Y Crazy Mind

There’s something about the challenges and tenacity in pursuing a life as an artist that draws these individuals to each other. Their collaboration bears the benevolent fruit of complementing each other’s talent for the benefit of all. Perhaps the only trait which surpasses talent is vision; when paired together this cocktail is intoxicating to any creative individual. Animator Cassie Shao’s unique productions and style have earned her many accolades from across the world such as Florida (for Synched in the Mixed Media/Experimental category at the Florida Animation Festival), China (There Were Four of Us, winner at the China Independent Animation Film Forum China), and Russia (There Were Four of Us, winner at the Unknown Film Festival Russia). These productions have not only attracted her filmmaking peers but also music artists who recognized her ability to manifest a dreamlike aesthetic. Her contributions to many exciting music videos not only display her exceptional skill but also ...

There’s a tremendous amount of debate in the world about technology changing the roles and jobs of humans in the future. Animator Ning Cheng has found endless possibilities for her very human artistic mind and skillset using modern techniques that greatly differ from the old approach to animation. Whether it’s in film, advertisements, VR games, TV programs, or others areas, the possibilities seem endless and serve as proof that the creative part of humanity can work in collaboration with the modern day tools offered us. There’s a lesson to be learned in Ning’s pursuit of a creative voice while possessing a malleability that allows her to use it in so many different ways; though the means by which art is presented and admired may change, the spirit of an artist is uniquely organic and human. Photo: Cary It’s almost impossible for technology to replicate humor. This facet is also the source of a trio of animated advertisements Cheng created with writer Zhe Li and producer Ding...

Ever since she was a child, Andrea Mercado was obsessed with cartoons. Growing up in Lima, Peru, she dreamed that one day she would work in animation, being able to make other kids feel how she felt watching her favorite shows, even though she had no idea at that age how animation worked. When she was twelve, her father bought her the book How to Animate Film Cartoons by Walter Foster, and her life was changed. Mesmerized by what she read, Mercado began trying to make her own animations, first on flip books and then on her old computer. “When I finally finished my first digital animation, I was so amazed! I couldn’t believe I had made characters move! And the process took a long time because animation is like that, but when you’re enjoying something you don’t really feel the passing of time. As I grew older, I started making little animations to make my friends happy, and that made me happy too. Now that I’m an adult I make animations that make myself happy, and thankfully, t...