Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuxin (Cindy) Cheng.
Hi Yuxin (Cindy), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Answering the question “Where do you come from?” has always been difficult for me. To keep it simple, I was born in Tianjin, grew up in Suzhou, China, moved to Singapore at twelve, and came to the U.S. eight years ago for college and graduate school. Growing up with a multicultural background, I often struggled to feel settled. I’ve never felt comfortable being confined to a single label – I see identity as something complicated and multilayered. This sense of in-betweenness pushed me to explore alternative forms of self-expression through my art.
As a result, my art style naturally became open-minded and multidisciplinary. I enjoy learning new techniques and taking challenges when it comes to creative expression. I’ve always loved storytelling, but it was during college that I truly fell in love with animation. To me, animation is an extremely powerful medium—it’s multi-sensory, multi-dimensional, and offers so much freedom to tell complex, layered stories. It allows me to express not only who I am, but also to share the voices and experiences of others.
Within the realm of animation, I especially enjoy stop motion – it has a handmade, imperfect charm that feels very human. The tactile process and subtle flaws bring a sense of intimacy that’s hard to replicate in other forms. It allows me to tell stories in a way that feels emotionally grounded and visually engaging.
Now, I’m pursuing my MFA in Animation at UCLA, a comfortable place where I can express my voice as an artist and experiment new ways of storytelling. My films often revolve around themes of family, memory, and everyday moments – especially through a multicultural lens. I enjoy creating work that feels authentic and personal, while inviting others to see a part of themselves in it.
Animation, for me, isn’t just about making things move – it’s about making things feel. In the future, I hope to continue creating work that brings comfort, sparks reflection, and helps people feel more connected to one another.
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?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth. Being in a foreign space alone – especially early on – was overwhelming. I often felt lost, not just culturally, but creatively too. I had learned so many techniques across different mediums, but didn’t feel like a master of any one thing, which made me look less desirable in the job market. For a while, that made me question my path and whether I was falling behind. But over time, I came to the realization that art isn’t about fitting into one box or being defined by a single skill. Every experience, every medium I’ve explored, has helped shape my unique artistic voice. What once felt scattered now feels like a strength – I create most authentically when I let all those layers come together.
Another challenge has been peer pressure. Being surrounded by so many talented people – while also carrying the expectations of family – often left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough, or that I was constantly falling short. That kind of pressure made it hard to appreciate my own growth. But over time, I’ve learned to shift my perspective. Instead of comparing myself, I started drawing encouragement and strength from the people who truly love and support me. I realized that trusting myself also means trusting those who believe in me. Their support has helped me quiet the noise and move forward with more confidence and clarity.
I made this experience into my latest film – Tarot. It was the moment where I truly felt how powerful animation can be as a tool for self-expression. I was really happy to see people reflect on the story and resonate with the emotions – it reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an animation artist who likes to work across different mediums, but I especially enjoy stop motion. I direct, animate, edit, and sometimes design sounds and music for my own films. I enjoy blending different techniques to enhance my storytelling. My work is often described as warm, nostalgic, and emotionally grounded. I’m most proud of creating stories that feel personal yet relatable – films that reflect on family, memory, identity, and small everyday moments.
One of the pieces I’m most proud of is Tarot, a stop motion and 2D hybrid short where I explored themes of pressure, self-worth, and healing. The film won Best Animation at UCLA’s Animation Extravaganza and was selected for Director Spotlight, which really encouraged me to keep pursuing my path as a multimedia animator.
I think what sets me apart is my interdisciplinary approach and the unique perspective I bring from growing up across cultures. My goal is to stay open – to keep evolving, experimenting, and creating work that feels honest and emotionally resonant.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
In my free time, I watch a lot of animation, from indie shorts to classic features. Seeing how other artists push the boundaries of the medium constantly motivates me to keep experimenting and growing. I like browsing Vimeo and Bilibili for creative work—these platforms showcase a wide range of styles and voices from around the world. I also enjoy making-of documentaries, behind-the-scenes videos, and artist talks, which give me a deeper appreciation for their process and craftsmanship behind the work.
One of my favorite books is Exhalation by Ted Chiang. In one of the stories, he imagines a world where cyborg-like beings are powered by air pressure—where the flow of air quite literally enables their thoughts and existence. Through this world, he explores the idea that life isn’t just about being alive, but about having consciousness: memory, emotion, desire, and the ability to think and feel. The air in the story becomes a “medium of thought,” much like how our lives are the medium of our consciousness. It taught me not to always chase clear answers, but instead reminded me that simply having the ability to reflect, feel, and wonder is already a miracle. That awareness has stayed with me, both in life and in how I approach storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cindycheng129.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindycheng129
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuxin-cheng-b24864179
- Other: https://vimeo.com/cindycheng129
Image Credits
Xiangzi Xu
