Conversations with Xin Yi Wu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xin Yi Wu

Hi Xin Yi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Jiangsu, China, and my family migrated to Singapore when I was 10. From a young age, I’ve had a deep love for art. Among the many tuition and extracurricular classes my mother signed me up for, art was the only one I asked her to enroll me in voluntarily. I began taking Chinese painting classes in kindergarten and continued until we moved to Singapore. Throughout school, I was known as the “art kid,” but I mainly focused on academics until high school.

Over the years, my artistic interests have evolved as I’ve explored different mediums. My exposure to various art forms and studying in different institutions have significantly shaped my interests. This journey has led me to continuously explore and refine what I want to pursue in the art world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Coming from a traditional Chinese family, I didn’t receive much support for pursuing art. I was expected to achieve perfect grades, excel academically, and aim for elite schools to become a doctor or lawyer. Because of these expectations, I didn’t have much time to take art seriously until after high school. I would often doodle in class and sketch in my textbooks, which led to being caught by my parents. It took a long time to convince them of my passion for art and to figure out exactly what I wanted to do in this field.

My path in art education has been full of detours. I initially studied Digital Arts and Animation at Digipen Institute of Technology Singapore for two years before making the significant decision to transfer to the Art Center College of Design in search of more opportunities. Given the high expectations from my family and our financial situation, I’ve had to work exceptionally hard to make the most of my education. Additionally, adjusting to life in the United States as an international student from a different cultural background has been challenging.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m passionate about designing and solving design problems. My work varies widely, and I’m highly adaptable to different styles and mediums. I have experience in multiple fields, including entertainment, motion graphics, illustration, and graphic design. My specialization lies in designing backgrounds and environments for animation, and I’ve worked on animated film production from the early conceptual stages to post-production. I’ve also developed game assets and created trailers for various projects.

Working in teams and delivering multiple projects has been a significant part of my experience. My art is inspired by a wide range of sources, from mid-century animation to Studio Ghibli films and Bauhaus designs. This diverse range of influences has profoundly impacted my work, making me open to art in all its forms and allowing me to adapt my style to suit any project. In my free time, I enjoy creating illustrations and doodling in my sketchbooks, observing life around me. I love working with a pen, capturing my surroundings on paper, and incorporating these observations into my work.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is finding and pursuing one’s true passion in life. I believe in continuous learning and improvement, unlocking the full potential within each individual. Staying true to what we love and finding joy in it is, in my view, the key to happiness and success. I also find great satisfaction in helping others discover their passions and watching them achieve their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xinyiwuu.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wxy.za/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FATALERROR3