Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuri Byun.
Hi Yuri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, This is Yuri Byun 3D artist, born and grew up in Seoul, Korea. Currently located in LA, Culver City.
How did I end up here? I’ve been appreciating the chances that gave to me, following my heart when the chances were there.
When I was in College in Korea, I had a chance to visit to participate in the exchange student program that cohosted by Cal Arts & Hongik Univ. I had a chance to be involved in, that time I decided to study 3D at the US. The way I experienced as a student at Cal Arts was special since I was able to communicate with professors actively and those conversations were applied to the result of my 3D animation. I thought that was very charming, and that’s the part I really need to learn and immerse into.
My Decision led me to the New York School Of Visual Arts, Computer Arts Program. Met so many talented people and learned more of the details of the 3D world.
Afterward, I got an internship in LA, BrandNewSchool. I wasn’t hesitant and felt very appreciative about this new chance that I’ve got. I thought it would be a good chance to grow and a good first step to be in the industry. So, I flew to LA.
And started my first industry path.
However as everybody knows, Covid hit the industry hard. and many of us got stuck in home, but this gave me a good chance to start learning about the freelancing chances.
For sure I struggled, but I was able to meet various talented people in this industry. You will be surprised, and you will feel humble once you meet these all amazing artists. During this period, I passed Nathan Love, Laundry, CloudNCo, and The Mill as a Staff or Freelancer.
Currently, I am working at TikTok Live Gift Team as a Gift Designer. I’ve been always pursuing to design 3D characters/ Emojis that can let users/viewers interact with. I am very excited and happy about what I’m doing now, and looking forward to seeing what we can improve more in the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It will be different depending on the viewpoint. Of course, it wasn’t a smooth road. There was some bumps and curves, but that really became my strength now.
I’m sure tons of people would say Covid time was very harsh. But we are here; we survived.
Yes, it was a hard time for me as well since I wasn’t able to get a full-time job at BrandNewSchool after Internship. And needed to go through finding my freelancing job as a fresh new grad. But I was able to go through many different studios, and now I am not afraid to start working with new studios or start new projects at all.
I am not invincible, but those struggles make me realize that I can get through this. So those of you who are reading this, and suffering in any hardships, don’t lose your passion, and belief in yourself. Chance will come to you real soon.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My specialty is in 3D character Designs.
I am proud of some colorful/quirky designs in pets/animal characters of mine, or even human forms. When I was working at the laundry, I was able to work on some projects like Facebook Virtual call background design for Pride Month and Pocky. I thought those were most of the fun projects that I’ve been doing along with sticker designs for the Pride month that we did for our social media at the Mill.
What makes it different from others is the distinctive colors that I’m using for my design and unique shapes that could not be seen in other designs.
How do you think about luck?
No matter what luck it was, it gave me the strength to grow for the next step.
In terms of bad luck, just like I mentioned several times, it was covid time that I went through. I cried overnight during that period, but didn’t give up on seeking new opportunities, and was able to find the lights at the end of the tunnel. Now, I’m thinking life is an endless path of unconnected tunnels. But I know there will be a way to get through it if I do not give up.
And in terms of good luck, I’ve met so many lovely people on the way. They gave me strength, energy, inspiration, wisdom, and knowledge. I am so appreciative to meet them, and cannot wait to meet any other new people on the way of my life journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: yuri-tv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuri_plugggggy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuri-byun/
