We were lucky to catch up with Yimeng Sun recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yimeng, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Staying creative for me is easy – I just keep looking at art in all forms. Whether it’s checking out online galleries or stumbling upon cool visuals, it keeps my creative juices flowing.
And here’s the trick: I’m not doing it alone. Being around folks who are as crazy about art as I am is like a constant boost. It’s not just about finding my space; it’s about finding my creative squad.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I studied animation in college, but lengthy productions are not my preference. So, I opted for a faster path, and now I work as a motion designer in the advertising industry. Motion design might raise some eyebrows – people often ask, “What is that?” To put it simply, it’s like being the animator in advertising; we handle everything that moves in a designed way.
My expertise lies in 2D graphics and drawing. Currently, I’m honing my 3D skills and exploring the conversion of my 2D illustrations into 3D worlds. I showcase my work on Instagram under the handle @be11a_sun; staying exposed is my way of keeping creativity alive, and I particularly enjoy reading the comments!
The most thrilling part of working in advertising is seeing your creations displayed on significant platforms like the Super Bowl, Times Square, YouTube, and even in the real world! One day, as I was driving by a building with a massive billboard, I proudly told my friends that I contributed to that spot.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most crucial qualities in my career are maintaining enthusiasm, continuous learning, and being open to feedback.
Keeping at it and drawing inspiration from other artists undoubtedly refines your skills!
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
From my experience, I enjoy delving into anything that captures my interest.
Initially, I wasn’t drawn to 3D, so I immersed myself fully in the 2D world, focusing on animation and illustration. However, as I discovered the efficiency of 3D in creating various elements, I’ve now taken the plunge into learning 3D.
Don’t be afraid to try anything you are interested in, maybe not carving it but even watching some tutorials will help you know if that is really interested to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yimengsun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be11a_sun/?hl=zh-cn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yimeng-sun-8a0aa0168/
Image Credits
Yimeng Sun
