Image: Jiani Hong’s Website
In the restless, image-saturated landscape of Los Angeles, Jiani Hong has emerged as a defining new voice in motion design. Raised in China and rooted now in LA’s creative core, Hong brings a cross-cultural perspective that sets her apart—a perspective shaped by Asian aesthetics, cinematic discipline, and an instinct for visual storytelling that feels both intimate and expansive.
Jiani’s work doesn’t simply catch attention; it sets a new standard for what screen-based art can evoke. Her signature blends Zen-inspired minimalism with the dynamic pulse of contemporary design, earning industry awards and recognition for originality and vision. As a leader among a new generation of visual creators, Hong is not only shaping narratives—she’s reframing the possibilities of motion and meaning for a global audience.Building Career at the Intersection of Story and Design
Image: Jiani Hong’s Website
Jiani Hong’s creative foundation was laid at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design, where she earned her BFA in Graphic Design. It was there that she began developing her now-signature cinematic approach to visual storytelling—an emotionally rich, motion-driven practice that threads through her career. Her philosophy blends visual narrative with cross-cultural creativity, echoing both her Chinese heritage and the eclectic artistic climate of Los Angeles.
As a new-generation visual creator, Hong’s work spans motion design, brand identity systems, 2D/3D animation, and title sequence creation. She’s received notable recognition from respected institutions such as Young Ones TDC, Core77 Design Awards, Graphis New Talent, and Communication Arts—testament to her ability to deliver both creative originality and technical excellence.
Zen Minimalism Meets Motion Design
Image: Jiani Hong’s Bizen Gallery Title Sequence
Among her most personal and striking pieces is the title sequence created for BIZEN GALLERY AOYAMA. Rooted in Zen philosophy and the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the project reflects her deep engagement with Eastern visual traditions. “The spirit lies in its simplicity, minimalism, and rawness,” Hong says. “A kind of beauty that doesn’t rely on decoration, but instead embraces what is natural, silent, and unforced.”
The work visualizes the creation of Bizen pottery—its forms shaped as much by nature as by hand—drawing a poetic comparison to volcanic eruptions, where lava cools into unpredictable, textured landscapes. This project encapsulates her ability to turn abstract cultural values into moving visual stories that resonate beyond language. It serves not only as a tribute to her roots but also as a meditation on process, transformation, and stillness.
Leading Creative for Global Campaigns
Image: Jiani Hong’s The Courier Title Sequence
Beyond independent work, Hong has taken on high-impact roles at top creative agencies. As a motion art director at Petrol Advertising, she participated in the launch and promotion of blockbuster entertainment campaigns. Her portfolio includes motion and animation design for Squid Game: Unleashed, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO—all projects requiring cinematic precision and creative leadership.
In these roles, she worked on concept development, art direction, and visual execution across fast-paced, high-stakes pipelines for clients such as Netflix, Activision, Bandai Namco, Bethesda Softworks, and Tripwire Interactive. Even amid commercial constraints, Hong brings a clear signature—a focus on visual depth and emotional storytelling that elevates brand narratives into immersive, cinematic experiences.
Philosophy in Motion
Image: Jiani Hong’s Amoeba Music Rebrand
Hong’s work is grounded in a belief that visual storytelling can be both reflective and connective. “Stories are bridges,” she says. “Through motion design, I hope to connect different ways of seeing and feeling—inviting more people into the quiet power and nuance of Eastern aesthetics.”
It is this blend of philosophical grounding and aesthetic clarity that defines her voice in today’s design landscape. With every project, Hong champions not just visual excellence, but cultural resonance—building a body of work that is as conceptually meaningful as it is technically masterful.
A Rising Leader in Contemporary Design
Image: Jiani Hong’s “Break Up” Project
Jiani Hong represents a new generation of global creatives—thoughtful, interdisciplinary, and rooted in both tradition and innovation. Her ability to translate cultural nuance into compelling motion narratives makes her a vital voice in LA’s design community and beyond.
With an expanding portfolio of award-winning projects, international recognition, and a vision shaped by heritage and experimentation, she continues to reimagine what motion design can mean in the 21st century. Her work not only leaves an impression—it leaves a mark.
About the Author
Sophie Liang is a writer and editor exploring the evolving landscape of design, culture, and creativity. She’s interested in the quiet forces that shape bold ideas and the people who turn vision into form. Her work blends narrative insight with a sharp eye for aesthetics and innovation. When not writing, she’s usually collecting visual references or getting lost in independent films.