Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhengyi Yu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started for me in Suzhou, China, where I had this big dream of becoming a concept artist for movies. I was obsessed with creating worlds that didn’t exist in reality. In 2013, I took the plunge and moved to the U.S. despite having zero connections or resources there. All I had was determination to make it.
I studied at Art Center College of Design and worked hard at networking, putting myself out there, and showing people who I was and what I wanted to achieve. It was tough – I got rejected so many times and there was a period where no job offers were coming my way. But I kept at it.
Finally, I landed my first gig as an illustrator for game ads at Petrol Advertisement. It wasn’t exactly concept design, which was my passion, but it was a start. That experience helped me get a designer role at Thinkwell Design Studio, creating theme park scenes and backgrounds.
Things really turned around when I started getting opportunities at huge studios like Method and Luma Pictures. I even got to teach at Gnomon School! I think my success comes from having a deep love for visual storytelling and being able to create narratives that really connect with people. Pursuing that passion not only made me better at my craft but helped me stand out in such a competitive industry. From those early days in China to becoming an influential concept artist and instructor here in the U.S., it’s been quite a journey. Hard work, perseverance, being ready to jump on opportunities – and above all, loving what I do. That’s what got me here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road to where I am today was far from smooth. The journey was full of challenges and moments where I doubted myself, especially when I first got to the U.S. with these big dreams of being a concept artist but zero connections or resources to help me get there.
One of the toughest hurdles early on was just trying to break into the crazy competitive concept art world. No matter how passionate and dedicated I was, it felt like my job applications just went into a black hole. Rejection after rejection, with zero feedback. Man, there was this one time I got a two-page rejection letter basically tearing apart my lack of experience. That one really stung.
Then, there was the transition from being an illustrator for game ads at Petrol to chasing my real passion for concept design work. Don’t get me wrong, I valued that time at Petrol, but it wasn’t my end goal creatively. Making that shift required more than just finding a new job – it was a total mindset adjustment to keep pursuing what I truly wanted.
Additionally, communicating and collaborating was another challenge I had to overcome. I’m kind of a solitary person when it comes to my creative process, but this industry demands you work well in a team on group projects. Finding that balance between my solo tendencies and being an effective collaborative partner was huge for my growth.
But through all those struggles, I stayed laser-focused on my goals. I never stopped putting my work out there, networking, and connecting with people in the biz. That persistence eventually opened doors at huge studios and landed me that teaching gig at Gnomon. The journey taught me you gotta have resilience, perseverance, and always be ready to pounce when the right opportunities come knocking.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a concept artist, my job is all about visual storytelling – bringing wild, unimaginable worlds to life for movies and entertainment. I specialize in creating insanely detailed environments, characters, objects – anything you can dream up that exists only in the universe of a story. This is my passion, fueled by my lifelong obsession with animation, comics, video games – anything with captivating visuals that just suck you in.
What I think sets me apart is how I approach each project: it’s this fusion of passion, precision, and an endless pursuit of artistic excellence. I’m known for really diving deep into the narrative core and finding ways to expand on it visually to amplify the story’s impact. Storytelling through art – that’s been the driving force behind my career and reputation.
I’d say I’m most proud of my role as an instructor at Gnomon School. Getting to guide and inspire the next generation of artists? That’s incredibly rewarding. It’s not just teaching techniques but trying to ignite that creative spark and dedication in my students.
Another big personal achievement has been learning to balance my solitary creative tendencies with the demands of collaborative team environments in this industry. I’m someone who prefers working alone, so finding that equilibrium between my solo process and being an effective team player was crucial growth.
At the end of the day, what defines my work is an unwavering commitment to my craft, a relentless drive to keep improving, and a passion for contributing something unique to the art of visual storytelling. It’s that combo of personal dedication, professional growth, and the ability to inspire others that I believe makes what I do so impactful.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
If you’re interested in working together or just want to connect, I’m always open to new opportunities and collaborations. Whether it’s concept art projects for films, games, or anything in the entertainment realm, feel free to reach out through my website or socials.
I also love mentoring and educating – sharing my knowledge and experiences with up-and-coming artists through workshops, guest lectures, that kind of thing. So, if you’re an aspiring artist looking to learn, I’m all ears!
For those who just want to support what I do, it means so much when you engage with my work online. Share it, give feedback, let’s get a dialogue going about the art. Constructive criticism is fuel for growth, not just for me but for enriching the whole creative community.
At the end of the day, I really believe collaboration is where the magic happens. Bringing together different skills, perspectives, and voices to create something completely new and unique. Whether you’re a fellow artist, student, someone in the industry – I’m excited to explore how we can team up and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Seriously, let’s connect and see how we can bring wild, new artistic visions to life together. I’m always down to chat more about potential projects or mentorship opportunities. Just hit me up, and let’s make it happen!
Pricing:
- 80usd/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.yz-d.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yzy_justin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004234573142
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhengyi-justin-yu/
