Today we’d like to introduce you to Louise Liu.
Hi Louise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Yujie (Louise) Liu, and I’m a 2D animator and storyboard artist currently pursuing my graduate studies in animation at UCLA, where I’m expected to graduate in June 2026. I have finished producing multiple animated shorts and I just wrapped up a latest one named “Rewind”, soon releasing in the next few months.
My journey in art began during my undergraduate years, where I initially majored in film and television production. It was there that I discovered my growing passion for animation, as I realized the freedom it offered to create stories not just through the lens of a camera but with my hands and pen.
I found animation to be a way to truly bring my creative ideas to life, and that’s when I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. Since then, I’ve been honing my skills in both 2D animation and storyboarding, exploring new ways to blend storytelling with visual art.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve been really lucky to have the support of my family and friends along the way. Back in high school, I enjoyed drawing, but I never really imagined it would turn into a career. It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized how much I was drawn to art and decided to shift my focus to film, eventually focusing on animation.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is dealing with the anxiety that my skills might not be on the level needed for the industry. I’m also a bit worried that once I turn my passion for art into a job, I might lose the joy I get from creating. Balancing the passion side with the work side can be a little scary, but it’s something I’m learning to navigate.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m mainly focused on 2D animation and character illustration. Recently, I wrapped up a 2D animated short film, Rewind, telling a story of a pair of twins and them coping with saying goodbye and letting go, and I’m really proud of how it turned out. I definitely feel like I’ve grown a lot, especially in character animation and background art design.
What sets me apart is my approach to storytelling through visuals. I always try to infuse narrative or emotion into my illustrations, even if it’s subtle. I also love experimenting with different techniques and styles – it keeps things fresh and allows me to explore new ways to bring my ideas to life. Every time I finish a piece, I feel like I’ve learned something valuable that I can carry forward into my next project.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is watching animations on television. I remember eagerly flipping through collections of discs to choose a movie. Each time I found one, it was like unlocking a treasure chest of adventure. For the next one to two hours, I would lose myself in the captivating worlds on screen, imagining myself as part of the heroic quests and magical journeys unfolding before me. Those moments sparked my love for storytelling and creativity, inspiring me to explore new worlds and create my own adventures through paper and pen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://louisel01.carbonmade.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiseliu_01/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louiseliu01
- Twitter: https://x.com/oceanjar_01
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@louiseliu01
