Hi! I’m Ovena Zhao, a motion-focused animator and interactive media artist based in Providence, RI, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a focus on Animation & Interactive Media at RISD. I enjoy blending traditional illustration with dynamic digital storytelling, exploring 2D character animation, product animations for social channels, and VR-driven game worlds. My work emphasizes playful, user-friendly motion design that enhances narrative and usability across digital platforms. I design micro-interactions, animated illustrations, and UI motion to elevate storytelling and interactivity. I love collaborating across disciplines to craft engaging visual experiences from concept through delivery, with a particular interest in experimental animation, interactive media, and visualizing space through color and motion.

Ovena (Jiahui) Zhao

Hi! I’m Ovena Zhao, a motion-focused animator and interactive media artist based in Providence, RI, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a focus on Animation & Interactive Media at RISD. I enjoy blending traditional illustration with dynamic digital storytelling, exploring 2D character animation, product animations for social channels, and VR-driven game worlds. My work emphasizes playful, user-friendly motion design that enhances narrative and usability across digital platforms. I design micro-interactions, animated illustrations, and UI motion to elevate storytelling and interactivity. I love collaborating across disciplines to craft engaging visual experiences from concept through delivery, with a particular interest in experimental animation, interactive media, and visualizing space through color and motion.

Available to hire

Hi! I’m Ovena Zhao, a motion-focused animator and interactive media artist based in Providence, RI, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a focus on Animation & Interactive Media at RISD. I enjoy blending traditional illustration with dynamic digital storytelling, exploring 2D character animation, product animations for social channels, and VR-driven game worlds. My work emphasizes playful, user-friendly motion design that enhances narrative and usability across digital platforms.

I design micro-interactions, animated illustrations, and UI motion to elevate storytelling and interactivity. I love collaborating across disciplines to craft engaging visual experiences from concept through delivery, with a particular interest in experimental animation, interactive media, and visualizing space through color and motion.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Motion & Graphic Design Intern at MAXIS Creations
January 1, 2026 - Present
Created product animations and brand motion graphics for marketing campaigns; Designed illustrations to enhance brand storytelling; Produced vector assets and motion-ready graphics for digital platforms; Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop engaging visual content.
Animation & Character Design Intern at Zhonggong Culture Industry Development
June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Designed original characters and produced short animations for cultural media projects; Participated in visual development and storytelling; Assisted in creating animation assets for promotional use.
Audio Visual Assistant at RISD Metcalf
September 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Provided audiovisual support and setup for events and classes; Assisted with equipment management and technical workflows.
Teacher Assistant at RISD
February 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026
Supported RISD professors in classroom activities and course delivery; Assisted with student guidance and administrative tasks.
Audio Visual Assistant at Metcalf RISD
September 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Provided audiovisual support at Metcalf RISD, assisting in media setup, event coverage, and classroom/audience needs.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026

Qualifications

Merit Award
January 11, 2030 - January 30, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other