We recently connected with Yuan Xiao and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yuan, 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 believe I discover my purpose through following my heart and embracing new experiences.
I chose my major in digital media technology primarily because I learned this major includes art courses. Despite not having much experience in this area, I felt weary of the basic courses I had to take in high school and wanted to explore something more interesting.
Throughout my studies, I discovered that while I appreciate fine art, my aptitude for pure artistry was not as strong. Instead, I’m intrigued by how the fusion of science and art can create. This finding leads me to explore the field of computer graphics. It has a scientific foundation, while still allowing for the creation of ‘art’ through coding. As I kept exploring this area, I found there were so many questions unsolved, I immersed myself in this area, did some internships, and finally became a graphics programmer in the game industry after I graduated.
The entire process changed me significantly. It took me away from my small hometown, leading me to pursue internship opportunities in a different city, pursue a master’s degree in a different country, and eventually settle down with work in my dream field. Along the way, I met numerous new people who inspired and encouraged me to delve deeper into this field. I am proud of what I am doing now.
Even though my present purpose may evolve, I still cherish every effort I put in pursuit of my desires. Embracing a purpose, whether modest or grand, propels one forward and opens the door to new perspectives and experiences.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer graphics areas and have been working in the game industry since graduation. My role primarily involves supporting artists with new technologies, streamlining their workflows, and creating visually stunning results in games.
I believe that video game is the ninth art. As a tech enthusiast in the game industry, I keenly observe how technology, as a medium, revolutionizes artistic expression. Witnessing the breathtaking visual effects, I’ve seen players get increasingly immersed in the game world. It’s truly astonishing.
On a personal level, on the art side, I aspire to one day develop my own indie game. On the tech side, my goal is to create algorithms that are widely used in the industry. While I recognize I have a long way to go to achieve these goals, I am committed to working hard and making progress towards them.
One of the most thrilling developments in the game-related sphere, in my opinion, is the emergence of machine learning. This technology could particularly benefit indie game developers and those with limited time resources, as it offers a means to streamline the development process. Additionally, as game technologies advance, I foresee the dissolution of technical barriers, enabling individuals without extensive training to create games independently.
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?
Firstly, I want to underscore the significance of passion. With passion, we deeply immerse ourselves in our endeavors, finding the drive to overcome challenges that may initially seem insurmountable. A common trait among individuals who excel in their respective fields is their love for what they do and their desire for continuous improvement. This is how passion unlocks our true potential.
The second quality I highly value is curiosity. Being curious about the unknown, questioning how things work, and exploring why things are the way they are can break us out of routine and guide us toward discovering new paths. It is from curiosity that innovative ideas emerge. Indeed, the world would be a dull place if we lacked curiosity about what happens around us.
The third quality I value most is modesty. Even for exceptionally successful individuals, excessive stubbornness can hinder further improvement. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that our achievements are the result of a combination of factors, and therefore, we should not look down upon those who may be less fortunate or traditionally less successful.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe it’s beneficial to explore different areas of interest, but it’s essential to focus on mastering one specific field first.
There are numerous fields of expertise, and unless one possesses exceptional talent, it’s challenging to excel in all of them with limited time. I find it more practical for us to concentrate on one area and strive to achieve success within it. For instance, during college, obtaining internships within the same or related industry can significantly enhance one’s prospects of securing a job in that particular field. By focusing on a single area initially, it can at least provide financial support for one to explore other interests.
In my case, I dedicate the majority of my time to honing my skills in areas where I excel, while also allocating some time to explore other interests. While I may not have the talent to excel in these secondary pursuits, they still enhance my overall understanding and bring me enjoyment. For example, I’ve made an effort to learn about 3D artist workflows, which has improved my ability to understand their specialized requests and facilitated smoother collaboration during our work together.
Overall, I think one should try to go deeper in one area first and keep exploring other areas if possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: irisy.xiao
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuan-xiao-iris97/
