Daily Inspiration: Meet Jingyuan (John) Li

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jingyuan (John) Li.

Hi Jingyuan (John), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a composer, and I create music for film, television, and games. My work is all about supporting storytelling—using sound to shape emotion, guide pacing, and deepen the audience’s connection to the narrative.

I didn’t come from a musical background, but an early piano teacher sparked my love for music and encouraged me to follow that path. Over time, I moved from playing in bands to writing more structured pieces, and eventually found my voice in composing for visual media.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people working in creative fields, there have been a lot of ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with uncertainty—whether it’s waiting for the next project, navigating rejection, or simply wondering if I’m heading in the right direction.

Freelance life comes with a lot of mental weight. There are periods when things are quiet, and it’s easy to fall into self-doubt. I’ve also had to learn, sometimes the hard way, how to protect my time and energy—especially when working with people who might not have the best intentions or who don’t value collaboration in the same way.

But those challenges have shaped me. They’ve made me more aware, more resilient, and more appreciative of the moments when things do come together. Every difficult stretch has taught me something about patience, trust, and staying grounded in the work itself.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work focuses on creating music for film, television, and games. What I do is more than just writing notes—it’s about understanding the heart of a story and translating that into sound. I specialize in emotionally driven scores that help deepen the audience’s connection to the narrative, whether it’s through subtle textures or bold, thematic writing.

What sets my work apart is a strong sense of storytelling and adaptability. I love exploring a wide range of genres and musical languages, always aiming to find the right voice for each project rather than falling back on a single style. I treat every collaboration as a new creative conversation, one where I listen closely to what the project needs and respond with something honest and meaningful.

I’m especially proud of the moments where my music has helped bring a story to life in an unexpected way—when a director or player feels something they didn’t see coming, just because of the music. Those moments, where sound becomes emotion, are what I live for as a composer.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor or building a meaningful network isn’t something that happens overnight—it really takes time, intention, and a bit of trial and error. One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t force those relationships. The best connections often come from genuine curiosity and shared values, not from trying to “get something” from someone.

What’s worked well for me is showing up consistently, staying open, and being involved in spaces where like-minded people gather—whether that’s workshops, small industry events, or even just reaching out after being moved by someone’s work. I’ve found that being sincere and respectful goes a long way. Ask thoughtful questions, listen more than you speak, and be someone others actually want to work with or mentor.

Also, don’t underestimate peer-to-peer connections. Some of the most valuable relationships I’ve built are with fellow creatives who are growing alongside me. We support each other, share advice, and open doors for one another in ways that feel natural and mutual.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jlimusic.wixsite.com/jl-web-2024
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnli0808/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LAtOWT4hezzRen3FZTInx?si=aik7THy6Qhu1OcdyaFJ62Q

Image Credits
Image Credit: Kristopher Carter
Image Credit:Joshua 魏 Nai