Today we’d like to introduce you to Yifan Wang.
Hi Yifan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a digital artist and designer based in Los Angeles. With a background in architecture, I have a deep passion for realism and a relentless pursuit of aesthetics and digital artistry. I aim to integrate my continuous exploration of characters, geometry, space, materials, narratives, and light and shadow into my creations. I am furthering my education at GNOMON, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Production. Digital art, to me, is a realm of free expression—a space where I can unreservedly showcase my emotions and thoughts. I WAS ENTIRELY ENRAPTURED when I first witnessed a captivating and lifelike cinematic trailer for a game. I adore the ability to bring such dreamlike and ethereal worlds into reality. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about photography, especially that of nature. The natural scenes around me often move me; whether the golden hues of dusk or the morning mist, all become the subjects of my lens.
Reflecting on my educational journey, I was fortunate to earn my bachelor’s degree in architecture from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. That was my initial deep dive into the mysteries of space and structure. Later, I continued my education at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, obtaining an M.Arch2 degree. In SCI-Arc’s avant-garde educational environment, digital art entered my purview and swiftly ignited my passion. I began to see the boundless possibilities within myself in this field.
GNOMON has allowed me to delve deep into modeling, sculpting, texturing, and rendering realistic works. Through each course, I constantly challenge and surpass myself, attempting to understand and represent the world in novel ways. To me, every piece I create is a unique universe brimming with stories and emotions. I hope every viewer can find a sentiment that resonates with them in my work, experiencing the magic of digital art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, my journey in art and design has been filled with highs and lows, twists and turns. During my undergraduate years at XAUAT, I was captivated by the allure of architecture and the joy of exploration. I was deeply interested in shaping spaces and intricate design, which allowed me to deepen my theoretical and practical knowledge in renowned architectural studios. But as with any life experience, there’s always a complex side. I began to understand the chasm between the practicalities of the industry and academic architectural studies. Even the engineering drawings always made me crazy. This sentiment led me to reflect on my career path. I didn’t want to waste my life on matters I deemed trivial. I realized I yearned for a domain that could consistently ignite my passion, something I could devote my entire life to exploring.
This took me to SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, an institution that showcased the vast horizons achievable in architecture language. I gradually ventured into the world of digital art and visual effects, expanding my horizons under the guidance of my professors. Hence, I embarked on a learning journey at GNOMON over the past three years, eager to be a 3D generalist artist.
The decision to transition from architecture to digital art was not easy for me. While I believed in my artistic talents, moving from architecture to art was a process full of challenges. I had to start from scratch, especially in traditional hand drawing. At first, my pictures were rough, but as I continued sketching, be it a quick figure or animal drawing, I noticed a significant improvement in my skills, boosting my confidence immensely. My background in architecture, especially in terms of software familiarity, provided a sturdy foundation for my foray into digital art.
My skills continued to refine and strengthen. Each class represented a new challenge and an opportunity. Under the tutelage of my professors, I gradually discovered my artistic voice and method of creation, immersing myself deeper into the endless allure of digital art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating 3D digital art visuals. My works strive for a cinematic representation filled with riveting details and lifelike qualities. Primarily, I use Autodesk Maya for hard surface modeling and 3D asset integration. I’m also passionate about sculpting fantastical creatures and characters in ZBrush. Furthermore, I am exploring more possibilities within Houdini and the Unreal Engine. I use Substance Painter and Mari to craft rich shaders and textures for my 3D assets. I’m adept at producing beautiful renderings with V-Ray, Arnold, and Redshift. Nuke and Davinci add the finishing touches, elevating the overall visuals of my work. GNOMON has awarded four of my pieces with the “Best of Term” accolade, categorized under digital sculpting, texturing and shading, environmental design, and interior environment.
Additionally, I was a finalist in the “Rookie of the Year | Visual Effects” category at The Rookies 2022 competition. These recognitions undoubtedly encourage me, fueling my drive to push forward!
One of my works worth mentioning is a digital sculpting piece depicting a dark sorceress girl encountering an ancient dragon on her magical journey. This was my first attempt at sculpting such a significant and unique artistic representation of a creature, a dragon that seemingly hails from ancient Chinese lore. I have a soft spot for grand and powerful mythical creatures, especially when juxtaposed with smaller beings. The vast difference in scale creates an exaggerated sense, amplifying the epic confrontation’s intensity.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I want to say that those just starting, especially in the creative fields, don’t be afraid to change directions or try new things. Life and career paths aren’t always linear; they’re filled with twists and surprises. In the shifts of my career trajectory, I’ve learned to approach problems from different angles. I have leveraged my experiences in architecture to offer a unique perspective to my digital art creations. I’ve realized that knowledge across other domains isn’t isolated; there are many similarities and interconnections. Be aware of the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained.
Try to find ways to integrate them into new domains; you’ll discover they are invaluable treasures. Digital art is a vast field encompassing various techniques, tools, and artistic expressions. The plethora of choices can be overwhelming for newcomers stepping into this domain. In your initial practice and learning, ponder what intrigues you the most. Is it hard surface modeling? Animation? Characters or Environment? Understanding where your passion lies can help novices decide which skills and tools to pursue better. Over time, you can gradually expand your skill set.
Engage with other artists and creators and participate in forums, workshops, or online courses. These interactions offer invaluable feedback, insights, and support. Lastly, art is a continuous process. Each piece reflects your skills and expressions, so don’t fear mistakes or imperfections. Mistakes are a part of learning, and each work you produce will improve you. You’ll find your way and succeed in this domain through focus, education, and persistent practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yifan-studio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yifan.studio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yifan-wang-6b5111134/
- Other: https://www.artstation.com/yifanstudio
