Check Out Chenchen Zhou’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chenchen Zhou.

Hi Chenchen, 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?
My journey has been quite an interesting one, marked by unexpected twists and turns that ultimately led me to where I am today. Originally, I was pursuing a double major in Finance and Interactive Media Arts at NYU. Although these fields were engaging, I didn’t feel a deep sense of passion for them. When making interactive generative art projects, I found myself increasingly drawn to the animation and design aspects of the project.

Driven by this newfound passion, on my 21st birthday, I made a spontaneous decision to switch one of my business classes for an introduction to animation course. Little did I know that this small shift would change the trajectory of my life. I poured my heart into that class, and when I completed my final project, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I vividly remember stepping onto the street and observing people’s movements frame by frame in my mind, as if I were animating at 24 frames per second. It was a surreal experience that solidified my determination to embark on an animation adventure.

However, due to my late discovery of this passion, I faced limitations in taking more animation classes since I wasn’t an animation major. As a junior, switching my major at that point was not feasible. Undeterred, I decided to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in animation at the University of Southern California (USC). This allowed me to immerse myself fully in the world of animation and gain the necessary skills to pursue my dreams. And here I am today, on the brink of entering my final year of the MFA program at USC. This journey, filled with unexpected detours and moments of self-discovery, has shaped me into the animation enthusiast I am now. I’m grateful for every step along the way, as it has led me to the path where I can fully express my creativity and passion for animation.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been a smooth road. I encountered several struggles along the way that challenged me and shaped my artistic journey. One of the initial struggles was figuring out my artistic identity within the realm of animation. Initially, when I took introductory animation courses, my focus was on mastering the technical aspects of animating and creating industry-standard 2D and 3D animations.

However, as I delved deeper into the field and gained more knowledge and experience, I began to feel like I was merely imitating the work of great animators. I also noticed that I enjoy it more when I tell a complete story in a short film. Recognizing this shift in my interests, I made the decision to focus on storyboarding as a career path. This decision was not without its own challenges, as it required me to further develop my skills in visual storytelling and hone my ability to create cohesive narratives within the context of a complete film. It took time and dedication to refine my skills in storyboarding and find my own unique voice in the field.

In addition to educational struggles, I also sought out various job opportunities within the animation industry to gain a better understanding of my interests and the overall animation pipeline. After completing my first semester at USC, I took a gap year during the pandemic and pursued internships in production, development, and character animation. These experiences provided valuable insights into different aspects of the industry, allowing me to enhance my understanding of the animation process, character acting, and how it all relates to my work in storyboarding.

Through these struggles and explorations, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself as an artist and have become more confident in my path as a storyteller and storyboard artist. While it hasn’t been an easy journey, each challenge has brought me closer to where I am today, and I’m grateful for the growth and opportunities that have come my way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an aspiring storyboard artist and filmmaker with a passion for telling heartwarming and humorous stories inspired by the people around me. I find great joy in capturing the perspectives of children and grandmothers, as I believe that everyone possesses unique qualities that deserve to be shared through storytelling. Through my storyboards, I aim to create narratives that touch the hearts of viewers and bring a smile to their faces. As a filmmaker, I have primarily focused on creating short films that explore the realms of children’s imagination and delve into the intricate dynamics of family relationships. These themes resonate deeply with me, and I enjoy bringing them to life on the screen. Currently, I am in the process of making my MFA thesis film, which centers around the relationship between the understanding of time, my grandmother, and myself. 

What sets me apart from others is my ability to tap into the perspective of a child even as an adult. When crafting my stories, I have a unique ability to break free from the confines of the adult world and envision surreal and imaginative images, just as a child would. This perspective allows me to bring a fresh and whimsical touch to my storytelling, creating a distinct and captivating experience for audiences.

In addition to my work in storyboarding and filmmaking, I have a keen interest in motion graphic designs. I am fascinated by the interplay of geometry and surreal visuals, which often find their way into my creative projects. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe that the most important quality of my success is my curiosity and self-awareness. As a storyboard artist, it is crucial to have a wide range of knowledge and skills. From screenwriting and cinematography to character acting and design, there is always something new to learn and explore. I have a genuine passion for learning, and I find great joy in continuously expanding my understanding of the industry. This constant curiosity allows me to stay open-minded and embrace new ideas.

In addition to my curiosity, understanding myself plays a vital role in my success. It is essential for me to create stories that genuinely resonate with me and align with my passions. By having a clear understanding of the content I’m truly passionate about, I can bring genuine enthusiasm and authenticity to my work. To achieve this, I make a conscious effort to reflect on my own experiences and keep notes of the memorable moments in my life. This self-reflection not only helps me create engaging stories but also deepens my understanding of myself as a unique individual.

Furthermore, the process of creating storyboards itself provides an opportunity for self-discovery. Each new story I embark on allows me to revisit moments from my own life, gaining a deeper understanding of who I am and what makes me distinct from others. This self-awareness enriches my storytelling by infusing it with personal elements and a genuine sense of connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zhouchenchen25.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chenchenartart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenchen-zhou-0045a8128