Check Out Mu-han Yao’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mu-han Yao.

Hi Mu-han, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started during my senior year of college as I was about to graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. To explore different paths, I began delving into the world of art.

My initial venture led me to animation, followed by motion design. Apart from school, I put a considerable amount of time in self-learning, taking relevant classes to nurture my newfound passion. Four months later, I made a bold decision to step out of my comfort zone and pursue what truly ignited my enthusiasm. Eventually, I decided to apply to graduate programs in the United States.

The following year, I enrolled at the School of Visual Arts, specializing in Motion Graphics as part of the Computer Arts program. These two years of academic learning, with a year of work experience during the gap year, resulted in significant personal growth. The journey was filled with exciting possibilities as I met talented peers, creative artists, and industry professionals, all while working on various personal projects.

Now, freshly graduated and based in New York, I am thriving as a freelance motion designer. I am ecstatic about the opportunity to chase my dreams and stay deeply engaged in my true passion. Being part of the animation industry is an absolute joy, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of learning is indeed a challenging one. Given the relatively short timeframe I had to make decisions, there was a lot to catch up in a short amount of time, both in terms of aesthetics and technical skills. In the early stages, I often found myself struggling. Though I had fun learning, I still struggled with the pressure from schoolwork and my family. Additionally, to study abroad would involve significant expenses. Adapting to a completely new environment and career path as a foreigner often led to thoughts of giving up.

After completing my first year of studies, I made the decision to take a gap year to figure out if I truly wanted a career in motion graphics. I entered the industry and took on an internship at studios while also freelancing with clients. This allowed me to gain insights into the roles within animation companies and their production processes. I also saved up for my overseas venture.

Upon completing these experiences, I returned to school a year later with practical experience and newfound confidence. Now, I have a clearer understanding of the kind of artist I want to become and the challenges I’ll face in the future.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most of my works are characterized by the use of gradients, noise, a playful cartoonish style, and a touch of nostalgia. On a personal note, I have a deep appreciation for various music genres, including rock, jazz, hip-hop, and ambient music. Additionally, I have a strong affinity for memes and comedies. It’s my aspiration to incorporate these elements into my personal projects, infusing them with creativity and humor.

I am currently working as a freelance motion designer, working on the storyboard, illustration, and animation for an explainer video. My multidisciplinary background in chemical engineering, music, and motion design has instilled in me solid problem-solving skills and a keen sense of rhythm when it comes to animating. Focusing on optimizing specific skills has led me to master different software such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Cinema 4D among others. This allows me to bring to life my ideas in a variety of formats. I specialize in creating 2D motion graphics using After Effects and often combine them with frame-by-frame animation and 3D techniques in different projects such as explainer videos, personal works, and commercials.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about LA is its vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Los Angeles is a melting pot of different cultures, which is reflected in its food, arts, and entertainment. There’s always something exciting happening.

On the flip side, one of the things I like least about LA is the traffic congestion. The city’s sprawling layout and heavy reliance on cars can lead to frustrating commutes, especially during peak hours. However, these drawbacks are often outweighed by the city’s many attractions and opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://muhanyao.com/
• Instagram: @elyao_art
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mu-han-yao-1076a624b