Meet Joanne Jian | Motion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanne Jian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One of my favorite quotes is “Fake it till you make it.” To me, it’s about embracing the idea that sometimes you have to act like you’re good at something before you’ve fully developed the skills or experience to back it up. It’s not about being deceptive but about projecting confidence and capability, which pushes you to step up and learn what you need to along the way.

In my journey as a motion designer, this mindset has been a game-changer. When I was starting out, I often took on projects that were beyond my current skill set—ones I wasn’t fully prepared for. But instead of backing down, I’d “fake it,” acting like I could handle the work, even though I knew deep down I still had a lot to learn. By doing this, I forced myself to grow and adapt quickly. For example, when I first started freelancing, I accepted projects that required skills I hadn’t yet mastered. I projected confidence and then worked hard to turn that confidence into real competence.

What I love about this quote is that by faking the confidence, you push yourself to grow into it. Eventually, you’re not faking it anymore—you truly have the skills and experience. It has helped me overcome a lot of self-doubt and keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m Joanne, a motion designer based in New York! My journey into motion design began during my undergraduate studies in Taiwan, where I explored everything from typography and package design to animation. It was then that I discovered motion design, and this discovery set the stage for the next chapter of my career, though it wasn’t without its challenges.

The pandemic delayed my plans to move to the U.S. and pursue motion graphics, but in 2022, I made the move, and by 2024, I had completed my studies. During this time, I gained valuable insights into the industry. This experience not only refined my technical skills but also helped me build meaningful connections within the creative community.

Currently working as a motion designer under the name ‘9N.’ The name ‘9N’ subtly reflects my own name, Joanne, as ‘9’ is pronounced ‘Jo’ in Mandarin. I specialize in collage and vector illustration animation, and I’m especially passionate about projects that challenge creative boundaries and tell compelling visual stories. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had thus far and eagerly anticipate continuing to craft visuals that both captivate and inspire.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival & Classic New York Eats
I’d kick off the trip with something simple yet essential: grabbing some classic New York pizza. The great thing is you can barely find a bad slice anywhere! Afterward, I’d explore Chelsea Market—a perfect mix of food, shops, and vibrant energy. It’s a great place to sample more bites, maybe some sushi, lobster, or oysters.

Day 2: The Metropolitan Museum of Art & Central Park
On day two, I would prefer starting with The Met on the Upper East Side. Since The Met is massive and offers so much to explore, I’d dedicate the entire day to it, taking my time to enjoy the exhibits and sections that interest me the most. Central Park is right next to it, so grabbing a coffee and strolling through the park would be a nice way to end the day.

Day 3: MOMA, Times Square & Broadway Show
Next up, I’d visit the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), which is close to many other attractions. Afterward, I would wander around Midtown, grab a classic New York bagel, and maybe catch a view of Rockefeller Center and visit the bookstore in the building. For the evening, a Broadway show in the Theater District is a short walk away. Chicago and Phantom of the Opera would be at the top of my list. Even though Times Square is touristy, it’s a must-see, especially at night when the lights are all aglow.

Day 4: Brooklyn Adventure
No trip to New York is complete without heading to Brooklyn! I would like to start with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge walk, which offers unbeatable views of the skyline. Once in Brooklyn, I’d explore DUMBO, with its local art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. DUMBO is easily accessible from the Brooklyn Bridge and has many nearby attractions.

Day 5: Statue of Liberty & Chinatown
Take a ferry from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty before noon then make a stop at Essex Market and check out The Pickle Guys for some authentic New York pickles—they even have pickled pineapple and mango, which I highly recommend! For dinner, I’d venture to Chinatown for some authentic duck and chang-fen (腸粉)—a must-try rice noodle roll.

Day 6: Final Stroll
I would stop by Poster House, a unique museum dedicated to poster art, which is a cool and underrated stop. The postcards and pins over there are very well-designed—it’s a great place for souvenirs! I’d then walk through The High Line and visit Little Island. The last stop might be revisiting Chelsea Market for one final round of food indulgence before wrapping up.

Day 7: Last Glance
For the last day, I’d take a final stroll through the city to have one last glance at NYC.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m super fortunate to have had the support of some amazing people along the way!

First and foremost, my parents. They’ve always had my back, not just financially but in every sense. Whether I’m chasing a new opportunity or facing a challenge, they’ve always been there as my biggest fans.

I also want to give a huge thanks to Ethan Lin and Grace Ho, my former supervisors. They provided me with the freedom to explore, allowing me to develop both creatively and professionally. Having that kind of trust and freedom early in my career made all the difference. They were always open to my ideas, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

A special shoutout to Tiffany Lo, a motion designer I met at SCAD. She gave me so much motivation when I was just starting out and still figuring out my path in motion design. She always reminded me of my potential, which gave me the confidence to push boundaries and grow in ways I hadn’t expected. Her encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.

And last but definitely not least, I am deeply grateful to Kyuri Kim, an incredibly talented motion designer whom I had the pleasure of working with during my internship at Hornet. She was an amazing guide, consistently pushing me forward during the early stages of my motion design career.

Website: https://www.callme9n.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9n.joanne/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-jian-0898721b8/

Image Credits
Joanne Jian