We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yiran Wang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yiran, 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?
Before attending college, my life lacked a defined purpose beyond the ambition of gaining admission to a prestigious institution. I felt as though I was adrift in an endless sea of academic study. However, upon entering art school and transitioning into adulthood, I gained the autonomy to make significant decisions independently. This newfound freedom transformed my perspective of the world, presenting me with a myriad of diverse options and pathways. Embracing this change, I eagerly embarked on new adventures, always eager to think creatively and explore uncharted territories.
During my two-year graduate studies, I delved into various artistic mediums, engaging in projects that not only honed my skills but also aided me in discovering my true calling. My explorations ranged from digital painting and electronic fabrication to programming, music production, and computer-generated (CG) art. Each new endeavor not only expanded my skillset but also brought me closer to understanding my deepest aspirations. In the five months following graduation, despite facing challenges in the job market, I remained undeterred. I continued working on personal projects and refining my abilities, viewing these experiences not as setbacks but as valuable steps toward future success.
It was during this period of self-guided exploration that I stumbled upon my current job opportunity through a serendipitous encounter with a friend. Now, having been in this role for over a year, I am more convinced than ever of one fundamental truth: Purpose does not simply materialize out of inaction. It is through the accumulation of experiences, the willingness to experiment, and the resilience in the face of adversity that one truly discovers their purpose in life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello, my name is Yiran Marcel Wang, originally from Chongqing, China. Currently, I am part of The Mill, a dynamic Advertising and Brand Experience company specializing in VFX and Creative Technology. Our small yet passionate team is dedicated to bringing virtual characters to life using real-time technology, previsualization, and offline workflows. This innovative approach allows us to craft memorable, interactive experiences featuring both new and familiar faces. As a technical artist, I primarily utilize game engines and CG tools to bring my creative visions to fruition.
My academic background in Oil Painting as an undergraduate often comes as a surprise to my friends and colleagues. Transitioning from a traditional and classical art form to the forefront of technological innovation has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. The decision to pivot towards creative technology during my sophomore year led to three years of intensive preparation for graduate studies. This hard work culminated in my acceptance to the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University.
Throughout this journey, I have navigated various challenges, including misunderstandings with my parents, language barriers, the frustrations of learning new software, and the complexities of developing art projects. Despite these obstacles, my excitement and commitment to my goals never waned, ultimately guiding me to my current position.
My artistic projects primarily explore the realm of emotions. My recent works delve into themes such as human pain, meditation, and peace, aiming to evoke delicate feelings and provoke personal reflections and memories in the viewer. Whether the emotions elicited are beautiful, joyful, or painful, they are authentic and resonate on a personal level. For those interested in exploring my projects further, I invite you to visit my website!
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I identify three key qualities that have been pivotal: planning for the future, steadfastness in pursuing goals, and embracing challenges.
I’ve observed a growing trend towards multidisciplinary integration across various sectors, with companies increasingly seeking talent proficient in multiple skills rather than specializing in a single area. In my current role, a diverse set of software skills and knowledge is essential. Our team is not solely focused on computer graphics; each member has their specialty, be it modeling, texturing, rigging, or animating. However, we all possess the flexibility to switch tasks and adapt to different roles. This adaptability is a testament to the value of cross-disciplinary knowledge.
Therefore, my advice for those at the beginning of their professional journey is to broaden their skill set beyond their primary field of expertise. Learning about interconnected domains can not only enhance your primary skill set but also provide a valuable perspective that can open up new opportunities and ways of thinking.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Balancing my full-time job at The Mill with my personal art creation has always been a significant challenge for me. Maintaining my own artistic practice alongside professional commitments is demanding, as it requires not only time but also substantial energy. Initially, finding the motivation to even begin was difficult.
To overcome this hurdle, I began seeking collaborations with other artists, hoping to find opportunities to work alongside talented individuals. This search led me to partner with an artist whose concept deeply impressed me. My role in this collaboration primarily involves addressing technical aspects, supporting her vision. She is exceptionally goal-oriented, and our entire team shares a deep passion and dedication to our projects. This collective enthusiasm inspires me to push my limits and contribute meaningfully.
The experience of meeting and discussing art with new, talented friends has been incredibly fulfilling. It not only enriches my artistic journey but also helps in striking a balance between my professional responsibilities and personal creative aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yiranwang.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel_wang_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-wang-987b351b7/
