Meet Zeming Sun

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

Hi Zeming, why did you pursue a creative career?
I had an idea when I was 20 years old: to create my own natural fantasy themed animation. Before this, like other artists, I had a passion for painting and music since childhood, immersing myself in this new world opened up by audio and video, and enjoying presenting everything in my mind through ink and brushes. I have studied a lot of painting, design, and 3D technology to fully enhance the decorative and visual effects of my works. However, as a newcomer to the film industry, I do not have any connections or production experience, nor have I systematically studied directorial thinking. Therefore, I have been “one person as the entire team” and combining all my abilities to forge ahead on the path of independent animation creation.

The theme of nature has always fascinated me, muddy yet never polluted, dangerous yet enviable. The emotions in our bodies seem to have corresponding answers from the shape of each leaf tip in nature, the survival of the fittest food chain, and the rhythm of every life. I have always hoped to use animation to contemplate the relationship between humans and nature, nature and the soul, and tell captivating stories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been developing an original story series called Floraspira, focused on nature and fantasy. Through the portrayal of primal energy, I aim to evoke a deep yearning for pure beauty in people. So far, I’ve created numerous illustrations and completed four short films in this series.

The first film, Song For A Fish, uses a flying fish as a symbol of faith, telling the story of a rebellious boy’s growth. This 2D short features simple character designs and vibrant, expressive backgrounds, streamlining the workflow and organically blending the art and narrative.

The second film, The Garden, my undergraduate thesis, tells the story of a nature girl whose creativity is stolen by AI. It was my first full 3D production, focusing on the dynamic growth of fantastical plants, and introducing ‘Foxowl,’ a floating hybrid creature reflecting the disorder created by AI.

At USC, inspired by my professor Kathy Smith and feedback from senior Shengwei Zhou, I created Bloodmoon, an experimental animation exploring the fragmented inner world of a person who has lost their partner. I combined hand-drawn, cutout, and 3D animation, while also composing the music with guitar to enhance the emotional resonance.

In the Production One project, I created the fourth Floraspira film, Sarra, a horror narrative about a wicked siren. This film emphasizes a dark, religious atmosphere, portraying nature’s dangers and allure.

While making these films, I’ve continually reflected on whether I am truly immersed in my own stories. Beyond considering the audience or avoiding clichés, maintaining sincerity and passion in my work is my top priority.

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.
I was deeply impressed by the wildflowers and succulents along the roadside in LA, which are rarely seen in my home country. I’d take my friends to the Huntington Gardens to appreciate these plants, and then to the Getty Museum to explore both the art and its beautiful gardens. In the evening, we’d head to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city.

We wouldn’t miss the sunset at Santa Monica Beach, and if time allows, we’d go whale and dolphin watching from Long Beach for a closer connection with marine life.

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?
Firstly I would like to thank my parents for their constant care, support, and encouragement of my dreams. I also want to express my gratitude to my collaborator Una for her long-term help and support in my creative endeavors.

Additionally, I am deeply grateful to the legendary Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, whose animation works have had a profound impact on me. His exploration of natural themes is truly unique in the world of anime. I also want to thank Spanish director Alberto Mielgo, whose works showed me the immense potential of animated shorts in terms of visual and thematic expression. I extend my gratitude to Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii for their excellent anime works produced during Japan’s bubble economy period. I am also thankful to the brilliant illustrators Moebius, Kim Jung Gi, James Jean, Nicolas Nemiri, and Ruan Jia for influencing my artistic drawing thinking.

In terms of music, I am most grateful to the band Pink Floyd, whom I deeply admire. Their works blend philosophical exploration and reflections on the human condition, and their compositions are cinematic in structure, masterfully capturing subtle emotions. I would also like to thank Swedish folk singer Sophie Zelmani, who captures and records the most ordinary moments of life, narrating them with enchanting Nordic melodies. Her work keeps me constantly in pursuit of a beautiful life.

I have immense admiration for these artists and their works, who are remembered throughout history. I also hope that my own thoughts and emotions can leave a lasting mark through my creations.

Website: https://laosunmingo.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridersun.keepdraw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeming-sun-33773928a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ridersun9557

Other: Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/rider_sun 

Image Credits
Pic1: Floraspira: Sarra Poster Pic2,3: Shot of Floraspira: Bloodmoon Pic4,5: Shot&Art of Floraspira: Sarra Pic6: Shot of Floraspira: The Garden Pic7: Illustration of Floraspira Series Pic8: Me performing fingerstyle guitar