Today we’d like to introduce you to Yiran Ye
Hi Yiran, 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?
Hi, I’m Yiran Ye. Currently, I work as an architecture and interior designer in LA while also freelancing in 3D design and Environment art. Before entering university, I was deeply fascinated by the world-building in movies and games. During my architectural design education, I began incorporating narrative elements into my work. I have a particular affinity for images with dense information, aiming to make people linger longer on my drawings in this fast-paced era.
While at UCLA, I not only honed my skills in architectural and urban design but also explored mixed reality, digital filmmaking, and photorealistic rendering. After graduating from UCLA in 2022, I worked full-time as an architectural designer at design firms and used my leisure time to freelance, providing customized visual presentations for clients.
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?
I have to say it hasn’t been easy. After graduating from the University of Liverpool, I could have stayed in my familiar area and surroundings in the UK. Instead, I chose to explore a broader world and embrace more avant-garde opinions and techniques by pursuing my graduate studies at UCLA.
Adapting to the fast-paced and intense courses at UCLA was a significant challenge. It wasn’t just about learning new software but also about adopting a new way of thinking. I had to craft compelling stories and imagine mythical worlds grounded in specific social topics. The challenge involved adapting to new scales, new workflows, and a new environment. This period required me to quickly adjust to the demands of my studies and develop the ability to effectively integrate narrative elements into my designs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in architectural and interior design, along with developing customized solutions for branding and exhibitions. One of my key strengths lies in integrating narrative elements into my designs, creating spaces that engage viewers through storytelling and immersive environments. With extensive experience in virtual visualization, I craft virtual sets and stages for architectural and interior projects, complete with photorealistic renderings and digital filmmaking. My work encompasses modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering using tools such as Maya, Cinema4D, Blender, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine.
These days, how you present your work is just as important as the work itself. Digital tools have allowed me to offer more aesthetic, innovative, and persuasive solutions to clients. I believe that architects and interior designers should not only follow the rules set by architecture and interior design but also present buildings as products to clients. This approach is what drives me to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and how I think, create, and strategize.
By blending technical expertise with a strong narrative focus, I aim to create designs that captivate and inspire. This sets me apart in the fields of architecture, interior design, and 3D art, as I prioritize creating work that not only meets functional needs but also resonates emotionally and visually with viewers and clients alike.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of adaptability and continuous learning. Design, especially in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, requires staying open to new ideas, tools, and techniques. Embracing change and being willing to learn and grow continuously has been crucial in navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities. It’s essential to be adaptable, whether it’s in adjusting to new software, exploring innovative design approaches, or understanding the evolving needs and preferences of clients and audiences. This mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability has not only enhanced my skills but also allowed me to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yiran_ye.artstation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yira_nye/?hl=en
Image Credits
Ze Feng
Jinqi Jiang
Haowen Jiang
