Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanyu Sun.
Hi Hanyu, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a senior student at the University of Southern California interested in themed entertainment and animation. Since I was a child, I’ve been very passionate about film and art. I love to express myself and tell my stories with the help of colors and lines. Two years ago, I came to Los Angeles, far away from my home in China, for undergraduate study in Animation and Digital Arts as it’s a good combination of storytelling and design. USC helped me gain experience in animation production and networking with industry professionals. Additionally, the School of Cinematic Arts’ range of specializations opened my eyes to other areas of the entertainment industry. I decided to take classes outside my major, such as game design. That’s when I was introduced to the themed entertainment industry, an area about immersive experience. I have long been a fan of theme parks. However, before coming to USC, I didn’t know theme parks belonged to a specific industry. The themed entertainment industry is still in its early developing stage in China, and people from small cities like me have less knowledge about with the industry.
Being in Los Angeles with its deep foundation in the entire entertainment industry, I gained so much insight into themed entertainment. After attending several events and lectures, I acquired a deep fondness for this field – everything about it excites me, and the excitement never fades! I enjoy putting art and storytelling into the physical space. That’s when I decided to add a second major in themed entertainment to pursue a career in it. This summer, I got my first internship in the themed entertainment industry and worked on several national and international projects. Knowing that the experiences I’ve worked on will be shared amongst thousands of people from around the world and bring joy to their lives further affirmed my love for themed entertainment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have experienced some challenges along the way, and one of them was rejection. I applied for nearly thirty internships this spring. Back in March and April, so many joyful mornings were interrupted by a rejection letter. Because I firmly believe that I’m still a beginner, the rejection letters didn’t discourage me or make me doubt my work. I just kept preparing more work and learning new skills like usual. I think it’s really important to have a positive attitude toward study and career and know that it’s okay to be rejected – you just accept it and keep going forward. Besides, treating myself as a beginner helped me be humble and keep pursuing more professional skills. Later in May, when I was already prepared to get a relaxing summer break back in China, I received an interview invitation and then an offer. It came at a surprising time but I ended up confirming that all I need is to keep preparing myself for the future so that when the time comes, I could be ready to show my work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My range of work includes set design, concept design, installation, and 2D animation. I specialize in designing immersive environments and installations with projections. Last semester, I was the art director of a murder-mystery-themed mini golf project for a class at USC. The mini golf opened as a part of the USC Games Expo event on May 10th and continued open to the public on May 12th. I worked on art direction, concept design, scaled designs for the pieces, and coloring. This is the themed entertainment project I’ve been involved in the most so far, and am still very proud of it.
I’m also very proud of my installation projects “What Are You Listening To?”, “Take Me There/Traveler’s Ink”, and “I Will Wait Until The Sea Turns Blue”. “What Are You Listening To?” is an earring in a spreading shape that is projection-mapped with an original audio video. It’s inspired by the idea that I could “see” how others feel when listening to them. “Take Me There/Traveler’s Ink” is made with a three-channel projector, suitcase, clothes, and a performance art video. This project explores the idea of how writing letters connects two places – Los Angeles and my hometown, Zhengzhou – and enables me and my family to share our lives. “I Will Wait Until The Sea Turns Blue” is a site-specific installation at USC Wrigley Center on Catalina Island. The video was projected onto a floating deck. When audiences sit on the bench next to the installation, they can see the beautiful view in front of them, which is the preserved sea, and also see the polluted ocean shown in the video.
My own story and voice create my work. I took inspiration from my feelings, experiences, and my understanding of the world to create my projects. Every one of my creations is connected to my life and I hope my audiences can relate to it in their way.
Any big plans?
I think I’m very determined on my path. I can see myself exploring the amazing themed entertainment industry throughout my career. I’d love to keep learning and practicing. I really hope to work on some theme parks one day and maybe open my own immersive theater! For right now, I’m looking forward to going back to school, meeting with my old friends and mentors, and learning some new skills!
Working in an area that you are passionate about will make every step of your journey invaluable. Keeping my passion for life and enjoying my career is my ultimate goal!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hanyusun.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanyusun71/
Image Credits
Elva Liu, Vic Zhou
