Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Yap
Hi Sheryl, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a visual development artist based in Los Angeles and Singapore and my love for storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve always been fascinated by how human emotions shape our experiences, and how even the simplest of interactions can lead to meaningful connections.
From a young age, I found myself captivated by the connections people share, whether through fleeting moments or lasting relationships. That curiosity naturally led me into the world of animation, where I could visually explore and bring those stories to life.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with leading studios like Netflix Animation, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and Illumination. In visual development, I get to combine my love for storytelling with the challenge of creating visuals that people can resonate with.
What keeps me inspired is the belief that every new interaction or experience has the potential to turn into something meaningful. It’s that dynamic—those unexpected yet powerful connections—that really drives me. I love telling stories as much as people love listening to them, and it’s been an incredible journey to bring that passion into the animation industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like with anything in life, there are ups and downs, but that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Personally, one of my biggest challenges has been letting go of the need to always strive for perfection. Perfectionism, as I’ve come to realize, can sometimes be the enemy of progress and in my journey as an artist, I realized that it sometimes kept me from truly experimenting and having fun. When you’re caught up in details, it’s easy to lose trust in yourself to try new things. Over time, it can even stop you from creating altogether, because everything has to be just right.
In hindsight, working on projects with tight turnarounds taught me a lot about letting go. In those situations, I didn’t have the luxury to overthink—I had to focus on capturing the essence rather than getting lost in minor details. It was a gradual process, but letting go has been incredibly freeing. Now, instead of getting bogged down by perfectionism, I focus on the process itself, on solving creative problems as they come. It’s been a huge shift, and it has honestly allowed me to really enjoy creating again.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Visual Development Artist and Illustrator working in the animation industry. I specialize in mostly Visual Development and Background Design and Paint. My journey has led me through experiences with Netflix Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon and others. I’ve had the joy of contributing to projects like ‘Despicable Me 4’, ‘Thelma The Unicorn’ on Netflix, and ‘Merry Little Batman’ on Amazon Prime.
As a Visual Development Artist, my role is to design and establish the visual look and storytelling of a film, from the initial concept to final production. Everything you see on screen- from the color and mood to the characters, environments, clothes, and even the props they carry- is carefully crafted by us to bring their world to life.
I believe what sets me apart is my fascination with people and the things that shape who they are- from the objects they own and cherish to the spaces they live in. This perspective deeply influences how I approach storytelling. To me, stories aren’t just a series of events; they’re reflections of real, human connections and the way people live their lives.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has definitely played a role in my journey! I’ve been extremely fortunate to cross paths with incredible people- recruiters who opened doors, art directors and product designers who believed in me and taught me so many wonderful things, and others who supported my work just at the right moment. Those moments of good luck often felt like little pushes in the right direction, reminding me to keep going.
On the other hand, there have also been missed opportunities and rejections that felt like bad luck at the time. But in hindsight, those moments were just as valuable and have ultimately led me to better opportunities at the right time.
I think luck often meets you halfway. You have to put in the effort, stay open to opportunities and trust that even when things don’t go your way, it’s leading you somewhere meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherylyapsl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swimmingspinach/
- Twitter: https://x.com/sharerr
- Other: https://www.behance.net/sherylyapsl
Image Credits
Thelma The Unicorn @ Netflix Animation
Despicable Me 4 @ Illumination
