Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Xu.
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?
I’m a freelance 2D animator and designer working for studios in the US and China. I was born and raised in Xiamen, China. Graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2019. I’ve been very blessed to have the opportunities to work on cool projects such as SpongeBob 360, Clifford The Big Red Dog, TikTok Olympics commercials, Ninja Turtles, LA RAMS commercials, MTV music videos, Wolfboy and the Everything Factory…etc.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As an international student, worker, and artist, one of the hardest things to figure out is my paperwork. I worked very hard for 3 years to get my artist work visa after graduating from college. Met a lot of people who are willing to give me a hand along the way. Now I’m doing my best to help more and more international artists with their paperwork as well.
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 always knew that I’m interested in production work, but getting gigs for animating and designing is how I started in the 2D animation industry. I’m one of those artists who don’t mind doing anything, doesn’t have to be my “favorite job” or my “NO.1 best thing”. I believe both directions are absolutely fine. I know a lot of artists who only apply for/accept jobs that they’re best at and it worked very well for them. For me, I accept anything that I can get. Over the years, I’ve finally realized that my best skill isn’t drawing or even creating, weirdly enough, my best skill is the way I communicate with people. I enjoy talking with my bosses (usually producers), clients, teammates and coworkers, bringing everybody to the same page so we work together as a team nicely. It’s very rewarding when people in the professional field acknowledge what you do and what you’re good at.
How do you think about luck?
I guess timing? Good people and opportunities show up at the right time. And you have to catch them and appreciate them when they show up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimyuanxu.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/kimyuanxu_art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2sSuz-pW5FPUkLz6vDUIEA
- Other: https://youtu.be/msI5VFPMmSE
