Today we’d like to introduce you to Kea Xie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve harbored dreams of becoming a manga artist. However, as I journeyed through my education, I found myself drawn to the realm of design. The path to becoming an animator wasn’t initially on my radar; it wasn’t until I delved into animation department at university that I began to develop a passion for it. I still remember crafting my first piece as a student. Despite its rough quality, a classmate expressed a deep fascination with the concept conveyed through my animation. That moment made me realize the profound impact my creations could have on viewers, fueling my growing love for animation. My goal is to weave warm, meaningful narratives through my animations, aiming to create work that resonates deeply with audiences.
Throughout my graduate studies, alongside refining advanced animation techniques, I encountered various personal challenges. During moments of adversity, I turned to transforming my emotions into visual language. Whether it involved mining keywords from my diary to craft the interactive projection piece <DAY 18> or delving into the complexities of human relationships in the animated short film <Alona>, my work became a source of solace and expression. The creative process brings me immense fulfillment, not only allowing me to communicate messages to viewers but also deepening my self-awareness.
Currently, I am a Senior Creative and Motion Designer at Muzixiii Studio, an animation studio in Taiwan. Her contributions to studio projects have earned international recognition, including the prestigious Telly Awards Gold Prize and the IF DESIGN AWARD.
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?
I believe the journey of creation is never smooth sailing; each period comes with its own set of challenges. When it comes to personal projects, one must consider how to structure the story, build emotional depth, and ensure the core concept is effectively conveyed. There’s also the consideration of style and techniques to be employed, which often requires a significant amount of time for conceptualization.
For commercial projects, it’s a different challenge altogether. Despite the desire for innovation and experimentation, one must always factor in client feedback. For instance, in a product video, the client may prioritize showcasing the product’s features and performance over artistic aspects and presentation techniques. This aspect poses a significant challenge for me currently—how to leverage our expertise while striking a balance that meets the client’s needs.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kea Xie (Yichia Hsieh) is a versatile 2D-3D artist hailing from Taiwan, holding a master’s degree in Animation from the University of the Arts London.
With a keen sense of observation and a natural flair for storytelling, Kea possesses a remarkable rhythmic sense in mastering motion images. This proficiency imbues her work with a panoramic vision and boundless creativity, effortlessly translating abstract meanings into vivid visual symbols. Her creative philosophy often draws inspiration from self-exploration and the interaction between individuals. Kea’s collaborative projects and individual works have garnered numerous accolades in Taiwanese film festivals and international arenas, including the Golden Bell Awards, Reddot Award, 16th Athens Animfest, AniMate, Cartoons Underground, and more.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think what makes creation fascinating is that it’s both something we share with others and yet deeply personal. Enjoying the process of creation, where we come to know ourselves better and gain insights into the world, is truly fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keaxie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikea_xie.mov/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kea-xie-6b8a0319b/
Image Credits
Kea Xie
Tzheng Hsu
