Xiaoqi Zhao
I enjoy exploring emotional expression, surreal visual language, and the interplay between sound and moving images.
These are some of my representative works from my Master’s degree — I hope you enjoy them!
E-mail: aqi372192180@gmail.com
Xiaoqi Zhao, 'OoOoops... Wrong Mushroom'
This short animation explores a surreal, first-person journey after unknowingly eating a poisonous mushroom. Mixing film grain textures, hand-drawn elements, and hallucinatory motion, the piece visualises shifting perceptions through anthropomorphic animals, distorted sound, and experimental typography. It reminds us that what we see isn't always what’s real — and sometimes, illusions feel more vivid than truth.
Xiaoqi Zhao, 'Showreel'
A selection of motion works from my Master’s study, combining brand projects, surreal visuals, and emotional storytelling. Focused on rhythm, color, and movement, this reel reflects my design voice across both commercial and experimental pieces.
Xiaoqi Zhao, 'Shadows of the Golden Gate'
An opening title sequence for a noir crime drama set in 1930s San Francisco. The animation follows a weary detective drawn into Chinatown’s hidden world while searching for a missing nightclub singer. Presented entirely in black and white, it uses stark contrasts, drifting cigarette smoke, and fragmented reflections to create an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The soundtrack features suspenseful Chinese instrumental motifs, highlighting the cultural fusion and unease beneath the city’s glamorous surface.
Xiaoqi Zhao, 'Spaceways'
Spaceways is a motion design journey through the history and future of space exploration. Tracing humanity’s dream of reaching the stars — from early rocket tests and the first animals in orbit, to the Moon landing and modern plans for Mars — the animation combines archival-inspired visuals with futuristic motion graphics.
Xiaoqi Zhao, Brand Design | STYLESCAPE :Wake Up Your Smile
A playful toothpaste gift set designed to turn daily routines into joyful rituals. Inspired by bold pop graphics and expressive smiles, the packaging features explosive fruit flavors like Watermelon Splash, Berry Blast + Banana, and Tropical Mango Tango. Combining vibrant color blocking, distorted type, and dynamic social media assets, this project celebrates emotional expression and morning energy — because a loud smile is the best way to wake up.
Xiaoqi Zhao, 'BRAND MOTION DESIGN - Wake Up Your Smile '
This motion design piece promotes the Flavor Burst travel-size toothpaste line with a playful, flavour-driven concept. It visually translates tropical tastes into dynamic motion sequences, designed for high engagement across social media platforms. Bright colors, rhythmic transitions, and expressive type bring the brand’s bold energy to life — making brushing feel like a mini-vacation.