Rising Stars: Meet Ningjing (Julia) Chen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ningjing (Julia) Chen.

Hi Ningjing (Julia), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a traditional Chinese family where most of our members are involved in business. However, thanks to my grandfather, my journey into the world of art began at a very young age, around four. Although he never received formal art education, he possessed an incredible talent for capturing the world around him through his random drawings. Our time together during my childhood often concluded with the two of us weaving stories based on his doodlings. These moments were enchanting and ignited my passion for drawing and painting, which became my hobbies throughout my primary to high school years. But I never thought of making art as my major or even career at that time.

My life took a remarkable twist when I signed up for my very first animation class in college. Seeing my characters spring to life on the screen thrilled me beyond words. So, after I graduated, my curiosity for animation remained unquenched. I yearned to learn and explore more in this captivating world. That’s what led me to move to New York City, where I embarked on a journey to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree at the School of Visual Arts. During my two years in grad school, I discovered my passion for animation and motion design.

Now I specialize in making 2D and 3D motion graphics and character animations, using a mix of hand-drawn techniques and computer software. My ideas often come from my cultural background and real-life experiences. As a Virgo, I’m really in tune with my own emotions, and I enjoy bringing those feelings to life in my work with my own style and storytelling abilities. I strongly believe that animation is a powerful way to show what’s happening in our society and can have a soothing effect on people’s minds and emotions. Outside of my art, I also love watching movies, having deep chats with friends, and exploring the world of fashion.

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?
My path hasn’t been entirely smooth, but the challenges I encountered have been valuable learning experiences. One of the initial struggles was deciding to pursue a career in animation. It felt like a significant deviation from my family’s traditional business background. Thankfully, I had the unwavering support and encouragement of my parents, who’ve consistently championed my pursuit of my true passion. I hold a strong belief that passion is the primary key to unlocking success.

Another one of my ongoing challenges has been my tendency to become entangled in perfectionism. At times, my desire for perfection has made it difficult for me to take that initial step. I’ve often found myself overthinking, wanting everything to be flawless from the very beginning. However, I gradually realized that nothing truly commences as perfect and ready-to-go. It’s a journey, not a destination. I’ve learned to embrace the beauty of imperfections and the learning process that comes with them. It’s the act of starting, despite the fear of imperfection, that allows me to grow and become a better animator.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now I work as a motion/product designer at Harness.io, a modern software-delivering company. It is really interesting to create motion graphics not only for visual entertainment purposes but also to serve as a live demo so that users can be attracted and understand a product or a feature better. So, even a really simple animation I make should make sense based on the real function of the real product. Each motion is a bridge between the abstract and the concrete, a visual narrative that unfolds to help users navigate and fully comprehend the intricacies of the product we offer. My role holds a deep personal meaning as it challenges the notion that art exists in isolation from real life. Essentially, what I do is blend art with practicality. I employ creativity to simplify and clarify complex workflows, making them more accessible and easier to follow. This serves as a reminder that art can seamlessly integrate into our everyday lives, enhancing our understanding and engagement with the world around us.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always excited about the prospect of collaboration, especially with individuals coming from diverse backgrounds or professional fields. Working with people from different walks of life is not only a chance to create something unique but also an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and learning. Sometimes, when you’ve been immersed in a project for an extended period, it’s easy to lose perspective. At such times, fresh opinions from others can be incredibly helpful and even transformative. They might point out something you’ve overlooked or offer a novel approach that breathes new life into your work. So, I see collaboration and offering feedback also as ways to show support. When we come together and exchange insights, we strengthen each other and collectively raise the bar for our creative pursuits. It’s like a creative journey we embark on together, where each contribution propels us forward.

So, for anyone interested in working with me or collaborating on a project, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. I’d be thrilled to engage in discussions about ideas and explore the possibilities. I firmly believe in the power of teamwork to bring creative visions to life, and I’m eager to embrace the potential that diverse collaborations can bring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juliachen.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlejulia_art/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ningjing-julia-chen-968abb200/