Aquarius|ENFJ |Sports|Bright Colors|Finding Waterfalls|Taking Walk in Strange Cities
EDUCATION
California Institute of the Arts, Santa Clarita, CA, USA September 2021 - May 2025
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photo and Media
- Minor of Digital Media Art
- CalArts Merit-based Scholarship (2021–2025) · GPA: 3.7/4.0
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Ping’s Garden Ticket, thesis show, Calarts Main Gallery, Santa Clarita, CA, USA March 2025
- Independently curated and presented an installation in a 484 sq ft (45 m²) gallery space, featuring my thesis show of 5 technical interactive installations, 20 photographic pieces, and a 3-hour documentary.
- By leveraging multi-sensory interaction technologies such as emotion recognition in combination with video storytelling, this project—drawing inspiration from the Biophilia Hypothesis—constructs dual environments of the “real” and the “artificial” garden. Its aim is to question the role of digital technology in mediating the relationship between humans and nature, and to engage audiences in reflecting on the blurred boundaries between authentic nature and technological illusion.
- Attracted an audience of 100+ at the opening and was recognized for its social impact theme; selected by the Dean of the School of Art and the Dean of Photography to deliver the Accepted Students Day speech.
Tidal Wishes, Koi Dreams, team leader, Nantong Culture and Tourism Bureau, Nantong, China August 2025
- Led a 4-member team to translate the optimism and resilience of Nantong communities as a source of hope for those discouraged by today’s economic downturn.
- Conducted site-specific research through 100+ field interviews with local citizens; organized project production timeline, coordinated team ideation process, and negotiation with the City Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
She Then, She Now, independent social research project, China and USA 2021-2025
- Extended from my solo exhibition Earth Bubbles (2023), this research gathers 20 women from 10+ cities across China to engage in intergenerational dialogues. Investigated how experiences of social responsibility, family, and work are transmitted across generations through the Intergenerational Transmission Theory.
- Positioned the dialogues as both art therapy and cultural exchange, aiming to inspire mature women through the experiences of older generations, while offering older participants renewed vitality through youth perspectives.
WORK EXPERIENCE
.monks Shanghai (Media Monks), Shanghai, China - Strategy Intern September 2025 - December 2025
- Conducted 20+ runners research for the Under Armour Velociti campaign; reported findings to the strategy team leader and collaborated with creative and production teams to finalize the campaign video with UA’s marketing team.
- Analyzed 300+ social media posts for social listening insights, identifying consumer perceptions of Chinese Valentine’s Day and Burberry Beauty (COTY) product line.
Yue Ling International Media LLC, Beijing, China - Part-time Communication December 2024 - February 2025
- Researched 10+ Los Angeles–based film festivals and supported the establishment of the Dandelion International Film Festival’s online platform. Designed brand introduction materials, festival logo, and slogan; presented proposals directly to the CEO.
- Updated 50+ filmmaker profiles and managed bilingual content for the company’s official website.
Ogilvy Shanghai, Shanghai, China - Strategy Intern May 2024 - August 2024
- Executed market analysis across 40+ premium brands (entertainment, manufacturing, food), delivering 20+ customer analization reports with actionable insights on brand positioning, influencer partnerships, and digital engagement.
- Conducted data analysis on 15+ projects targeting high-net-worth consumers for luxury brands including Moutai, Yanghe Drean Blue, and Chivas Royal Salute.
Fuben Studio, Shanghai, China - Artist Book Teaching Assistant, Curator June - August 2022&2023
- Guided students aged 15–25 in art book creation, advising on photography choices, design languages, and dummy book production, while developing my own artist book.
- Co-curated interdisciplinary group exhibition Fuben Zone 3, collaborating with Qingchi Gallery and leading the final production team; coordinated multiple stakeholders to deliver a cohesive visitor experience while also exhibiting as a participating artist.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
China Securities Museum, Shanghai, China August 2025
- 60+ hours Bilingual Volunteer Tour Guide
SHUSTUDIO, Los Angeles, CA, USA 2022-2024
- Volunteer Photographer Assistant for 20+ clients & 5000+ photo and videos
Los Angeles Fashion Week 2023FA (LAFW 23FA), Los Angeles, CA, USA October 2023
- 50+ brands Volunteer Photographer (Sponsored by Art Harts Fashion)
SKILLS & INTERESTS
Language: Fluent in English and Mandarin
Software: Web Design (JavaScript, CSS), Arduino, TouchDesigner, SketchUp, Adobe (PS, LR, AI, ID), Final Cut Pro
Interests: 10+ years learning professional photography, Work Selected in 15+ exhibitions, Certificated Junior Ikebana Florist
Email: xintongli0201@gmail.com
Los Angeles | Shanghai
instagram: @lillian020116
instagram photo account: @lilllians.lifenphoto
Feel Free to Contact (^з^)-☆