Grey Rui Han shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Grey Rui, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time and feel most like myself is drawing, illustrating, and telling stories through images. Working as a storyboard artist in film and television is the perfect fit for me—it brings together everything I love: visual storytelling, drawing, and cinematography. There’s something incredibly meaningful about helping shape a story from the very beginning, especially when it’s one I truly care about. Being part of a team of passionate filmmakers, all working toward the same vision, makes the creative process even more rewarding. It’s more than just a job—it’s a reminder of why I love storytelling. When the ideas click, the visuals flow, and the team connects, it all feels real, fulfilling, and completely worth it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! My name is Grey, and I’m a storyboard artist working across film, television, and animation. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some incredible teams at studios like Pixar Animation Studios, Netflix Animation, Pearl Studio, and more. As both a storyboard artist and director, I’m deeply passionate about visual storytelling—crafting emotionally resonant performances and designing dynamic, cinematic sequences is where I feel most at home. Outside of work, I recharge by spending time in nature and relaxing with my cat. Currently, I’m working on an exciting adult animated series at Netflix Animation, and I can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve been bringing to life!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who have taught me the most about work—and about myself—have been my mentors, co-workers, and directors. Throughout my journey as a storyboard artist and filmmaker, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from so many inspiring individuals who have helped shape my career and perspective.
At Pixar, mentors like Daley, Derek, Hyein, and Hannah taught me the power of visual storytelling and how to craft heartfelt stories that resonate with audiences around the world. Alessandra, an award-winning artist who also has an international background, showed me the importance of maintaining work-life balance while navigating the dynamics of large studios. She also helped me understand how to take ownership of my career path and plan for long-term growth. Jane, my current mentor and the supervising director on my show, constantly reminds me to stay focused on a clear creative vision, to let the strength of my work speak for itself, and to ensure that my voice is heard, even in the fast-paced and competitive environment of this industry. Mentors and directors like Francisco, Mio, and many others have also had a lasting impact on my journey as a filmmaker—each one contributing valuable insights, encouragement, and support along the way. I’m deeply grateful for everything they’ve shared with me. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping who I am today—both as an artist and as a person.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Throughout my career so far, I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges—many of which have tested me in ways I didn’t expect. Impostor syndrome and self-doubt are common struggles for many artists in the film industry, which I’ve experienced deeply. On top of that, the demanding pace and heavy workloads driven by tight budgets and deadlines in film and animation productions can take a serious toll on me—both physically and mentally. As an international artist coming from a different cultural background, I’ve also had to navigate additional hurdles that local artists may not encounter, from communication barriers to adapting to new work environments and systems.
But through these ongoing challenges—both internal and external—I’ve grown stronger and more resilient. I’ve learned how to better manage high-pressure situations and turn anxiety into motivation. These experiences have helped me evolve not only as a filmmaker, but also as a more dependable and empathetic teammate, capable of taking on greater responsibility with confidence and clarity.
I truly believe all suffering are bricks to build up a stronger mind and soul. While success can boost confidence, it’s the experience of overcoming hardship that builds my personality, leadership, and long-term growth. Each difficulty I’ve faced has shaped the person and artist I am today—and continues to prepare me for the critical and leading roles I aspire to take on in the future.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I hold close—and continue to live by—is: “Just work hard, and great things will happen.” It’s actually a quote from Conan O’Brien, and it’s stuck with me ever since I first heard it :). Growing up in a traditional Chinese family, values like discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic were instilled in me from an early age. These principles have shaped the way I approach both life and work, and they continue to guide me through challenges to this day.
In a world that often feels unstable and unpredictable, it’s easy to fall into cynicism or to blame external circumstances for personal setbacks. I’ve certainly had moments where I’ve lost hope or struggled to see a clear path forward. But I’ve learned that the only way to move past those moments is to take action—no matter how small. When I’m feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, I remind myself that progress, even if slow or invisible at first, is always better than standing still. Taking action not only helps reduce my anxiety, but also creates momentum for personal growth.
Even when the results aren’t immediate, consistent effort always leads to something valuable. Eventually, things start to click—sometimes in ways I didn’t expect. And like Conan said, “Just work hard, and great things will happen.” I truly believe that hard work is not only the key to success, but also the key to living my life without regret.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
First and foremost, I’ve loved my job since day one! I grew up in a small city in northern China, and for as long as I can remember, my biggest passions have been movies, music, and drawing. As a kid, I collected stacks of film magazines—filled with stories about international movie productions and stars from around the world—and I’ve held onto them through every move. They’ve always been a reminder of the dream I carried with me: to one day work in the film industry. To have that dream not only come true, but to be working in Hollywood today, still feels surreal.
Now based in Los Angeles and part of the animation industry, I often think about how thrilled my younger self would be. One of the most defining moments in my journey was joining Pixar Animation Studios—the very studio that first inspired me to become an artist. That experience opened the door to opportunities to collaborate with award-winning filmmakers whom I have admired for a long time, and even to contribute to my personal favorite animated franchises, these have all been life-changing moments that are reassuring and reminding me just how special and meaningful my job truly is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greyhan.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgreygreygrey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grey-rui-han/
Image Credits
credit: Grey Rui Han
