Meet Ziyan Zhou | Story Artist

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

Hi Ziyan, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance has changed to some degree over time, and I am still looking for it. Originally grown up in a small city in southeastern China, I did not have much to do, and my parents had given me everything I needed. As a result, my work-life balance at that time almost did not exist – it was about 90% work. As for the 10% personal time, I was always lost in my psychological inner world, films, books, and my comfortable bedroom.

Moving to Los Angeles alone in 2021 to start college marked a significant shift. With my parents no longer around, I had to navigate how to allocate my time myself. College life was also a stark contrast to life in my hometown, as it exposed me to diverse cultures and people. While it was initially overwhelming, in fact almost drowning me, I gradually adjusted to the new environment.

To be clear, I still spent around 90% of my time in my bedroom, working on my portfolio, my side personal projects, my senior thesis, and my own thoughts. This is because I am a story artist attempting to get my foot in the industry, a pursuit that requires a lot of practice, learning, and self-reflection. More importantly, this is who I am. I’m not someone who thrives by frequently attending social events or spending a lot of time outside.

However, the remaining 10% is now filled with some new experiences. I started talking with people more often, attending more school events, and taking small trips with friends or alone. While this may seem trivial, it is a fresh beginning for me. These new experiences have also enriched my work, inspiring me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

For me, work-life balance is not about splitting time equally between work and play. It is more about finding joy and fulfillment each day in my unique way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m currently on the journey toward a career in feature storyboarding. To put it simply, story artists are the visual storytellers in a film production. They are usually responsible for translating scripts into continuous drawings using a full range of film techniques: camera language, composition, lighting, and shapes. They produce the blueprint or the guide for a film.

My love for films has been with me since childhood, and one thing that excites me about storyboarding is that it helps me to see films from a different perspective. Suddenly, everything feels intentional and crafted – from every shot to every transition. It feels amazing when you realize that filmmakers have poured their thoughts into every detail, aiming to convey messages or emotions to the audience in the most subtle way.

Storyboarding is also hard: there is always more to learn. For every problem I solve, ten new ones pop up. Every time I see my boards are in good shape, it just turns out that there are countless ways to make them better. This, while being at times frustrating and difficult, is also what keeps me hooked – the endless journey of improvement and creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s a well-known place, but I would still say Santa Monica Beach and the Pier during sunset or in the evening. The area around is bustling with stores and fantastic restaurants, so no worries about places to eat.

While the sunset at the beach is stunning, the nighttime is also gorgeous. Standing by the shore, listening to the soothing waves, and watching the seagulls taking an evening stroll on the walkway. At the far end of the pier, you’ll see the vast ocean in pure darkness. It’s like being surrounded by emptiness yet feeling the presence of everything.

The beach is always a fantastic place to just sit back and relax. Also, a good chance to reflect on self, life, and the world around us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to all my friends: both old friends back in my hometown and new friends here in LA. They are all so different in personalities and lifestyles, but they are all amazing people. Thanks for chatting with me, sharing advice, and supporting me through difficult times. Also thanks for dragging me out of my bedroom, whether it’s for a quick outing or a longer trip.

But honestly, my gratitude extends beyond just friends – to everyone nice to me, whether we are close or not.

Website: ziyanzhoustory.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella_zhou4/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziyan-zhou-7152021ab/