Meet Eugene Yanza

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eugene Yanza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eugene, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I grew up on the small, vibrant island of Guam, where the steady rhythm of life reflected my family’s values: stability and hard work. My parents, like many, wanted the best for me. They believed that a career in engineering was the key to financial success and security—especially in a middle-class family like ours. From a young age, the idea of engineering was planted in my mind. It was practical, respectable, and, they hoped, would lead me to a prosperous future.

So, I followed the path laid out before me. I studied Civil Engineering in college, excelled in my courses, and even went on to earn a graduate degree in the same field. By the time I was 28, I owned my own engineering company. To outsiders, my life seemed like a model of success—my parents were proud, and my achievements painted a picture of financial stability and professional accomplishment.

But inside, I felt something was missing. Though I was good at what I did, the work left me unfulfilled. It was logical and structured, but it didn’t speak to the part of me that craved creativity and meaning. It felt like I was just another cog in the machine, following the motions but not feeding my soul. I yearned for something deeper, something that would allow me to tap into my imagination and contribute more fully to the world.

At 34, after thirteen years in the engineering field, I made a decision that would change my life. I stepped away from the career that had given me so much outward success and enrolled in an MFA program in Animation & Visual Effects at the Academy of Art University. It was a leap into the unknown—a brave decision that required me to confront my fear of starting over, not just academically but financially as well. I walked away from the security of a comfortable salary, stepping into a world of uncertainty, but also one filled with passion.

My first few years in the animation and visual effects industry were humbling. The financial rewards didn’t come close to what I had earned as an engineer, but I found something far more valuable—happiness. I was working in a field where creativity flourished, where my mind was constantly engaged in new and exciting ways. I started as a technical artist, but as time passed, I found myself evolving, taking on new roles that allowed me to explore different facets of game development.

The journey wasn’t easy, but every challenge brought growth. I invested in myself, taking online courses after work and on weekends to expand my technical and artistic skills. Slowly, I moved from technical roles into 3D art and environment art. I became a generalist, someone who could work across various areas in game development— rigging, animation, modeling, texturing, lighting, scripting, and more. This variety made my career dynamic, allowing me to constantly learn and create in ways I never imagined possible as an engineer.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that honoring your passion is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Stepping away from security and into the unknown takes courage, but it can lead to a life of fulfillment. I’m a better, happier person because I chose to follow my heart. If my story inspires even one person to take that leap of faith, to explore their “what-ifs” and pursue the career that truly makes their soul sing, then it’s all been worth it.

So, if you find yourself curious about a different path, I encourage you—take the leap. You never know where your passion might lead you.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a Principal Artist in the game industry, I am passionate about crafting immersive environments, look development, creating shaders, and perfecting lighting, while also tackling technical challenges that arise. What I value most, however, is collaborating with fellow artists. This teamwork fosters creativity, sparks inspiration, and cultivates a positive, supportive environment.

With over 12 years of experience, I began offering creative coaching to a small group of colleagues and have since expanded my focus to mentoring college students, recent graduates, and anyone aspiring to break into game development. If you’re interested, you can learn more at: eugeneyanza.com.

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?

Three qualities have shaped my journey in ways I never imagined: an unquenchable thirst for learning, the courage to keep going through tough times, and a deep curiosity about the unknown. These weren’t just values—they were the energy that kept me moving forward, especially when the path wasn’t clear.

If I could offer one piece of advice to those starting out, it would be this: believe in yourself, especially when things get hard. Failure and doubt aren’t the end—they’re part of the process. Every time you rise after falling, you grow stronger, more skilled, and closer to who you’re meant to become. Embrace the challenges—they’re what turn dreams into reality.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am seeking to collaborate with recruiters in game development to host a live webinar for individuals aspiring to enter the game industry. I would also love to work with other employers looking to offer training to individuals or in groups.

Additionally, I am open to mentoring those interested in pursuing a career as a 3D game artist. For inquiries, please connect with me via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneyanza/.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eugeneyanza.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneyanza/
• Other: https://www.discord.com/users/eugeneyanza