As graduation approaches, I’ve been thinking seriously about my career path. Over the past three years before my MA, I’ve worked both as a 2D animator and as an animation instructor helping students build portfolios. These experiences have given me clarity on what I want next.  

Right now, I don’t plan to focus on the animation industry for two main reasons. First, the workload in China’s animation field—especially 2D—is intense compared to the pay. Second, I’m not optimistic about the industry’s future. Even though there have been successful animated films recently, most still play it safe with similar themes and styles. That said, if I find the right mid-to-senior-level role, I’d prefer pre-production design over repetitive production work.  

Instead, I want to use my strengths in art design and teaching to explore new opportunities. I’ll apply for jobs in the game industry—concept art, pipeline management, or storyboarding—while keeping teaching as at least a side job. I’m also open to branching into other industries that need design or animation skills, like marketing or advertising.  

As a backup plan, I’m considering building my own brand—maybe through original IPs, self-media content, or study-abroad consulting. Indie animation projects are still something I love, so I’ll keep collaborating with friends on creative experiments.  

Even after starting a full-time job, I want to keep experimenting with different styles and mediums—it’s the best way to stay sensitive to truly interesting design. Teaching helps with this too; explaining concepts to students forces me to rethink what I know and present ideas in fresh ways. Most importantly, I’ll keep creating without locking myself into one “style.” For my next short film, I plan to dive deeper into After Effects and 3D techniques, blending them into my workflow.