I am Joe Chang, an award-winning Chinese-born Canadian animation director, artist, and professor with a passion for exploring artistic expression through animation. I studied painting and printmaking at the Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts in China, furthered my studies at Tama Art University in Tokyo, then moved to Canada where I directed animation films for the National Film Board of Canada, including my independently created short film "The Chinese Violin". Over my career, I have founded the animation program at China Academy of Art and served as a professor and vice dean, dedicating nearly two decades to animation and painting. Currently, I work as an independent artist and animation director based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. My body of work includes 17 short art animation films and co-created feature-length animation films that have won over 66 international awards and been selected for more than 100 international film festivals worldwide. I also invented VINYL Ink Painting and exhibited my works in numerous solo and group shows across China, Canada, Japan, and the USA.…

Joe Chang

I am Joe Chang, an award-winning Chinese-born Canadian animation director, artist, and professor with a passion for exploring artistic expression through animation. I studied painting and printmaking at the Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts in China, furthered my studies at Tama Art University in Tokyo, then moved to Canada where I directed animation films for the National Film Board of Canada, including my independently created short film "The Chinese Violin". Over my career, I have founded the animation program at China Academy of Art and served as a professor and vice dean, dedicating nearly two decades to animation and painting. Currently, I work as an independent artist and animation director based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. My body of work includes 17 short art animation films and co-created feature-length animation films that have won over 66 international awards and been selected for more than 100 international film festivals worldwide. I also invented VINYL Ink Painting and exhibited my works in numerous solo and group shows across China, Canada, Japan, and the USA.…

Available to hire

I am Joe Chang, an award-winning Chinese-born Canadian animation director, artist, and professor with a passion for exploring artistic expression through animation. I studied painting and printmaking at the Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts in China, furthered my studies at Tama Art University in Tokyo, then moved to Canada where I directed animation films for the National Film Board of Canada, including my independently created short film “The Chinese Violin”. Over my career, I have founded the animation program at China Academy of Art and served as a professor and vice dean, dedicating nearly two decades to animation and painting.

Currently, I work as an independent artist and animation director based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. My body of work includes 17 short art animation films and co-created feature-length animation films that have won over 66 international awards and been selected for more than 100 international film festivals worldwide. I also invented VINYL Ink Painting and exhibited my works in numerous solo and group shows across China, Canada, Japan, and the USA.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Guest Professor at China Academy of Art, Film and Animation School
December 30, 2020 - August 24, 2025
Guest professor contributing to the Film and Animation School courses and programs.
Dean and Professor at Zhejiang University of Technology, Art School
December 31, 2016 - August 25, 2025
Led the art school as dean and professor overseeing academic programs and faculty development from 2009 to 2016.
Dean and Professor at Zhejiang University of Technology, Art School
December 31, 2016 - August 25, 2025
Served as Dean and Professor, overseeing the art school and contributing to academic leadership and curriculum development.
Independent Artist and Animation Director at Self-employed
January 1, 2016 - Present
Currently working independently in Vancouver, BC, producing award-winning animated films and artworks, and exhibiting internationally.
Independent Artist and Animation Director
January 1, 2016 - Present
Currently working independently in Vancouver, BC, creating animated short films, feature films, and engaging in animation installation artworks with an international presence.
Founder of Animation Program, Professor, Vice Dean, Doctoral Supervisor at China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Founded the animation program and served in academic leadership and teaching roles in media and animation, mentoring doctoral candidates while producing award-winning animation and painting works for almost two decades.
Founder and Animation Program Director at China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Founded the animation program, served as vice dean, professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Media and Animation. Led academic and creative initiatives across animation and painting disciplines.
Animation Writer-Director at National Film Board of Canada
January 1, 1990 - Present
Worked as an animation director and writer, creating animated short films including independently made 'The Chinese Violin'.
Animation Director and Animator at National Film Board of Canada
January 1, 1990 - Present
Worked as an animation writer-director creating independent short films, including the award-winning short film "The Chinese Violin."
Instructor at Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts
December 31, 1987 - August 25, 2025
Taught printmaking and related subjects after graduating, fostering students' understanding of visual arts and fine arts education from 1982 to 1987.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Painting and Printmaking at Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts, Shenyang, China
September 1, 1982 - August 25, 2025
MFA Coursework in Printmaking at Graduate School of Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan
May 1, 1988 - August 25, 2025
Bachelor of Arts at Lu-Xun Academy of Fine Arts, Shenyang, China
September 1, 1978 - June 30, 1982
MFA Studies (non-completed) at Graduate School of Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan
May 1, 1988 - August 25, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other

Skills

Experience Level