local storiesNovember 11, 2025

Story & Lesson Highlights with Cheng Guo of Burbank

Local Stories

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cheng Guo. Check out our conversation below.

Cheng, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I think the moment I truly enjoyed was when I created a series of paintings for my portfolio. My artwork was admired by a Disney artist, which made me feel very proud at the time. It happened while I was still studying at USC, and I still feel that genuine pride in my heart to this day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Before I went to the United States to begin my journey in the animation industry, I was raised in a small town in southern China. My father loved drawing, and when I was only six years old, he began teaching me. I learned many things about drawing and design from him, and eventually, I found myself working as a designer too.

After graduating from USC, I worked at a game studio for three months before joining Warner Bros. Pictures Animation as a Visual Development Artist. I contributed to films such as DC League of Super-Pets and The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. I really enjoy working with my team because it allows me to be creative while feeling fully supported by my friends. Those moments remain some of my best memories since moving to the United States.

I also worked as an Art Director for the animated short Apricot, which tells the story of a Latino boy and his grandfather. Latino families share many similarities with Chinese families—the way the older generation worries about their grandchildren and the warmth of large family gatherings both remind me of my hometown.

Currently, I am developing my portfolio by designing a series of artworks based on the moments before the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Unlike before, I am using new technology such as Blender in my creative process. It works very well, and I plan to continue using it.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
There was no one who taught me about the work — I would rather say that the work itself taught me the most.

I was a new graduate when I first joined the studio, just like most students starting their careers. At the beginning, I was simply excited to have a job in the animation industry. However, as I continued working, I gradually realized that having a job is not as simple as I had imagined — it takes more than just drawing good pictures. I needed to consider many things while collaborating with my colleagues, and I also had to intentionally learn new skills in my free time to improve my performance. It was never an easy journey to become a reliable employee capable of handling tasks independently.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I used to be like a child hiding in a shell before I started living on my own. No one likes that feeling once they’ve truly experienced it. It’s like refusing any challenge from life and choosing to stay in a closed space just to avoid getting hurt. If you asked me what helped me during my most vulnerable times, I would say that reading psychology books and working out helped me the most.

I am a foreigner working in the United States by myself, and most of the time I don’t have much support from my family because they are far away. So even when I feel depressed or sad, I can only rely on my friends and myself. Fortunately, I have a group of good friends and colleagues who are supportive and always try to cheer me up. But when they’re not available, I have to face those emotions on my own.

When I feel down and no one is around, I turn to books about psychology. I especially love Alfred Adler and his theories, which teach people how to overcome depression through self-understanding and courage. If reading isn’t enough, I drive out to a trail to embrace nature or get some exercise. Both methods have greatly improved my mental and physical health.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Socrates

I think that even today, no one truly stands at the same height as him. Although he had no political or physical power, he deeply influenced countless people throughout history — even up to the present day. I only got to know about him in recent years, but I was amazed by his personality and his profound understanding of humanity. In fact, he was truly powerful — not in an external sense, but through his inner strength, the kind of power that can change the minds of others.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
not dating beautiful girls many times while I was young,

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Image Credits
Cheng Guo

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