Today we’d like to introduce you to Yitong Wang.
Hi Yitong, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My art path retreats to art classes at elementary school, which was quite dull. The first time I found the usefulness of expressing emotions through drawing and writing was that particular Christmas in fourth grade. I used glitter gel pens and sketched a very asymmetrical house on a red gift card. All my family members are in that house, and I remember it so clearly that I could keep the good memories forever by imprinting them on physical materials. That began a deep emotional connection to my hands and materials, though I never retook a professional drawing class after elementary school.
When I applied to undergrad art programs, I couldn’t make a skillful or meticulous drawing piece, but I put emotions and resonance in the portfolio. Thanks to my portfolio tutors, I discovered freedom between brush strokes and ecstasy through experimenting with different materials such as paper patterns and trash. By trying out every fine art course at UCLA, I decided to concentrate on film photography and new media, which matched my strong interest in materials and expression. Then, I explored a new interest in film production, especially in scriptwriting and set experience.
Now, my major works are creative writing, scriptwriting, and video editing. Photography has become my daily habit, be it film photography or snapshots. I’m not limited to these mediums but open to more, like AIGC apps.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been as smooth as I thought. What I learned from the art program is unlike reality regarding practical skills and career development. While everyone excels at critiques, most real-world companies care less about artistic expression. I remember setting the standard so high at school and thought I could work as a professional right after college. After graduating, I found that my mindset and working methods were too academic or ideal, taking a long time to finish one small task. I still have the struggle, but it’s helpful to experience it until it is balanced.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m doing a lot of work right now, but I’d like to talk about writing short screenplays. I’m working on sci-fi and drama genres, aiming for fests and contests. I specialize in accurately describing dreams and building character relationships. And I keep journals for 5 minutes a day. I’m very proud of remembering the details of my dreams, some I had years ago—they are one of my inspirational sources.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Optimistic, Dedicative, Embracive, and Collaborative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yitongwang.space/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/not_real_yitong?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelaniw/
Image Credits
Image #1 #2: Film stills from “22 Minutes to 7” (dir. Yitong Wang), experimental, 13′, 2023 Image #3-#7: Photography work from 2019-2023, artist Yitong Wang
