TYLER TIANWEI Cao


Shanghai Film Company
WE ARE by Cai Guo-Qiang
Five Star Sports
City Moss
The True Cost
Sisyphus Boulder
Drawings
Various Artworks

Shanghai Film (Group) Company


Internship experienceJuly 2025 – Shanghai, China
Graphic design, illustration, event design & production

I joined the Shanghai Animated Film Studio for an internship.  During this experience, I supported the new animated film Nobody for its IP authorization exhibition, marketing efforts, and film premiere. I helped produce promotional displays and visual materials, organize the events, and connect with visitors to boost the film’s visibility and audience engagement.

In addition, I helped the Studio design merchandise for the 2026 New Year, which is the year of the horse in the Chinese Zodiac. Using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, I designed motifs and packaging for a 2026 calendar.

I worked to promote the animated film Nobody. It features four main characters and tells a story of humor, adventure, and traditional Chinese folklore. In the film poster, they carrying a banner reading “盖世英雄”, which means “Hero of Heroes”.  A representative scene from this story depicts the group taking shelter from heavy rain under a small wooden and features moody lighting, misty mountains, and atmospheric backgrounds, capturing both the hardships and camaraderie shared by the group during their journey.
Under the direction of senior creative members of the Studio, I helped create the promotional exhibit for Nobody using both digital and hand drafting and production. The exhibit featured life-sized cutouts of the main characters in a forest-themed setting, surrounded by layered green acrylic sheets and framed posters, conveying the adventurous and humorous tone of the film. The tree-stump stools enhance the playful environmental design, making the area both engaging and photogenic for visitors.

Another area of the exhibit featured original line-art sketches suspended in layers, showcasing the dynamic poses and expressive movements of the characters. The transparent hanging panels create a sense of depth, allowing viewers to observe the animation process from rough gesture drawings to refined character expressions. The exhibit highlights the craftsmanship and hand-drawn charm that define the art style of the film.
A candid moment engaging a visitor in conversation at the exhibition. To convey the film’s playful aesthetic and connection to Chinese folklore, we set up vibrant greenery and character-themed decorations and offered visitors a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
The Nobody production and promotion team standing in front of the themed exhibition booth. Seen here are more aspects of the immersive display design: oversized trees, soft lighting, and  iconic character mascots mirorring the whimsical style of the movie. The team’s cohesive appearance and enthusiastic energy demonstrate the collaborative spirit behind the project.
Letter of Recommendation from  the General Manager of the Studio in support of my work during the internship, translated in both English and Chinese. (Click to zoom)
Another project I undertook during the internship was the Studio’s 2026 New Year calendar. The calendar is packaged in a sleeve  featuring the same illustrations and a transparent window.
The calendar features illustrated characters for the 2026 Chinese Zodiac year of the Horse, and auspicious motifs like red envelopes and persimmons.
The reverse of the sleeve sends the recipient well wishes from the Shanghai Film Company.


All projects


2025 Tyler Tianwei Cao
ttwcao.com
twcao15@gmail.com
+1 201 788 8891