Rising Stars: Meet Lin Zhang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lin Zhang.

Hi Lin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My 3D animation journey started during college in Taiwan. Initially, I wasn’t majoring in animation but in multimedia, such as film, TV, and graphic design. However, an animation workshop led by a Pixar animator changed the course of my studies and career aspirations. Inspired by this experience, I made the decision to pursue a graduate degree in computer arts in the United States, ultimately landing at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

During my graduate studies, I found my niche in character rigging, which organically came from the needs of a group project. This focus has since become the specialization of my career.

A pivotal moment in my academic journey was when four fellow classmates and I decided to collaborate. Each of us brought a unique specialization to the table. Our collective effort resulted in the production of a mini-thesis short film and our final thesis film.

Building on the succession of these collaborative projects, I secured an internship at Blue Sky Studios in 2018, where I further improved my skills as a Rigging Intern. Post-graduation, I was lucky to become a Character Model/Rig Intern at Pixar Animation Studios in 2019—a position that has evolved into my current role at Pixar as a Character Model/Rig TD.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it was not a smooth road.

Starting out in learning rigging was not easy. There were not many resources available for rigging compared to other parts of animation, and the online tutorials I found were scattered and limited.

Fortunately, a team member connected me with an experienced professional in rigging who had been in the industry for years. With his guidance, I got access to helpful resources and started learning in a more organized way. This support played a crucial role in overcoming my initial challenges and improving my rigging skills.

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?
I specialize in Character Modeling and Rigging, with a particular emphasis on facial rigging.

My thesis film, “CRUNCH,” which was a collaborative group project, received the Best Animated Short Film award at the 51st Annual Nashville Film Festival and achieved Finalist status at the 46th Student Academy Awards.

Currently, I contribute as a Character Model/Rig TD at Pixar, having worked on notable films such as “Soul,” “Turning Red,” “Lightyear,” “Elemental,” and the upcoming “Inside Out 2.”

I take pride in my involvement with major characters like Mo from “Lightyear,” Fire Dad Bernie from “Elemental,” and the new emotion Anxiety from “Inside Out 2.”
Each project provides a unique opportunity to blend creativity with technical expertise, enabling me to continually refine my skills and grow as a technical artist.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With AI becoming a significant topic nowadays, there has been ongoing discussions on its use in creating animation films.

While some perceive AI as a considerable threat, I personally regard it as a valuable tool, even a great source of inspiration. Its potential to save time on technical aspects can open up more space and freedom in the creative process.

Looking ahead, I would imagine our industry shifting away from the pursuit of high-tech and realism, returning its focus back to animation’s creative roots. Audiences would come to expect more uniquely crafted stories, along with creativity, stylization, and experimentation—something that AI may still find a challenge to achieve in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vimeo.com/378423405

Image Credits
Ragtag Space Rangers | Lightyear | Disney+ -The Official Pixar YouTube Channel Inside Out 2 | Teaser Trailer -The Official Pixar YouTube Channel Elemental | Official Trailer -The Official Pixar YouTube Channel