Today we’d like to introduce you to Huamin Wen.
Hi Huamin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there! My name is Huamin Wen, a motion designer + visual development artist from Shanghai, China. I am also an avid animation director and my short films have been featured at multiple film festivals such as Los Angeles Animation Festival and American Documentary and Animation Film Festival.
Like many other artists, I’ve always been obsessed with art and animation ever since I was a child. At first, it was just appreciating the astonishing visuals and exciting stories, but soon I found myself analyzing and imitating the detailed cel drawings from my favorite animated films, such as the ones by Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. I gradually learned how demanding but rewarding the journey of animating could be.
My passion and curiosity for the craft of animation strengthened over the years. The pure idea of making something come to life exhilarated me, and I started seeing a future where I could pursue animation as a career. Therefore, I chose to major in design and animation as I studied abroad in the US. From there, I was able to gain my bells and whistles – learning the design principles and software training my brain and muscle memory by taking on animated projects from start to finish.
Education-wise, I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from UCLA. I have a BA in Design | Media Arts, a BA in Japanese, and an MFA in Film and Animation. While in school, I took up a few design internships working at various scenarios from smaller indie animation studios to large corporations. This multifaceted exposure allowed me to refine my craft and prepare for the dynamic landscape of the animation industry.
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?
There have been multiple hurdles along the way. With minimal formal art and design training prior to college, creating an acceptable portfolio for admission was already a challenge. Additionally, coming from a traditional Asian family that prioritizes finance and science, I had to convince my parents to support my art education by demonstrating my determination and proving the financial stability of my chosen career.
That being said, breaking into the animation industry is still difficult. So far, I’ve managed to work as a motion designer for the automobile and tech industry. To be given an artist role in the animation industry, my portfolio needs to be very specialized. Since I would like to work in visual development for animation, that means I would need to create an exceptional vis dev portfolio alongside my motion design portfolio.
It has never been a smooth road for me, but I’ve enjoyed my journey so far, and I’ll continue striving towards betterment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently working as a full-time motion designer at American Honda Motor Company. I create opening animations, UI/UX motion, and icon designs on the meter and center screens for the next-generation Acura and Honda vehicles. In addition to motion design, I delve deep into the field of visual development for animated films and TV. For my graduate thesis, I designed characters and environments based on one of my favorite children’s books, “The Secret Garden.” My dedication to motion and visual development paid off with the creation of “Homecoming,” an animated short film that I’m most proud of. Drawing from personal experience, I was solely responsible for all asset creation from concept to finish, including storyboarding, character design, background design and painting, character animation, and post-production.
Therefore, I believe what sets me apart from others is my versatility and flexibility. I chose animation as my primary medium because it incorporates essentially every form of art: drawing, painting, 3D, film, visual effects, etc. Not only am I skilled at creating the final animated product, but I am also well-versed in the practices of color and light, enabling me to propose appealing and unique art direction for production. Furthermore, I am adept at a wide range of styles, from more stylized cartoons to highly realistic renders.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying committed and consistent while working towards one’s goals. If I had wavered at any point in my journey, I would never have reached where I am now or where I could be in the future. The pursuit of art as a career can be difficult and challenging, but reminding myself of my passion for the field and why I chose this route in the first place has helped me overcome many obstacles along the way. Besides that, it’s crucial to stay genuine and considerate toward the people surrounding me. A good connection could go a long way, especially in the creative field.
Contact Info:
- Website: wenhuamin.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/mintamonn - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/huamin-wen/
Image Credits
Portrait Photography by Haiyu Huang
