Today we’d like to introduce you to Yifan Sun.
Hi Yifan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2016, I took a brave step by leaving my job at a bank to pursue my passion for animation. Since I was young, I’ve always had a deep love for drawing and music, and becoming an artist has been my lifelong dream. However, I only considered them as hobbies until one day, when I realized that my passion for art was stronger than I had imagined. I knew it was time for a change in my life. So, I dedicated a year to learning the fundamentals of animation, exploring different art styles, and creating my very first short film.
After completing my year of preparation, I enrolled in SCAD to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in animation. During the three years of my studies, I cherished every moment of learning new things, acquiring fresh skills, and meeting incredibly talented artists. It was a transformative experience that not only broadened my understanding of the animation industry but also helped me discover the specific path I wanted to take in my career. When I graduated, I was fortunate enough to secure my first job at a motion design studio as an animator and designer. Working alongside a team of highly skilled professionals, we have collaborated on numerous exciting projects, combining our talents to create remarkable work.
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 faced many challenges along the way. When I decided to quit my job and start a new career from scratch, most people around me couldn’t understand and some didn’t support me. Learning English also proved to be tough, and I experienced failures that left me feeling stressed and full of self-doubt. However, I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for their support and unwavering belief in my abilities. Their encouragement helped me overcome the difficulties of living alone in a foreign country.
During my time at SCAD, I went through a period of confusion. After learning more about the industry, I wasn’t sure which direction to take. I enjoyed exploring various skills and art styles, but I knew I needed to identify my strengths and the field I was most passionate about for my future career. After some exploration, I realized that motion graphic design was where I wanted to focus my efforts.
Despite the difficulties, I continue to push forward. I’ve learned to embrace the unknown, trust in my abilities, and remain open to new opportunities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I work as an animator and designer with a specific focus on 2D design and animation. I have a deep appreciation for illustrative art styles and the art of storytelling. Exploring the fusion of 2D and 3D techniques and styles is something I truly enjoy, as it allows me to push the boundaries and discover the endless possibilities that emerge when multiple techniques are combined in a single work.
While my studio projects primarily revolve around commercials, I hold a strong interest in creating short animated films. These films often draw inspiration from my own life experiences and observations. For instance, my love for cats is often reflected in my artwork, as I have great pleasure from drawing and animating cats characters. I’ve even created a series of animated shorts which is about the daily life of my own beloved cat.
One particular project that holds great significance to me is my final project at SCAD, a two-minute animated short film titled “Judgement.” This film sheds light on the issue of cyberbullying, aiming to raise awareness among viewers. While I am aware that I alone cannot change the world, I hope to express myself and contribute to meaningful conversations through my artistic endeavors.
I take pride in the opportunity to use my creative skills to engage with social issues and make a positive impact, no matter how small. It is through these endeavors that I am able to share my unique perspective and connect with others on a deeper level.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
From my own experience, to expand one’s network as an artist, leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn is crucial. Sharing your best artwork and behind-the-scenes process, actively engaging with the artistic community by liking, commenting, and sharing others’ work, and using relevant hashtags can significantly boost visibility. Joining artist communities and groups offers valuable opportunities to connect with peers, seek feedback, and grow. Furthermore, embracing collaborations and sharing opportunities with fellow artists enables learning, reaching new audiences, and broadening artistic horizons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yifansun.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yifsun_animation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yifan-sun-8016a8171/
