Daily Inspiration: Meet Shaoxiong Song

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaoxiong Song

Hi Shaoxiong, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Everybody loves Hayao Miyazaki—for the bravery in Laputa: Castle in the Sky, the serene world of My Neighbor Totoro, or the passion and adventure in Howl’s Moving Castle. For me, it was Kiki’s Delivery Service that left the deepest mark. Watching Kiki struggle and grow as she pursued her dream of becoming a qualified witch resonated with my own childhood experience—rushing across the city to attend drawing classes, hoping to one day become an animator. That sense of companionship and warmth stayed with me as I navigated my own artistic journey.

Determined to turn my passion into a profession, I pursued a degree in Animation, eager to expand my horizons beyond simply drawing as a child to mastering state-of-the-art graphic design software and the theoretical foundations of animation. As my studies progressed, I discovered 3D animation, which fascinated me with its ability to blend technical precision with artistic expression. This intersection of technology and creativity became my new focus.

After graduation, I joined one of China’s top animation design studios, where I worked as a 3D Artist, creating short commercial films for major internet companies. This experience allowed me to apply and refine the skills I had developed, working on professional projects that demanded both technical expertise and creative problem-solving.

After three years in the industry, I felt an urge to further explore the intersection of animation and fine art, leading me to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the School of Visual Arts in New York. In this open and interdisciplinary creative environment, I gained a broader international perspective and a deeper artistic vision, shaping me into the artist and storyteller I am today.

As I progressed, I began exploring emotional narratives in animation, focusing on how visual storytelling can convey human relationships and deep emotional connections. Inspired by Aristotle’s philosophy that “man is by nature a social animal,” I examine how people interact—with one another, with their environment, and with their own emotions. Whether through character interactions, dynamic compositions, or the interplay of light and shadow, my goal is to create visual narratives that transcend language and evoke profound emotional responses.

This artistic philosophy is evident in my award-winning animated short films. An Autumn Dusk’s Dream explores familial relationships and the theme of memory. The film follows a deceased grandfather’s spirit returning for a final encounter with his grandson, utilizing poetic visuals and deeply emotional storytelling to examine how emotions transcend physical existence. This work received Best Animation at the New York International Film Awards™, the Independent Shorts Awards, and the Canadian Cinematography Awards, along with honors at the Berlin Short Film Festival and Los Angeles Film Awards.

Today, I continue to push the boundaries of motion design and 3D animation, striving to create work that not only captivates audiences visually but also fosters meaningful emotional connections. Whether through independent films or commercial projects, my goal remains the same: to explore the power of visual storytelling as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The creative journey is never entirely smooth, and I have certainly encountered challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles has been finding inspiration when ideas seem elusive. There are times when I feel creatively stuck, unable to visualize the right concept or direction for a project. During these moments, I turn to extensive film-watching, studying different artistic styles, and analyzing storytelling techniques to reignite my imagination and uncover new creative sources.

Additionally, my high standards for visual quality and artistic execution have pushed me to continuously refine my technical skills. Motion design and 3D animation require a deep understanding of both artistic principles and advanced software techniques, and I have always strived to eliminate any major weaknesses in my skill set. This means constantly improving my proficiency in animation software, rendering techniques, and digital sculpting to ensure that I can execute my creative vision without technical limitations.

Though these challenges can be frustrating at times, they have ultimately shaped me into a more resilient and versatile artist. Every creative block and technical hurdle has pushed me to grow, experiment, and innovate, reinforcing my passion for storytelling through motion design and animation.

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 am a Motion Designer and 3D Artist, specializing in visual development and storytelling. My work focuses on exploring the emotional connections between individuals, using animation as a medium to delve into human relationships and shared experiences. Through my independent 3D animated short films, I strive to capture emotions that transcend language, allowing audiences to find resonance in my storytelling.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Man is by nature a social animal.” This idea profoundly influences my artistic approach. I see animation as more than just a visual art form—it is a psychological bridge that connects people through shared emotions. My work examines the intricate dynamics of relationships—between individuals, their environment, and within the self. Whether through character interactions, composition, or the interplay of light and shadow, I aim to craft emotionally immersive narratives that evoke deep connections with audiences.

My animated short film, Bear with Me, is a testament to my exploration of human relationships, presenting a nuanced portrayal of emotions and psychological shifts in intimate relationships through everyday conflicts and interactions. Inspired by the subtle emotional dynamics of romantic relationships, I crafted a humorous yet deeply introspective narrative, capturing the complex emotional fluctuations couples experience. Through anthropomorphic characters and meticulously designed life scenarios, the film highlights moments of conflict, compromise, and understanding. Bear with Me is not just a story about disagreements—it is a deeper examination of balance and connection in relationships. The film’s distinctive visual language and emotional resonance have earned international recognition, including Best Animated Short at the Independent Shorts Awards, Best Animation at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and a Best Animation nomination at the International Indie Film & Screenplay Festival, along with multiple official selections at prestigious festivals.

Another independent 3D animated short film I created, An Autumn Dusk’s Dream, explores familial relationships and the artistic expression of kinship in animation. The film tells the story of a deceased grandfather’s spirit returning home for one final meeting with his grandson. By incorporating the concepts of memory and space, I employed delicate visuals and emotionally rich storytelling to examine the continuation of human emotions across different dimensions. This film has been widely recognized in the international film scene, winning Best Animation at the New York International Film Awards™, the Independent Shorts Awards, and the Canadian Cinematography Awards, with additional honors at the Berlin Short Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards, and other prestigious events.

What sets me apart as an artist is my ability to seamlessly merge technical precision with deeply emotional storytelling, ensuring that my animations are not only visually compelling but also profoundly meaningful. I see animation as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, creating shared emotional experiences that connect audiences across diverse backgrounds.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis reinforced the importance of adaptability and emotional depth in artistic creation. As the world became physically distanced, I realized how crucial it is for animation and visual storytelling to bridge emotional gaps and foster connection. The pandemic heightened my awareness of introspection, isolation, and human resilience, which deeply influenced my work. I found myself exploring more intimate, emotionally driven narratives, focusing on themes of memory, relationships, and shared human experiences. This period also emphasized the value of digital art as a universal medium, transcending physical limitations to reach and resonate with global audiences.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnsongxx/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaoxiong-song-186167230/