In considering traditional employment roles within the animation and game industry, the path that appeals to me most is working as a 2D game character animator or character designer in either Shanghai or London. Compared with 2D animation studios where the work often focuses on narrative-drive shots, game animation emphasises expressive motion cycles, player interaction feedback, and character responsiveness. These elements align closely with my strengths in character design and action performance, and they naturally bring me joy. I have found that this type of work sustains my motivation and keeps my mental state light and positive.

During the summer, I interned at Boke City in Shanghai for two months. My main responsibility was producing idle animations for their mobile game “Supper Egg Duck” (in Chinese 超能下蛋鸭). The work flow involved layer separation in Photoshop, followed by rigging and animating in Spine, creating clean concrete insight into the production pipepling of game animation-how animators collaborate with designers, how assets move between departments, and how animation impacts gameplay and marketing. It also confirmed that I enjoy the rhythm and problem-solving nature of game animation more than traditional hand-drawn processes.

I am also a long-time admirer of Chucklefish, a London-based indie studio known for its pixel-based 2D games. Their animation approach—drawing frame-based movements directly in pixel art—requires precise timing, appealing poses, and strong understanding of body mechanics despite the simplicity of the style. The idea of animating characters directly into the game engine excites me, as it blends artistic intuition with interactive design. It represents the kind of creative environment I hope to join in the future.

Reflecting on this pathway, I see traditional employment as a stable and realistic foundation. It offers structured mentorship, teamwork, predictable income, and the chance to grow professionally inside an established production pipeline. More importantly, it matches my current capabilities and gives me space to refine fundamental skills. Although I have long-term dreams beyond studio work, traditional employment remains a practical and meaningful step in my early career. It allows me to deepen my craft while contributing to projects that reach large audiences. For now, this pathway feels both achievable and aligned with the type of work that I genuinely enjoy.