Life & Work with Chi Fan Wang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chi Fan Wang.

Hi Chi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I believe animation is a language that can have a positive impact on the world. Through beautiful and resonant imagery, it can inspire audiences and embed content deeply within their hearts. It is for this reason that I decided to become an animator. I strive to make my way in America and refine my animation skills. I am passionate about the diversity of animation and unafraid to learn new animation techniques. In the future, I hope to create more positive impacts on the world through various animation methods! 

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?
This journey has been very smooth in terms of outcomes, but the process was more tortuous than imagined. First and foremost, a strong mental resilience is required. Studying abroad and making one’s way, although an effective path to self-improvement, necessitates being away from loved ones, family, and friends. Life is short, and there’s a constant worry about the moment of parting. Furthermore, making a mark in America requires accepting that everyone around you is exceptional, and overcoming the mindset of constant comparison is a significant challenge. We all hope to be the best, but this notion often prevents us from enjoying the joy of animation with an open heart. I’ve been trapped in the pressure of comparison, struggling to breathe in my daily life. However, I met a wonderful roommate who made me realize that everyone is diverse and unique. Ultimately, I understood that focusing on becoming the best version of myself is enough. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Van, and I am a full-time Designer/Animator based in New York, currently working at Coed Studio. My job involves creating motion designs for commercial advertisements, handling everything from graphic design to animation production. My strength lies in 2D motion production. I am continuously learning 3D animation, aiming to become a versatile animator proficient in both 2D and 3D one day. One of my proudest achievements is having created an E-Gate animation design for my home country, Taiwan, to promote important information that brings convenience to the people. I have also had the opportunity to intern at the world-renowned Studio Buck. My graduation project, The Life, has won awards at several IMDb QUALIFIED film festivals. Despite these accomplishments, I am not satisfied with the status quo. I aim to continuously update my animation skill set, whether it involves AI technology or other new animation techniques, and I will keep exploring. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am actually a big guy with a strong sense of contrast. I love cute little animals, but at the same time, I have a deep fascination with cool, stylish robots. I am an optimistic man, but inside, there’s also a boy who harbors a multitude of little dramas. It’s these aspects of my personality that have fueled my passion for animation. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanmotionfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chifanvan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chi-fan-wang-0a6b37203/

Image Credits
Zhen Photography
Dab Hsu