Amao’s Animated World

1. If illustration is a friend who has been with you for a long time, what does it look like in your mind?

Illustration is another me in the mirror.

2. How did you become an illustrator? Do you like the label?

I studied digital art at university, and after graduating, I went to Japan to do a master's degree in a related field. Since that, I have been working in the industry in CG. It was not until I returned to China after seven years when I was at a loss, that I started to think about what I wanted to do. I preferred to do creative work where drawing was the primary visual language. Through illustration, I also found my desire for self-expression. So gradually, I transformed into an illustrator + animation designer.

Illustration by Amao

 3. Where are you based now and who do you work for?

I live in Shanghai. I hope that I can recover soon as my health has been affected by the Covid 19.

4.How would you describe your style?

To be honest I struggle to find the exact style to describe myself.

More than one friend has taken photos of d at sunset and sent them to me saying that the blue-pink gradient of the sky is the color of Amao. I think that's what it feels like.

Illustration by Amao

5. How do you usually start a project? What is your preferred creative environment?

When I have a new idea in my head, I'll flip it around for a while and wait until I'm at a point where it's ready to be output before I just start. I like to work in a familiar environment where there is no pressure, such as my own bedroom.

Illustration by Amao

6. What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?

I think I still love it, and it gives me pleasure when I create it. You can't help but want to do things that make you feel good.

7. How do you see yourself as an animator, will the fun be different between animation and illustration?

As I have a background in motion design, I do most of my work in animation, which is a skill I am more skilled at than illustration. Although I used to do some small drawings, they would end up as GIFs.

Once I took up illustration as a career path, I found it more challenging. Animation comprises multiple frames and is the art of boundaries and time. Although illustration may seem easier than animation with only one frame, it is more difficult precisely because it is only one frame. You need a complete story to be told in just one frame. It would help if you were more general and precise. I always spend more time on the composition of my illustrations because once they are set, they don't move and change as animation does .

Illustration by Amao

8. What kinds of tools do you typically use and how do they impact your work?

I use AE, PS and AI the most and they are essential tools for my work.

In my spare time I also like to work with the VR drawing tool Quill. This immersive painting experience is very stress-relieving. I also feel like I am entering the world view of my own work while creating, a wonderful experience that allows one to forget about the physical world and the concept of time for a while.

Illustration by Amao

9. As an independent illustration artist with more free time, how do you organize your day? 

I have a fairly routine day, getting up at 8.30 am and sitting in front of the computer at 10 am to start the day. I usually don't work after 7 pm and do something relaxing.

10. We'd love to hear how you created the promotional animation for caper, is there anything interesting you can share?

When I received the invitation, I thought it was a rare challenge, as it is not often that I get to work with so many talented illustrators with so many different styles. With Caper's support, the illustrators divided up their layers and handed them over to me, and I successfully completed the animated versions of all the illustrations. During the process, although I didn't have direct contact with the illustrators, I felt a connection with the other 26 illustrators just through the images.

11. How would you comment on your past works and what kind of works are perfect in your opinion?

Past work is like a snapshot of a moment in one's life, especially when it is personal. Although when I look back, w I can always find many imperfections, the creative experience of the moment is always perfect for me at that moment.

12. What kind of gifts will you get for the coming New Year? any wished ?

I would like to give myself a new computer.

I wish myself a New Year of freedom, courage and peace.