Meet Kathy Yu

We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Yu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

Creativity blocks are a common experience, especially for those who constantly seek challenges and growth. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and facing these blocks can even be a sign of pushing boundaries. For me, confidence is key to overcoming these periods. I usually set high goals that are a stretch to reach quickly. For instance, if I feel my color choices lack impact, I’ll dive into studying oil paintings or film color grading. Seeing the mastery in these works reminds me that any creative problem can be solved with dedication. Another valuable approach is to seek advice from those who excel in specific areas; their insights can often spark new ideas and solutions. Ultimately, everything falls into place.

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

I am a motion designer skilled in both 2D and 3D motion design, look development, and illustration. I am proud of the diverse skill set I have developed, allowing me to blend various techniques and potentially create visual styles that have not been seen before. I’m proud of the diverse skill set I’ve built, which allows me to blend techniques and push visual boundaries.

My dedication has led to industry awards and valuable opportunities, including collaborations with Nickelodeon and Buck, where I gained insight into the meticulous details that elevate a brand’s visual identity. Currently, I’m working on the visual identity package for a new motion design studio brand. Learning from the best and freelancing has been constantly evolving my creative approach.

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?

Three essential qualities for a motion designer are artistic skill, technical skill, and communication skill. Artistic skills establish the vision for your work, technical skills enable you to bring that vision to life, and communication skills help you present and share your work effectively.

For me, artistic skills, particularly a solid foundation in graphic design and visual systems, have been invaluable. I also draw on a fundamental understanding of composition from film photography, which helps me create dynamic and engaging visuals. Technical skills, like mastering the 3D pipeline and software tools, allow me to translate artistic ideas into polished animations.

Finally, communication skills are key. Being confident yet humble enables you to connect with others in the industry. It’s important to have the courage to ask for advice when needed. You don’t have to excel at every skill all at once, but a balanced focus on each helps drive growth and success.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, I’ve experienced significant growth, moving from a student to a professional in the field. One of my biggest areas of development has been learning to work in a real studio environment. It’s my first experience working alongside industry professionals, and I’ve been absorbing new artistic standards, techniques, and the dynamics of collaborating with a team.

Being involved in a project from start to finish has taught me the importance of attention to detail at every stage. I’m incredibly grateful for the patience my team has shown, allowing me the space to grow, and for the chance to work with such supportive and talented people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kyumotion.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyyu6/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaixi-yu-a0a8b126a/