Meet Yiwei Zhu of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yiwei Zhu

Hi Yiwei, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have loved animation since childhood. In fifth grade, I discovered Japanese anime, which had a profound impact on me. Later, in middle school, I became fascinated by Marvel animations and films, which introduced me to American animation. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the arts during high school, as I wanted to express my understanding of the world in my own way.

I was fortunate to study art and design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where I improved my aesthetic sensibilities and explored new ways of understanding the world. I also experimented with digital media to express emotions. Seeking deeper knowledge in animation, I applied to schools in the U.S. and was accepted into the University of Southern California, where I am now furthering my studies.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. I believe that good ideas need time to develop, but in reality, I often have to come up with concepts and themes very quickly. As a result, some ideas remain superficial when I start working on them. During the creative process, I constantly doubt and question myself—has this idea already been overused? Or have I failed to find a better way to express it?

Additionally, criticism or negative feedback from others about my work can sometimes lead me to a state of self-doubt. Rebuilding my confidence and regaining the motivation to continue creating takes time and effort.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am highly skilled in using digital media to address social issues. In my work Lock Down: Breaked, I employed metaphorical techniques to depict the state of confinement people experienced during the pandemic. However, my perspective on this phenomenon was not negative; instead, I offered a hopeful outlook on how people discovered new ways to communicate. This piece earned me a nomination for Best Animation at LAFA. I excel at interpreting social realities from a unique perspective, approaching them with a positive mindset and striving to find potential solutions.

During my undergraduate studies, I gained expertise in various digital media techniques. In addition to animation, I explored fields such as digital exhibition design and digital jewelry design. These experiences broadened my perspective on society and provided diverse ways to express emotions. The knowledge I acquired from other disciplines also enriches my animation work, making my creations more unique and impactful.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Google’s Arts & Culture app is one I browse frequently. It features high-resolution images of countless artworks, allowing me to view both the overall composition and intricate details without needing to see the pieces in person. This greatly helps me broaden my horizons. The app also offers detailed categories, making it easy for users to quickly find their area of interest and explore related works of art.

Additionally, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are invaluable for discovering the works of masters as well as highly creative animations and other forms of art. These platforms help expand my perspective on animation and introduce me to diverse artistic approaches and styles, making them essential tools for exploring new forms of creative expression.

GitHub is an incredibly resourceful platform with numerous detailed tutorials that help address technical challenges, particularly those related to AI. It provides a wealth of solutions for various issues, including troubleshooting errors while using Blender. I have personally found it extremely practical for resolving such problems and enhancing my technical skills.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@weichrista622?si=5FlKZA-1RSDYNo3T
• Other: https://www.tumblr.com/zhuyiwei

Image Credits
Christa Zhu