By: Liz Chen

Today we’re excited to introduce Xinyue Gu.

Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you got into your field?
Sure! My journey into motion design has been a mix of curiosity, experimentation, and gradual discovery. I originally started in marketing during my undergrad, but soon realized I was more drawn to creating visual experiences than writing campaigns. While experimenting with K-pop fan edits and short visual projects in my free time, I stumbled into motion graphics. The more I explored, the more I realized that motion design was a perfect intersection of storytelling, technology, and art.

After that realization, I dove deep into learning – Cinema 4D, After Effects, Redshift, Houdini and so on. My goal was to be a designer who could think conceptually and execute technically. That curiosity and drive eventually led me to a master’s program in Motion Media Design at SCAD, where I could fully immerse myself in 2D and 3D motion. It was a turning point that solidified my path and gave me the confidence to pursue professional opportunities in motion design.

What were some challenges you faced while building your career?
Honestly, the path wasn’t straightforward at all. One early challenge was simply believing in myself when switching from marketing to motion design. I didn’t come from a traditional art background, and there were moments I doubted whether I could catch up artistically and technically with peers who had been drawing or animating for years.

Another challenge was balancing ambition with reality. While I was constantly pushing myself to learn new tools and techniques, there were times I felt stuck or frustrated, especially when a render wouldn’t come out as I imagined. It tested patience and persistence, but it also taught me that iteration and failure are part of growth.

Can you describe your current work and what excites you about it?
Currently, I’m working as a motion designer at Maxon in Los Angeles, where my focus is on crafting both 2D and 3D animations for a range of projects, from ad campaigns to brand expression film. What excites me most is the storytelling aspect – how motion can transform an idea into something tangible, emotional, and memorable.

I often work with Cinema 4D and Redshift for 3D, while integrating After Effects for compositing and fine-tuning. I love exploring procedural techniques to create visuals that feel alive and dynamic. One thing I strive for in my work is a balance between bold aesthetics and subtle storytelling, so that the viewer not only sees the motion but feels it on some level.

A highlight of my career so far is the Maxon One Brand Expression Film. It has been featured on Behance, abduzeedo and so on. I also do a lot of personal projects during my free time. This The Fruit of My Woman Title Sequence has been awarded by Red Dot, MUSE, Communication Arts and so on.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future for motion designers and creative professionals?
I think one of the biggest shifts will be the blending of technology and human-centered storytelling. As tools like AI and real-time rendering become more accessible, the technical barrier is lowering. But that also means audiences and clients will value the human perspective more than ever. They want work that feels intentional, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant, not just technically impressive.

Another factor is the growing emphasis on cross-disciplinary skills. Creatives who can combine design, animation, coding, and narrative thinking will have an edge, because projects are increasingly interactive and immersive. Finally, adaptability and continuous learning will be key. What’s cutting-edge today could be standard tomorrow, so staying curious and open to experimentation is more important than ever.

Finally, what’s next for you?  
Looking ahead, I’m really excited to explore the intersection of motion design, storytelling, and emerging technologies. Ultimately, my goal is to develop work that doesn’t just look visually impressive, but also resonates emotionally – crafting experiences that people remember and connect with on a human level, while continuing to expand the creative possibilities of digital media.

Contact Info
Website: https://axisxyg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axisxyg/