To transition smoothly into the professional world, I’ve created a dual-market strategy for job seeking in both the UK and China. For the UK industry, I’ve developed a cohesive digital presence to present myself professionally. My portfolio website showcases my design and animation work. I maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn and share work-in-progress content and final renders on Instagram. My showreel is hosted on Vimeo. Additionally, I have designed my own business cards that reflect my visual identity and include information linking directly to these platforms. I have also prepared an English CV tailored for UK employers, showcasing my experience, technical skills, and project leadership.
For the Chinese market, I am using BOSS Zhipin (China’s leading direct-hire job platform) to explore job opportunities and stay updated with recruitment postings from animation and toy design companies. I also regularly check company career websites and school recruitment channels. I have prepared a Chinese version of my CV, which aligns with regional expectations while highlighting my international education and skills in animation, 3D modelling, and visual storytelling.
To support both markets, I have an updated showreel tailored for animation studios and IP design roles. My portfolio includes short films such as “Be Yourself”, “Fake Truffle”, “Red Scarf”, and the London International Animation Festival trailer “A Crocodile That Wants to Be Pink”, where I served as director and led a creative team. These projects demonstrate my ability to work across pipelines — from concept art to rigging, 3D modelling, and final compositing.
This process has not been linear, but iterative. Each application, rejection, and conversation has sharpened my ability to communicate who I am, not just as a candidate, but as a creator with a story to tell and a brand to build. Next, I will update all my self-promotional materials to include my graduation film, which represents my most refined creative and technical work to date. I also plan to revise my CV once more to better highlight my leadership and IP creation experience. Additionally, I will continue building connections through both online platforms and networking opportunities, such as career fairs, alumni events, and animation festivals.
References:
- Gao, J. (2025) Jing Gao – 3D & 2D Animator. Available at: https://jinggao.cargo.site/ (Accessed: 20 May 2025).
- Kanzhun Limited (2025) BOSS Zhipin – China’s Leading Online Recruitment Platform. Available at: https://www.zhipin.com (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
- London International Animation Festival (2025) London International Animation Festival. Available at: https://www.liaf.org.uk (Accessed: 25 May 2025).
- Vimeo (2025) Vimeo Help Center. Available at: https://vimeo.com/help (Accessed: 17 May 2025).