Some stories begin quietly in the corner of a classroom, in sketchbooks filled with impossible worlds, or in whispered dreams shared between friends. For SISB Alumni Jay and Jin those early sparks of imagination eventually blossomed into something extraordinary.
Today, this SISB-born duo is making waves across the animation world from their base in Los Angeles, directing breathtaking visual pieces that blend rich storytelling with experimental art forms rooted deeply in Southeast Asian culture. And it’s more than just creative vision. Their work has reached millions around the world, from crafting visuals for global brands like Apple to bringing magic to the stage as part of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
Now represented by the acclaimed creative studio Hornet, Jay and Jin continue to push artistic boundaries on a global scale. We were incredibly fortunate to sit down with them as they shared how two SISB classmates transformed their shared passion into a visionary journey through the world of animation.
Jin and Jay’s Short Film: A Place to Call Home
The Interview
Q: Let’s rewind back to your time at SISB. What were you both like as students, and did you ever imagine you’d be where you are now?
A: We always had this feeling we’d end up doing something together. The creative world was our little bubble even back then.
Jin describes Jay:
Jay was the art kid, always hanging around the art room which felt like this cozy studio where he’d just draw and make things all day.
Jay describes Jin:
Jin was more of the activity kid, bouncing between sports, music, and even putting together a band with her friends at one point. Looking back now, it feels kinda obvious we’d find our way into creating side by side.
Q: From SISB classmates to a full-fledged directing duo, did your friendship and creative collaboration begin during your school years? What was that experience like, and how did it shape your path forward?
A: Our friendship and skills first grew at SISB and later carried into our shared path at INDA in Chulalongkorn, where we both learned to push our design skills further. And while we were not “directing” yet we were constantly bouncing ideas and cheering each other on. That kind of support made it natural to trust each other’s instincts.
By the time we stepped into the industry, working together felt like a continuation of something that had already started back then. After spending decades side by side almost every day, it feels natural as a directing duo; just one look and we already know what the other is thinking. Shaping our path forward has always been about balance, respecting each other’s vision, and keeping the passion alive by bouncing ideas back and forth.
Q: You’ve worked with some of the biggest brands and celebrities. Can you share a moment where you felt especially proud of your work?
A: Being in our mid-twenties and having the opportunity to be among the first Thai animation directors to collaborate with top brands is something we deeply appreciate and never take for granted. What makes it even more surreal is being trusted by legends in the industry who were already shaping the field before we were born. But the moments that mean the most to us are when we can bring our Thai peers into global projects like Apple, Mars Wrigley and celebrate those wins together, especially when we see their names included in the credits for the world to recognize.
Q: A lot of your work is rooted in Southeast Asian culture. How do you approach such storytelling for a global audience and what responsibilities come with that?
A: We believe the most powerful stories come from places that feel personal, and Southeast Asian culture is endlessly rich with inspiration. Every street holds folklore, rhythm, and memory, and there is beauty in the chaos we grew up with.
For us, it is not about polishing things to perfection but about honoring the rawness, the imperfections, and the little stories hidden within them. We see it as a way to pass on pieces of home that might otherwise go unnoticed, but deserve to be seen and felt.
Q: If both of you could go back and give your younger selves one piece of advice while still at SISB, what would it be?
Jin: We actually talk about this a lot! Our advice would be to keep doing what you are doing and give your best in whatever you take on so you will have no regrets. If you are clear about your goals and stay true to them, life has a way of leading you where you want to be.
Jay: We would tell our younger selves to dream bigger and never underestimate what we are capable of. In the creative world age does not matter and where you come from does not matter. What matters is what you have to say and how you contribute to culture. Believing in your vision fully allows it to grow and reach the people it is meant to reach. The only real barrier is the self doubt you place in front of yourself, and once you let that go the possibilities are endless.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Jay and Jin for sharing their inspiring journey. To continue following their work and creative pursuits, be sure to connect with them on their platforms: