During the summer break last year, I began actively submitting my resume and portfolio to various companies in hopes of securing an internship. I was
confident in the quality of my work and excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. However, the process turned out to be more challenging than I thought. I sent out multiple applications but received very few responses, and a number of companies sent rejection letters. This lack of feedback was disappointing, and for a time, I began to doubt my abilities. I couldn’t help but wonder: was my work not strong enough to even merit a reply?
Fortunately, that period of self-doubt did not last long. After giving myself some time to reflect, I began to analyze the situation. I realized that the lack of responses might not relative the quality of my work—it could simply have been a matter of timing. Perhaps I had submitted my applications too late, and the positions had already been filled. I came to understand that this is a common scenario in the industry. With that realization, I was able to reset my mindset and regain the motivation to keep moving forward.
Soon after, I continued applying and was offered an internship opportunity at an online media company. Although the work wasn’t directly related to animation, it still provided me with valuable professional experience. I worked as an assistant graphic designer, where I was responsible for creating derivative products based on existing IPs, as well as producing branded visual content such as memes, posters, and illustrations. While the work was different from what I had studied in animation, the experience helped me learning design skills—particularly in aesthetic judgment, visual composition, and the application of design in a commercial context.
After two years of postgraduate study in character animation, I have developed a well-rounded and systematic portfolio that reflects both my artistic development and technical proficiency. As I plan to return to China for work in the future, my current portfolio is primarily in Chinese. But if there is an opportunity to work in UK I would be more than willing to give it a try!
My portfolio is organized into six main parts: character design, illustration, 3D design, IP product development, prop design, and other works. These parts not only showcase the full range of software and tools I have learned throughout my postgraduate education but also reflect my creativity and design thinking. From character and visual storytelling to modeling and product aesthetics, the portfolio represent my exploration across various forms of media and creative expression.
Through this portfolio, I aim to communicate my ability as an independent and thoughtful animator. More than just a tool for job-seeking, I view my portfolio as a living body of work that will continue to grow and evolve with me throughout my career. It represents not just what I have worked, but also represents my determination to keep learning, refining and expanding my creative practice.
