Career in comics

Two pieces from his popular work, Wuloom Family. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Unlike the printed version that mainly relies on drawing and storytelling, the animation requires producers to reshape characters as well as add new elements such as motion and music.

"It took us a year for the series' first episode," says the chief director Rao Kunhua. "It's challenging to keep its originality while integrating innovative elements into the show."

Ao is one of the first batch of Taiwan cartoonists like Tsai Chih-chung and Zhu Deyong who have developed their careers on the Chinese mainland.

In 2002, he moved to Guangzhou as "I wanted more readers on the mainland to read my comics", says Ao.

"The comics market here is also very alluring," he says.

Over the past two decades, the Chinese cartoon and animation industry has seen tremendous growth.

In 2010, China overtook the long-established comic kingdom, Japan, as the largest producer of animated films.

Ao has witnessed all these developments.

Wuloom Family, which features traditional Chinese elements such as history and culinary traditions, has also become one of the best-sellers on the mainland.

"I was lucky to be a part of this industry," says Ao.

"The mainland is a great platform for young talent in Taiwan. I hope the cartoon and animation industry on the mainland can maintain its growth."