Today we’d like to introduce you to Yu Shu.
Hi Yu, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I enrolled in the International Foundation Course at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in 2017. Throughout the course, I delved into traditional 2D animation and ultimately made the decision to focus on learning 3D art. In 2018, I pursued a major in Computer Art & Computer Animation and Visual Effects at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Within SVA, I chose to specialize in 3D animation with the goal of becoming an animator. After graduation, I started as an intern at Epic Games and converted to a full-time animator after that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I consider myself fortunate to be one of those kids who discovered their passion at a young age, so my road is pointing in the right direction. However, one of the struggles I faced was determining the art form I wanted to specialize in. Before entering college, I devoted years to fine art training. Initially, I trained in art studios in my hometown, Nanjing. At the age of 16, I attended larger art camps in Beijing. It took some time to find the ideal place to solidify my art foundation and develop my art style. Upon gaining admission to CAFA, I chose to focus on 2D animation, even though I was hesitant and fearful about my future. The 2D animation industry in China was highly competitive and offered relatively low pay. While contemplating a shift towards graphic design, I ultimately reaffirmed my commitment to what I love and decided to specialize in 3D Animation.
During my senior year at SVA, I used Unreal Engine to render my thesis film, optimizing the render time. Through the process of learning and creating with Unreal, I discovered an enjoyment for crafting sets and creating game experiences. Post-graduation, my goal was to seek a position where I could animate and work with real time engines. In this case, pursuing a career as a game animator seemed to be the perfect fit. In the months following graduation, I took an unpaid game animator internship in the main while enrolling in an online game animation workshop at iAnimate. Keeping myself occupied alleviated the anxieties from job hunting, and the experience during that period proved to be enriching. After numerous interviews, including times of being ghosted after promising interactions, I almost lost my confidence. Fortunately, I received the internship opportunity from Epic Games.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an animator, I find joy in infusing spirit into 3D characters or objects, utilizing movement to narrate. 3D animation involves using 3D assets and software to create 2D shapes. Animators usually receive notes in the form of 2D draw-overs on top of a 3D clip, emphasizing the importance of 2D shape in each frame. With a background in fine art and 2D animation, I possess a solid understanding of body movement and physical rules, making it my specialty.
In cinematic animation, animators often utilize a model’s geometry to cheat shapes for optimal results on camera. However, game animation presents a unique challenge as it is not confined to a single viewing angle. I take pride in animating a shot from all angles.
In my thesis film Scar, my partner Xinyi Xu and I opted for a 2D water-painted shading to tell a story rooted in historical Asian background, specifically about the Khitan people in the Liao Dynasty (907-1125). We conducted thorough research on historical outfits, assets, and collaborated with a professional well-versed in the nomadic lifestyle. Seeking a more authentic way to narrate Asian stories in 3D has become a crucial aspect of my artistic exploration.
Currently, many major Chinese 3D animation studios adopt Western aesthetics or Japanese anime shading to portray Asian characters, as this approach has proven to be promising and profitable. Unfortunately, small studios led by independent artists working on developing Chinese 3D animation styles often face challenges in securing financial support. While the outlook may not be entirely optimistic, there are still artists who strive for it, and their effort is encouraging for individuals with similar goals.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I want to share my experience with young artists who might be struggling to choose the best-fit art form for their career. Because art forms are interconnected, choosing one does not limit you but only enriches your skill set toward your goals. You can’t determine your best fit until you’ve actually experienced it. Additionally, for those who feel unconfident during job hunting, I’d advise against questioning yourself. Instead, focus on building your portfolio, enhancing your skills, and patiently await the right opportunity, which will inevitably come sooner or later. Avoid worrying too much about things that are beyond our control.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yuwantatail.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophieyuart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yushuart/
Image Credits
Yu Shu
Xinyi Xu
Epic Games
