endeavor with enthusiasm and dedication.

I’m always excited about the creative possibilities in 3D animation and motion design, and eager to explore new upcoming projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On the first day, we started our adventure by visiting the botanical gardens at the Huntington Library. As we both love sharing beautiful moments in nature. Next we head to LA downtown to see the Broad Museum, admire the stunning architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and explore the bustling Grand Central Market for delicious food and unique vendors. Day 2 we will go to the Getty museum in Brentwood, then we enjoy dinner at Malibu farm, stay a night at Santa Monica.
Day 3 we can explore the Beverly Hills do some shopping and then go to the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park.
Day 4 we ‘ll do a spa at KTown, enjoy some best tasty Korean restaurant.
And the last three days we’ll check out the universal park, Disney land. and ending our trip with an ocean-view dinner at laguna beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special shoutout to my loved one, Wenzhao. He is not only a gamer and video game blogger but also a professional technical animator at Rockstar Games. I am stronger because of his unwavering support, which has allowed me to wholeheartedly focus on my career and pursue the things I am truly passionate about. So thank you for the efforts and supports.

Website: https://wenxiaot.wixsite.com/xiaot

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaotongwen/