Conversations with Yunqing (Sally) Pan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yunqing (Sally) Pan.

Hi Yunqing (Sally), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved stories and told stories. In my free time, I drew comic strips, wrote stories, and made short films with my friends, and eventually, this passion led me to pursue animation at CalArts. Animated filmmaking is full of possibilities and especially suits my love for whimsical stories that combine real-life details with a dose of imagination. Through independent filmmaking, storyboarding, and writing, I am able to bring to life stories that were once only a thought in my head.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From short films to storyboard sequences, I have come to realize that all important artistic projects challenge me. Every art piece I create has a stage of struggle, and I feel I cannot achieve the vision and intention I had for the project. That struggle is a sign that I am growing and discovering more of my own voice as an artist.

Networking skills and understanding of the industry also took time and experience to build up. From attending artist talks to starting and running a youtube animation podcast (Artale Originals) with my friends, I have gained a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the industry and community I am a part of.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a storyboard artist and filmmaker, I enjoy telling stories that reflect real life but present a world with a little more whimsy or fantasy. My 2D animated short “Seagull Coffee” can perhaps best represent my work as a filmmaker, telling the story of a peculiar seagull who enjoys drinking coffee and how it causes some chaos at a seaside cafe for a little girl and her barista sister. I love stories with kids, animals, and family, and I tend to explore themes of growing up and connection between people. I strive to tell stories that are for everyone, and I hope they make people smile.

Aside from artistic projects, I also do video interviews with animation artists for Artale Originals Podcast and ASIFA-Hollywood’s social media team. It has been an incredible experience to connect with many artists across disciplines and cover events from Lightbox Expo to the Annie Awards.

What matters most to you? Why?
As an artist, authenticity and personal relatability matters most to the work I do. My short films and storyboards tend to originate from a personal place, drawing from personal emotions, events, or people I know. One of my films, “Grandpa’s Stamps,” tells the story of my grandpa’s stamp collection and shares stories he told me about the past. While not everything I create is deeply personal, the ability to relate in one aspect or another helps me to find an unique angle to engage with any project or subject matter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yunqingpan.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallypan2022/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SallyPanArt

Image Credits
All artworks by Yunqing (Sally) Pan (@sallypan2022).