Meet Yu Harn(yuko) Hwang

We were lucky to catch up with Yu Harn(yuko) Hwang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yu Harn(Yuko), 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?

As a 3D artist, I’ve encountered creativity blocks many times, but I’ve developed several strategies to overcome them. One of the most effective ways is to take a break and step away from the project, allowing myself to return with a fresh perspective. Seeking inspiration from other artists, films, games, or even different mediums like fine art and architecture also helps reignite my creativity. Drawing from various sources broadens my thinking and pushes me to explore new directions in my work.

Additionally, experimenting with new tools or techniques can shake up my routine and open up possibilities I hadn’t considered before. Collaboration is another key to overcoming blocks—talking to colleagues or receiving feedback often helps me see things from a different angle. Breaking larger projects into smaller tasks also keeps the process manageable, allowing me to maintain progress and creativity even when the work feels overwhelming. By using these methods, I’ve learned to navigate through creative blocks with patience and persistence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, and I’m currently a 3D artist at Edglrd. My journey into 3D art began during my college years in Taiwan, where I was introduced to the fundamentals of 3D animation and modeling. After earning my degree in design, I became eager to refine my 3D skills and take them to a professional level, which led me to pursue further education at Gnomon.

At Gnomon, I discovered a deep passion for modeling and texturing characters, environments, and props. My final demo reel project, *Space Capsule Cockpit*, reflects my love for sci-fi art and showcases the style and creativity I aspire to bring into my professional career. Transitioning into the job market was challenging, particularly with the ongoing entertainment industry strikes. Balancing the mental and physical demands of job hunting wasn’t easy, but I stayed proactive by building my reputation within the 3D community. This dedication paid off when my work was selected for Gnomon’s Best of Term, and a 3D magazine featured a breakdown of my project, giving my work broader visibility. Now, as a professional 3D artist, I’m excited for the future and can’t wait to see Edglrd’s projects come to life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For freshman 3D artists, my biggest advice is to treat every assignment as an opportunity to showcase your best work. Your portfolio starts taking shape from the very first day at Gnomon, so it’s important to approach each project with the mindset that it could be the one that stands out to potential employers. Engage actively in class—don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. Curiosity drives growth, and every question you ask brings you closer to mastering your craft. Alongside this, watch tutorials and seek regular feedback from your connections. I made a habit of reaching out to instructors and mentors to get personalized guidance, which helped me refine my techniques and improve my demo reel.

It’s equally important to step outside the classroom and build connections within the industry. Last year, I attended Lightbox Expo 2023, where I had the chance to talk to industry professionals who offered invaluable advice on job hunting and portfolio building. These conversations were eye-opening and showed me how important it is to build relationships in such a close-knit industry. Whether through feedback from friends or insights from professionals, the support of your network plays a huge role in pushing your work to the next level.

Another crucial aspect is building your online presence early on. Platforms like ArtStation, LinkedIn, and Instagram are essential for showcasing your work to the 3D community and potential employers. I made it a priority to consistently update my profiles with new projects and behind-the-scenes content, which helped me gain visibility and engage with others in the field.

Lastly, it’s important to adopt a “put up or shut up” mentality. Every 3D artist is talented, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you see their amazing work. I’ve had moments of self-doubt, wondering why I couldn’t create something as incredible as what I’ve seen. However, complaining doesn’t lead to improvement. Hard work and continuous learning are the real keys to becoming a great artist. I’m always motivated by the work of others, and every conversation feels like an opportunity to learn something new. You never know when someone you connect with might lend you a hand in your career.

These habits of seeking feedback, building connections, and promoting myself eventually led to my work being featured on *80 Level*, which significantly boosted my visibility in the industry. By treating every project as a portfolio piece and actively marketing yourself, you’ll open up more opportunities for recognition and career growth.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Throughout my career journey, I consistently sought feedback from my instructors and friends to refine and improve my artwork. While this often meant making adjustments and fixing errors that extended project timelines, the result was always worth it. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors—Miguel Ortega, Anton Napierala, and Javier Perez—as well as my friends Grayson Cotrell, Dakota Smith, Nixon Poon, and Phung Tran for their invaluable advice and support. Their guidance helped elevate my work to industry standards, leading to recognition from both my school and the broader social media community.

A special thanks goes to my family, whose unwavering support has been the foundation of my success. There was a time when I almost gave up on finding a job in the United States, but their constant encouragement and belief in my dream kept me going. Without their love and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and for that, I am forever thankful.

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