We’re looking forward to introducing you to Allen Zhang. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Allen, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been getting really into Magic the Gathering lately! I’ve always enjoyed card games, and I think there’s something special about getting folks together and bonding over a shared interest. Or introducing someone to a hobby they never thought they’d be into!
Also, I’ve always been bad about letting myself enjoy something that isn’t inherently “productive,” so Magic is a way to teach myself to get out of that workaholic mindset. It’s been surprisingly therapeutic!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an LA-based artist who’s mainly worked in the animation industry doing storyboards and a bit of writing as well. Some studios I’ve worked for include Netflix, Nickelodeon, Glen Keane Productions, Laika, and Atomic Cartoons.
Most recently, I’ve been storyboarding at a Tokyo-based anime studio called Qzil.la. It’s a new field for me that I’m excited about.
I believe strongly in paying things forward through mentorship, so I teach storyboarding classes at Brainstorm School in my free time and also mentor students 1-on-1.
When not working in animation or teaching, I like to draw comics and am currently working on a graphic novel. I like to stay busy ha ha.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I grew up having a very people pleasing nature. It’s helped in some regards- like in making friends and being a good teammate for example.
But it also impacts my personal and professional lives negatively. I often find myself neglecting my own needs in favor of others’. And as an artist, I catch myself sometimes making creative compromises that I don’t actually want to make. I’m trying to actively change this about myself so that I can live more fully.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I started making more personal work that reflected my struggles in life I got a lot of outpouring of support from folks who’ve related to those struggles. I used to avoid expressing my more negative experiences as I figured no one would want to read or watch that. But seeing the positive reception and how it’s actually helped people has made me feel like it’s a worthwhile thing to do.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that community and relationships matter a lot to me. I’ve always tried to bring people together, and be as supportive and welcoming as I can to others. This sense of community is really important to me. I want people to feel like they can rely on me and vice versa.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I was someone who always prioritizes people first. I know so many projects and productions that turned out great, but had to burn out and traumatize so many of their team to do so.
To me, no piece of art is worth the wellbeing of the people involved in making it. I hope to foster an environment where everyone feels like they’re thriving in whatever project or company I’m part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allenzhangportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenzhangart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-zhang-58900494/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AllenZhangArt
Image Credits
Brandon Trinh
