We recently connected with Yujie Huang and have shared our conversation below.
Yujie, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Honestly, my self-discipline stems from a very personal place of desire — a desire to continually challenge and express myself through my art. It’s not born from an external expectation or a pursuit of accolades but rather from an internal drive to see what I can create next. This desire pushes me to maintain discipline, even when it’s tough.
When I first started, I realized that if I wanted to make a real impact with my illustrations and motion work, I needed to be disciplined. There were countless nights of pushing through fatigue, learning new techniques, and refining my work until it felt right. Each step was driven by a desire to see my idea fully realized, not just as I imagined it, but in a way that others could feel and appreciate too.
Over time, this discipline became part of my routine. It’s like a muscle I’ve conditioned. Sure, there are days when I don’t feel like sitting down to work, but there’s always that underlying hunger to create something meaningful, something that speaks both to me and to my audience. That hunger, that desire to connect and communicate through my art, is where my self-discipline truly comes from. It’s not about forcing myself; it’s about following that inner drive that won’t settle for anything less than the best I can give.”
This response aims to provide a more honest and personal insight into the source of your self-discipline, focusing on your internal drive and desire to create impactful work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Certainly, I’m thrilled to share more about my journey and work. As a freelance artist specializing in illustration and motion picture, each day is a new adventure filled with colors, stories, and movements. What excites me most about what I do is the ability to breathe life into ideas, to turn a mere thought into something tangible and moving.
My art is characterized by a blend of intricate storytelling and a whimsical, dreamlike quality. I strive to create pieces that not only captivate visually but also evoke emotions and spark imagination. I believe that art should be an escape, a portal to a world where wonder and curiosity reign supreme. This ethos is at the heart of my brand; it’s what I want my audience to experience whenever they come across my work.
What’s special about my approach is my commitment to blending traditional techniques with modern technology. By integrating illustration with motion media, I’m able to create a more dynamic form of storytelling. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating something that moves, both literally and figuratively.
Professionally, I’m focused on expanding the scope of my projects. I’m constantly looking for new, diverse collaborations that push the boundaries of what I can create. Recently, I’ve started exploring more interactive forms of art, incorporating user-driven elements into my work to make it even more engaging.
As for what’s new, I’m also in the early stages of launching a series of workshops aimed at helping aspiring artists develop their skills in illustration and motion media. It’s a way for me to give back and foster a community of creatives who share a passion for storytelling through art.
Ultimately, I want my brand and art to be known for their uniqueness, creativity, and ability to transport audiences to another realm. It’s about creating an experience, a moment of escape and inspiration, and I’m just so grateful to be able to do that every day.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements have significantly shaped my path: creativity, resilience, and continuous learning.
Creativity is the lifeblood of all artists. It’s not just about having original ideas but also about being able to see connections where others might not and expressing these in a unique way. To those starting out, I’d say immerse yourself in a wide range of inspirations. Don’t just look at art in your field but explore other disciplines, cultures, and nature. Keep a journal or sketchbook to jot down ideas, doodles, and thoughts. The more you feed your creativity, the more it will grow.
Resilience has been crucial. This industry is full of ups and downs. Projects might not go as planned, or you might face criticism. It’s essential to learn not to take setbacks personally but rather see them as opportunities to grow and improve. My advice is to build a support system of peers and mentors who understand your journey and can provide guidance and encouragement. Also, develop a constructive mindset towards feedback and setbacks. They’re not reflections of your worth but rather stepping stones to becoming better.
Lastly, continuous learning has kept my work fresh and relevant. The field of art and design is always evolving, and staying up-to-date with new techniques, tools, and trends is vital. To those at the beginning of their careers, invest time in learning, whether through formal education, workshops, online tutorials, or collaborative projects. Be curious about everything and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to try new styles or mediums.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these three areas actively. Nurture your creativity with diverse experiences, build resilience by embracing challenges as growth opportunities, and commit to lifelong learning to continually enhance your skills and knowledge. These pillars will not only enrich your professional journey but also your personal growth as an artist and individual.
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?
There have been several key figures who’ve played a pivotal role in my journey, each contributing in unique ways to my growth and success.
Firstly, my family’s unwavering support and belief in my artistic potential have been a constant source of strength. They encouraged me to pursue my passion for art from a young age, providing me with the space and resources to explore my creativity. Their faith in my abilities, even when faced with uncertainty, has been a significant motivator.
My professors and mentors at SCAD were also instrumental. They pushed me beyond my comfort zones, challenged my thinking, and exposed me to a broader spectrum of artistic expression. Their guidance helped refine my technical skills and deepen my understanding of art as a medium for storytelling. They taught me not just to create but to connect and communicate through my work.
Peers and fellow artists have been invaluable as well. The creative community I’ve been a part of has provided a space for sharing ideas, feedback, and support. Collaborating with others, seeing different perspectives, and getting constructive criticism has helped me grow immensely. This network has also been a source of inspiration and camaraderie, reminding me that we’re all on this artistic journey together.
Lastly, the clients I’ve worked with have played a significant role. Each project has been a learning experience, helping me understand various market needs, audience preferences, and how to adapt and innovate continually. They’ve challenged me to apply my skills in real-world scenarios and pushed me to deliver my best work consistently.
To anyone looking to build their path, my advice is to find and cherish these relationships. Seek mentors who will challenge and guide you, surround yourself with peers who inspire and support you, and look for opportunities to learn from everyone you work with, including clients. These connections are not just resources but also pillars that will help you navigate your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yujiecreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yujie.creative/
