Crystal X Li
Motion Media Designer / Illustrator
The Journey
About Crystal X Li
Born in Shenzhen, China, in 2000, Crystal X Li’s artistic journey began under the guidance of Hou Xiuting, one of the city’s most respected illustrators. Years of training instilled a deep respect for precision and storytelling, shaping a foundation where ideas could transcend the page. In 2019, a move to the U.S. and studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York marked a turning point. There, the mentorship of Lisk Feng—an illustrator known for her collaborations with Chanel, Apple, and The New Yorker Magazine—ignited a shift. Feng’s ability to merge commercial clarity with
profound individuality inspired a pursuit of authenticity in every stroke, leading to the discovery of a voice both unmistakable and uniquely Crystal’s.
Graduate studies at SCAD became a canvas for transformation. The immersive nature of motion graphics revealed endless potential in merging illustration, movement, and conceptual depth. What once was static evolved into kinetic expressions of emotion and story, exploring new realms where design breathes and ideas unfold in time. Crystal’s work now reflects a synthesis of tradition and innovation—a seamless balance of craft, intuition, and boundless creativity.
Education
2024-2026 projected
Savannah College of Art and Design
MFA Motion Media Design. Blending technical skills with conceptual depth, using industry-standard tools bridging narrative and experimental design. Currently preparing a thesis concept experimenting with the integration of illustration and motion.
2019-2024
School of Visual Arts, New York
BFA Illustration. Mentored by Lisk Feng, whose guidance shaped a pursuit of authenticity in my voice.
Graduated with portfolio that bridges traditional illustration practices and experimental visual approaches.
2017-2019
Sendelta Experimental International High School, Shenzhen, China
At this experimental high school, I focused on developing technical skills in visual arts and built a strong foundation in drawing, composition, and conceptual thinking through personalized guidance of How Xiuting, renowned Shenzhen illustrator.
Experience
2024
Lumen Animae Studios,
Los Angeles, USA
• Animation Production Assistant.
2021-2022
Silk Road Visual Company and Digital Technology Research, Shenzhen, China
• Concept and character design / project development for VR interactive show.
2022
Equestrian Club, Shenzhen, China
• Graphic Designer, responsible for the design of all printed material.
Productions
2024
"Axis Mundi"
• 4:00 min, immersive motion graphics projection
2024
"A little bit about my nervous system"
•1:47 min, animated shot
2024
"Honeymoon"
• 1:06 min, animated shot
2023
"Dressage"
• 0:37 min, experimental visual projection loop
2023
"Math Class"
• 0:50 min, animated shot
2023
"Moring After"
• 1min, animated shot
2023
"Madama Butterfly"
• 8 pages hand-made pop-up book
2022
"Silk Road"
• VR interactive show, Concept and Character design / project development
Shows
2022
Xing Art Space Gallery
• Group art show at Xing Art Space Gallery, Shanghai, China
2013
Exlibris group art show
• Taipei, Taiwan. Golden Award