Meet Gerile Yang

We were lucky to catch up with Gerile Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gerile , so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

I live by three main self-disciplines that have shaped my perspective and guided my actions. These principles—being kind, embracing experiences, and taking small steps toward big goals—stem from pivotal moments in my life and the wisdom of those who have supported me along the way.
Being Kind.
This value emerged during my journey of applying to college in the United States. Born and raised in a small city in China, I decided to forgo the traditional path of taking the gaokao (China’s college entrance exam) to pursue higher education abroad. This decision was met with skepticism, discrimination, and isolation. People questioned my dreams, doubted my abilities, and judged me through the lens of their own biases.
Through this challenging process, I realized that every person has a unique journey shaped by their past, perspectives, and limitations. Misunderstandings often arise from these differences, but judgment helps no one. I learned to approach others with compassion and openness, reminding myself not to judge based on appearances or assumptions. Instead, I strive to stand by others when they need support and to show kindness in moments that matter most.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experience.
Growing up, I often struggled to answer the question, “What do you want to do in the future?” The truth is, I couldn’t know without experiencing life firsthand. Yet, societal and familial pressures instilled a fear of failure. Over time, my studies abroad, encounters with diverse perspectives, and experiences of love and loss taught me an essential truth: there is no singular “right” path in life.
Every decision is deeply personal. Some may dedicate their lives to pursuing dreams, while others may prioritize stability early on. Some seek financial success, while others chase academic or creative fulfillment. What matters most is understanding one’s values and taking action accordingly. This realization encouraged me to embrace new opportunities, knowing that clarity often comes through action. Today, I’m driven by curiosity and the desire to explore, trusting that each experience brings me closer to understanding myself and my place in the world.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step (千里之行，始于足下).
This lesson, shared by my grandmother, has been a guiding mantra since childhood. As a young student, I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of homework waiting to be done. In those moments, my grandmother would gently remind me, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Her words taught me the importance of breaking big tasks into manageable actions. By setting a clear goal and taking that first step, progress becomes possible. This wisdom also reminds me that it’s never too late to start and that the journey itself—filled with experiences and growth—is as meaningful as reaching the destination.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a story artist with a passion for social innovation. Through illustration and short-form animation and GIFs, I craft narratives that empower vulnerable groups and help socially innovative businesses represent their brands with clarity and empathy. My goal is to bridge understanding and drive meaningful change through the universal language of visual storytelling.
My background in Illustration Entertainment Art provided me with essential skills: creating eye-catching visuals, guiding viewers’ attention, storytelling through images, and conveying emotions through sequences. During my college years, I learned how entertainment captures attention and fosters inclusivity, offering artists a unique platform to share messages that resonate deeply with audiences.
In my senior year, I had the opportunity to work on several social innovation projects. These experiences opened my eyes to the systemic challenges that many marginalized communities face—issues that often leave individuals feeling powerless and unheard. I recognized these struggles not only through research and interactions with those impacted but also through personal experiences. Knowing how isolating such moments can feel motivates me to amplify the voices of others and advocate for change.
I have been fortunate to have people support me during difficult times, and I strive to extend that same care to others. I believe designers have a responsibility to create solutions that make life easier and more equitable. Socially innovative businesses inspire me because they identify real challenges and act to address them. To me, design should always be rooted in people’s needs.
By combining storytelling with social innovation, I aim to create work that not only engages but also uplifts and inspires. I hope to continue collaborating with organizations and individuals who share this vision for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness, communication, and resilience. These qualities not only shaped my growth as a person but also guided me toward specializing in illustration and animation for social innovation.
The first, self-awareness, has been critical. You need to figure out who you are, what excites you, and what drives your purpose. For me, self-awareness came through exploration and reflection. In college, I discovered my passion for storytelling in entertainment art, but over time, I realized I wanted to focus on more meaningful, socially impactful work. This shift happened when I participated in social innovation projects that exposed me to the systemic issues affecting vulnerable groups. Understanding myself and aligning my creative skills with my values has allowed me to create work that feels both authentic and purposeful.
The second quality, communication, is equally vital. Talking with others, expressing yourself, and listening deeply are essential, especially in collaborative environments. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of exchanging ideas and connecting with people from different perspectives—whether it’s clients, community members, or colleagues. These interactions have enriched my understanding of the issues I aim to address and made my storytelling more empathetic and impactful.
Finally, resilience has been a cornerstone of my growth. You can’t be afraid to make mistakes because they are inevitable and often necessary for progress. When I shifted my focus from entertainment art to social innovation, I faced uncertainty and challenges. But every mistake taught me something valuable, and every small step forward built momentum.
My advice is to stay curious, open-minded, and patient with yourself.
For self-awareness, explore as much as you can. Try different fields, take on new challenges, and reflect on what resonates with you. Journaling, talking to mentors, or even stepping outside your comfort zone can help you discover what truly matters to you.
For communication, practice both expressing your ideas and listening to others. Whether it’s through collaborative projects or casual conversations, make an effort to understand different viewpoints and articulate your thoughts clearly. Empathy and storytelling are key skills to develop, especially if you want to connect with diverse audiences or address social issues.
For resilience, remind yourself that progress is a journey of small steps. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for growth, not signs of failure. Embrace challenges as part of the learning process and trust that every experience adds value to your journey.
Ultimately, the combination of self-awareness, communication, and resilience can help you navigate your path with clarity and confidence, even when the way forward isn’t always clear.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always looking for exciting collaborations! I’m particularly interested in working with sociologists, social innovators, and both for-profit and non-profit businesses that are passionate about using design to amplify their mission.
I believe sociologists provide valuable insights into the social structures and challenges facing vulnerable communities. By working with sociologists, I can better understand the deeper issues that impact people’s lives and help translate those insights into visual narratives that engage and inspire action.
I’m also looking to collaborate with social innovation businesses—both for-profit and non-profit—that value animation and illustration as powerful tools to communicate their brand and mission. Whether you are a business working to promote social change or an organization advocating for policy shifts, I believe that animation and illustration can help express your message in a way that captures attention and drives understanding.
If you are part of a social innovation initiative or a sociologist exploring the intersection of social issues and creative storytelling, I would love to connect. Feel free to reach out to me via email or LinkedIn, and let’s discuss how we can collaborate to make an impact through visual storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gerile200201.wixsite.com/my-site-4/projects
• Instagram: @gerile_art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerile-yang-094134252
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gerileyang3836?si=W92gLX_DENt2RpEE
• Other: https://www.fiverr.com/s/6YN1lBX

Image Credits

Isaac Tseng and Kat Shirinyan