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"I tell stories through motion, turning concepts into clear and engaging visual experiences."

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Xinyue Gu

United States
Motion Designer at Maxon Computer

Posted on 15 Dec, 2025

What tools do you use to help you design?

iPad ProiPad ProWacom tabletWacom tabletWindows PCWindows PC

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How did you get started in your role?

I got started as a designer out of curiosity rather than a formal plan. My background is in marketing, but while making edits and visual content, I discovered how powerful motion design is for storytelling and communication. That curiosity quickly turned into a passion, which led me to teach myself the fundamentals, experiment constantly, and eventually pursue a Master’s degree in Motion Media Design. Through hands-on projects, internships, and real-world collaborations, I gradually shaped my role as a motion designer focused on clear ideas, strong visuals, and smooth, intentional motion.

What apps do you use to help you design?

Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro

Cinema4D

Cinema4D

Figma

Figma

Houdini

Houdini

Notion

Notion

Redshift

Redshift

How do you incorporate the apps in your design process?

I incorporate apps based on each stage of the motion design process. I typically start with ideation and structure using Figma or Illustrator to explore layouts, typography, and visual systems. I then move into Cinema 4D for 3D scene building, simulations, and look development, using Redshift for lighting and rendering. After Effects is where I focus on compositing, while Premiere Pro is used for editing and assembling final sequences. Throughout the process, I iterate between tools to test ideas quickly, refine motion behavior, and ensure consistency from concept to final delivery.

What books do you recommend?

Design in Motion

Design in Motion

Light for Visual Artists

Light for Visual Artists

Steal Like an Artist

Steal Like an Artist

What are the responsibilities of your role?

I’m responsible for designing and animating motion systems that communicate ideas clearly over time, including timing, pacing, transitions, and visual continuity. I create 2D and 3D motion graphics, develop animation concepts, and refine motion language to support storytelling, product features, and brand expression.

What difficulties do you encounter in your role?

One of the main challenges I encounter as a motion designer is balancing creative intent with practical constraints. Motion often needs to communicate complex ideas quickly, so finding the right level of clarity, timing, and visual emphasis within tight deadlines can be challenging.

What advice would you give to your younger self trying to get into the field of design?

I would tell my younger self not to wait until everything feels “ready” before starting. Design—especially motion design—is learned through making, experimenting, and failing. I’d focus less on comparing myself to others and more on developing a strong sense of timing, pacing, and intention behind every movement. I’d also remind myself that background and titles matter less than curiosity, consistency, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly through motion.

Do you have any regrets in your journey in becoming a designer?

I don’t have major regrets, but I do wish I had trusted my interest in design and motion earlier. I spent a long time thinking I wasn’t “naturally” artistic, which delayed me from exploring design more seriously. Looking back, that mindset was the biggest obstacle. Once I allowed myself to experiment and learn through practice, everything started to click.

As a designer how do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by exploring motion design from different studios, films, and 3D work, studying other creative fields, and experimenting with personal projects to spark new ideas and keep my approach fresh.

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