Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I’ve been drawing ever since I was a wee tot, and when my kid dream of becoming a veterinarian didn’t turn out—I thought it would magically grant me the ability to talk to animals, Dr. Dolittle style—I went to school hoping for a career in children’s book illustration. During my time at CSU Fullerton (Go Titans!), I learned about animation and more specifically storyboarding.
My goal has always been to tell stories with my art, so storyboarding felt perfect. After an internship at Nickelodeon turned into a revisionist job, I slowly worked my way to a full boarding position and have had the privilege of working at various studios and on many wonderful projects. I’m currently a story artist at Disney Feature Animation—I grew up on a steady diet of Disney films, so I’m blown away to have a chance to work there along with such talented fellow artists. I’ve been boarding in animation for a decade now, and I feel very grateful every day to make a living doing what I love.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I think aside from the project-to-project nature of this industry and maintaining consistent employment, one of the biggest challenges has been maintaining balance. Not just work/life balance, but also work art/personal art balance. They say that it can be tricky turning your passion into your job, and I’ve definitely felt that at times. Project hurdles, crunch times, long hours, creative blocks can all make it difficult to step away from work and still create for oneself. I think many people in animation have dreams of telling their own stories, but it can be tough to avoid burnout or navigate the complex development process. Our jobs ask for our creativity and individual voice/spark, and yet it can sometimes feel like the demands of the profession don’t leave us space to nurture those things.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Too many to name! And I feel like I’d just be repeating what most people probably say—of course there’s always the big names like Milt Kahl, Bill Peet, Glen Keane, etc. I think most inspirational of all, though, are my peers. I’ve been working in animation long enough where I’m starting to see my friends become showrunners, producers, directors, production designers … and it’s hugely inspiring! The stuff they are making is so funny, entertaining, and brilliant—it’s especially amazing to see, having witnessed their journeys throughout the years. It’s a good reminder that it’s rarely a straight path. I feel like kids (and adults) these days are so lucky to have such amazing animated fare, and it blows my mind that my friends are making it.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
Ha ha—aside from the basic goal of making a living and funding my travel habit? I guess, in the words of Hamilton: “I wanna build something that’s gonna outlive me.” Animation had a huge impact on my childhood and my ability to dream up new worlds and stories, and I’d love to return the favor and make something that can inspire others in similar ways. I feel like over the years I’ve gotten to see “how the sausage gets made,” which can remove a bit of the glamour around making animated shows/films. But I’ll never become cynical about the power storytelling has to change people’s lives, and consequently, the larger world around us.
What does being a Guild board member and Union shop steward mean to you?
I mentioned above about wanting to inspire change through telling my stories, but I feel like there are so many ways to make a difference in this industry—not just creatively, but through mentorship and advocacy. Before I became more involved in the Guild, I had no idea what truly went into it. Of course, I appreciated the benefits as a member—but it wasn’t until I became a shop steward and then a board member that I understood the work and complexity involved.
It’s no small feat to manage and fight for the wants/needs with a membership of almost 6,000. But everyone who gets involved (on top of their day job!) pours out so much sweat and passion, all to improve the lives and working conditions of their fellow members. Forming committees for better working conditions or marginalized groups. Managing people’s ever-changing employment records so they don’t have to worry about their benefits. Offering advice or information on how to navigate tricky work situations. Hopefully taking care of some of the logistical side of animation, so members feel like they can have more space and security to create. And more, and more. It’s a lot of responsibility, but if being involved means I can make someone’s animation journey just a little easier or better, it’s all worth it.
Follow Liao on Instagram at @cisforfrenchfry.
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