Today we’d like to introduce you to Xuan Huang.
Hi Xuan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello! My name is Xuan Huang, and my friends all call me “Kristy”. After graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design, I’m now an FX Artist at Fuse FX, which is an award-winning Visual Effects providing VFX services for television, feature films, commercials, & virtual productions. I first became interested in art when I was in Grade Two. One of my favorite comic books was W.I.T.C.H., an Italian fantasy Disney comics series. I enjoyed following the tutorial at the end of the book and drawing my own characters during that time. Later, I stumbled upon a software called “Photoshop” on my grandfather’s PC. Looking back, it’s clear that the moment I clicked the little unknown icon on the screen would determine my creative path.
The other moment happens in Grade Seven. I had a class called “information technology” at that time. That class was the first time I got to touch a programming language and found that I am kind of good at it. To me, programming was different from other subjects like Chinese and English. In programming, “Yes” means “yes” and “No” means “no”, and there was no guessing involved. It was so logical and straightforward. This was so fascinating to me since in other subjects, I had to “understand things”, which meant “guessing in nowhere” for me at that time.
I’m gradually getting more into computer graphics art, from 2D to 3D, from static images to animations. I became one of the leaders of the Student Union of my high school and responsible for the art department. I participated in almost all school events, providing designs for posters, stage designs, videos, etc… Event runners came to me and described what they want, it was a great time to listen to others’ thoughts and dreams. “Tell me what you want, and I will make it for you.” almost became my slogan. It’s definitely one of the best times in my life.
Though I was that active in art in high school, “Art” was never an option for my future. My family had a clear plan for my future: to become a teacher, a nurse, or a doctor – with no consideration for art whatsoever. I personally resist these routes and I clearly know that I am not suitable for these jobs. Being a “good kid” all the time, I didn’t know how to express my thoughts and communicate with my family. This conflict gave me huge pressure and it grew unbearable in my last year of high school. I was sensitive, sleepless, and anxious 24/7. It was a time that I still occasionally have nightmares about it now.
In this situation, I did badly on my university entrance exam. The good thing was now it’s impossible for me to become a teacher, a nurse, or a doctor. My mother was disappointed but I was glad I survived. After some time, I was able to pursue my passion for art by learning Digital Media Arts in college. Eventually, I got a job at the local TV station while I was still at school, and this experience helped my family understand that this was the best career path for me.
I experienced as many positions as I can in the TV station. I finally found Visual Effects is the thing I meant to do. It’s logically beautiful and creative, and most important, it does the thing I always do and wanna do: “Tell me your dream, and I will make it come true”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve come to realize that most of the obstacles I face are self-imposed. I have a tendency to say “yes” to almost anyone who asks for something, whether it’s a client or someone else. It sounds arrogant and impossible. On the contrary, I’m often cowardly and suspicious of my abilities. I worry that if I don’t work hard enough, the world will abandon me. Whenever I see incredible art or hear about others’ accomplishments, I feel panic and wonder if I’m not working hard enough or smart enough to stay in the industry. Sometimes I even wish there were a scorecard to tell me where I really stand, although I completely agree that’s not the world should be. This mentality has led me to take on too much work, resulting in burnout and preventing me from pursuing new opportunities or taking risks. Eventually, this problem reached a critical point in my final year of college. I was in a panic that I couldn’t finish my graduation project to the best of my ability, and worse, I began to experience physical symptoms and even stopped eating for three days. It was then that I realized I needed to change. I researched and found that the best thing for me to do was to ask for help – but this is not something that comes easily to me. However, I knew that I needed to take action in order to avoid the serious consequences of my current behavior.
I finally mustered up the courage to ask my professors for help, knowing they were always willing to assist. During my Houdini class, I spoke up to my professor and told her I’m struggling with my thesis and might need some help. Then things happened way faster than my imagination. Dr. Fowler, the professor of my Houdini class, responded immediately: she urged me to take some time to rest and help me reach out to other professors for assistance. Mr. Robertson, my thesis committee chair, call me shortly afterward and offered to help me tidy up my project. And other professors all start helping me. It was my first time feeling like I wasn’t alone and that I had the backing and strength to ask for help.
I’m grateful for the support I received from my professors and am more confident in my ability to complete my thesis with their guidance. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson: asking for help it’s a sign of strength to recognize when I need assistance and seek it out. Although I still struggle with asking for help, I’m trying my best to connect to others, ask for help, and remember I’m not alone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work as an FX Artist, specializing in creating captivating visual effects such as water, fire, and other elements. I’m also passionate about designing 3D environments and motion media that leave a lasting impression. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working on some amazing projects, including student films, TV shows, and dramas. One of my recent works was for the Netflix show “Diploma.” I take pride in my problem-solving skills and enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions. It’s like working on a puzzle and it brings me great joy. I also love creating projects that are uniquely my own, like “Yukaku”, where I created a beautiful environment with houses, plants, and fx like rain in Unreal engine.
What sets me apart from other FX Artists is my ability to learn new software quickly and integrate them to achieve the project’s objectives. I’m always eager to take on new challenges, and my passion for creating stunning visuals fuels my dedication and commitment to the craft.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
o be honest, there’s something about me that most people don’t know. I have a secret love for hand-crafting and mechanics. Whenever I have free time, you can find me tinkering with materials, creating unique pieces from scratch. I find it incredibly fulfilling to take raw materials and turn them into something beautiful and useful. Sometimes, I even create costumes for my furry friends or indulge in embroidery and woodworking.
One thing I find particularly fascinating is mechanical devices. I enjoy exploring how different components, such as gears and pulleys, work together to create a more complex system. My interest in mechanics often influences my work as an FX Artist, as I’m always looking for ways to incorporate movement and motion into my projects. This passion has allowed me to create visuals that are not only stunning but also realistic, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of mechanical systems.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xuanhuang.pb.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayarinkristy/ https://www.instagram.com/ayakristyart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-xuan-huang/
