Leo (Liyue) Bai, 2D/3D Motion Designer and Digital Artist.
In the highly competitive world of motion graphics, where creative vision must seamlessly merge with technical mastery, Leo (Liyue) Bai has emerged as a distinct force. Specializing in advanced 3D design, Bai’s portfolio is defined by his ability to render complex emotional narratives and major brand identities into visually compelling cinematic experiences. His distinguished body of work, which includes a significant contribution to an Emmy Award-winning documentary—serves as a powerful benchmark for excellence in the field.
Critical Role in Award-Winning Production
Among Bai’s most compelling achievements is his crucial work on the motion design component for Jim Henson Idea Man. This documentary, which secured the Emmy Award for Outstanding Motion Design, stands as definitive evidence of his contribution to a project recognized at the highest levels of the American television industry. Among Bai’s most compelling achievements is his crucial, leading work on the motion design component for Jim Henson Idea Man. This documentary, which secured the Emmy Award for Motion Graphics, stands as definitive evidence of his contribution to a project recognized at the highest levels of the American television industry. Working alongside the distinguished creative firm BGSTR, Bai’s role involved crafting the visual systems and kinetic sequences that anchored the film's narrative. He was specifically tasked with spearheading the visualization and creation of 'The Cube,' a complex 3D simulated environment inspired by Henson's 1969 NBC Experiment in Television. To solve this large creative puzzle, Bai originated the 3D simulated cube as an essential platform for visual exploration, guiding the team through numerous trials, including debating whether to project abstract or archival imagery. His specialized application of 3D animation and visual effects was integral to delivering the final, perfect storytelling device: a dynamic 'Cube' capable of thematically conjuring imagery tailored to each interview, reflecting Henson's innovative mind and elevating the documentary’s archival material into a contemporary visual masterpiece. His specialized application of 3D animation and visual effects was integral to transforming the documentary’s archival material into a dynamic, contemporary piece of visual storytelling.
3D Simulated Cube Projection for Disney Plus’s Jim Henson: Idea Man Documentary (Studio: BGSTR)
Defining Visuals for Blockbuster Entertainment
Bai’s expertise in high-impact visual communication and his role as a trusted creative designer and animator is further underscored by his direct involvement in the campaign for House of the Dragon Season 2. As one of the most anticipated television events globally, the campaign demanded world-class motion design to capture the epic scale and dramatic intensity of the fantasy series. This engagement required Bai to collaborate directly with high-level clients, demonstrating their confidence in his and his team’s vision and his ability to independently lead the execution of complex visuals. His work on this high-stakes, globally recognized intellectual property demonstrates an ability to execute mission-critical visuals for clients operating at the pinnacle of international entertainment.
Furthermore, his versatility extends into corporate and cultural identity work. His contributions to the comprehensive AMC rebranding, a major network identity refresh, showcase his capacity to shape the visual recognition of a prominent media giant. This project required a deep understanding of brand strategy, ensuring the 3D design frames that became a significant look in AMC’s banners, exterior monitors, and its event presentation, etc were not merely decorative, but structurally essential to the network's on-screen and off-screen presence.
3D Styleframes for AMC Rebranding for Live Event and Digital Platforms (Studio: BGSTR)
A Stylistic Signature: From K-Pop to Core Identity
What sets Bai’s work apart is a consistent application of technical rigor, utilizing industry-standard tools like Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe After Effects to achieve striking, emotionally resonant outcomes.
This signature style is equally effective across different cultural landscapes, as seen in his motion design for the K-Pop concept teaser, Close Your Eyes’s Snowy Summer: Breaking News In a genre known for its groundbreaking and visually demanding aesthetics, Bai’s work captured the ephemeral, high-concept nature of the teaser, positioning his creative output at the intersection of international entertainment and cutting-edge visual technology.
From designing the core identity for a major cable network to providing the visuals for an Emmy-winning project Jim Henson Idea Man, Leo Bai’s work proves that he is not just a skilled practitioner, but a creative architect whose 3D motion design significantly contributes to the national and international media landscape. His sustained track record of high-profile projects and recognition as a Winner of Red Dot Awards 2023 and The 2025 Gema Awards Gold Winner confirms his standing among the elite practitioners in the global motion design community.
3D Render for K-pop group, Close Your Eyes’s album release teaser (Client: Ambience Seoul)
Author Info:
Yining Li is a writer specializing in arts and culture, focusing on in-depth interviews with successful artists across major creative fields. She highlights professionals who have achieved success in film, TV, motion graphics, and photography. Her writing aims to showcase the technical skill and creative vision shaping the contemporary visual industry.
Yining Li, Atlanta, Georgia
