We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yi Fu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yi, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve always believed in the power of taking action over inaction. This belief was reinforced during my graduate studies in animation. In a visual effects course, our professor challenged us to replicate a real object with such precision in CG that it would be indistinguishable from the actual item. Our task was to integrate the real and CG objects into a single image for comparison. Initially, I struggled, barely passing the first assignment. As the course progressed, especially by the midterm, the complexity overwhelmed me. My strengths were in game and animation modeling, not the realistic lighting and rendering required for this course.
Five days before the midterm, with everyone else already rendering and my own progress stalled, I was panicking. My professor’s encouragement, “You still have five days to adjust,” was a lifeline. I decided to focus on my strengths, starting with what I knew best. I noticed most classmates were using downloaded models to save time for texturing and rendering, but I chose to create my own. This decision, while time-consuming, allowed me to fine-tune details often overlooked.
My breakthrough came when I realized the importance of an object’s silhouette in distinguishing the real from the CG. We were all using familiar objects, like Apple’s headphones or gamepads, and their outlines were key to authenticity. This insight reinvigorated my efforts, leading to intense but productive days.
By the final assignment, I had made significant progress. The professor, acknowledging my improvement in front of the class, confirmed that my approach of leveraging my strengths and paying attention to detail had paid off. This experience affirmed my belief in the importance of starting and persisting, regardless of initial setbacks.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a 3D artist specializing in game production and animation, I take great pride in my work on “Shattered Legacy,” a project that stands as a highlight of my career. Released on Steam in July 2023, it was a collaborative effort where I worked closely with my talented partners, each of us bringing our unique skills to the table. This experience not only honed my technical abilities but also reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork.
Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the support of my family and teammates. Their encouragement and collaboration have been instrumental in every achievement I’ve attained. I firmly believe that success is not a solo endeavor but a collective one, built on the strengths and character of those around us.
My appreciation for group dynamics and collaboration extends beyond professional projects. I’m a firm advocate for the crucial role of family and friends in personal growth and success. As I continue on my path, I’m motivated by the desire to give back to those who have supported me. One day, I aspire to be the pillar of support for my family and friends, just as they have been for me.
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 would highlight three key elements that have significantly shaped my path: maintaining optimism, embracing lifelong learning, and cultivating an open mind.
Firstly, optimism has been a guiding force. It’s not about passively waiting for miracles; rather, it’s about fostering a positive mindset, especially in challenging situations. This approach involves actively seeking solutions and holding onto hope, even when circumstances seem daunting.
Secondly, the spirit of lifelong learning has been invaluable. My experience with ZBrush exemplifies this. When I first arrived in the U.S., I was unfamiliar with the software. Yet, through dedication and continuous learning, I not only mastered digital sculpting but also secured my first full-time job using this program .
Lastly, an open mind has opened doors to unexpected opportunities. While working on “Shattered Legacy” and preparing my Master of Fine Arts thesis, I remained receptive to new challenges. This mindset enabled me to successfully complete both the project and my thesis by June 2023. Additionally, my openness led me to game making and participation in the Global Game Jam, where I won the Best Art Award in 2021 and 2023 at the Savannah station.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities. Embrace optimism as a tool for resilience, commit to lifelong learning to continuously expand your skills, and keep an open mind to explore new avenues. These attributes not only enrich your professional life but also contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
My perspective on whether to focus on strengths or become more well-rounded is nuanced. I believe in a balanced approach, where you primarily leverage your strengths while also dedicating time to improve in areas where you’re less proficient. It’s about finding the right proportion between maximizing your strengths, based on your experience and available time, and incrementally enhancing your weaker areas.
A relevant experience that illustrates this approach is from the Global Game Jam 2023. After completing my main task of digital sculpting, I ventured into other aspects of the project. I took on responsibilities like screening game transitions, managing soundtracks and sound effects, and compiling the title sequence for our presentation. These tasks were crucial as the competition required us to develop a game within a 48-hour window following the announcement of the theme.
During the later stages of the project, when fatigue had set in among the team and efficiency was dwindling, I recognized an opportunity to contribute beyond my specialized skills. Although I had completed the parts I excelled in, there was more I could do for the team. In these moments, I used the gaps in my schedule to refine the project, while dedicating substantial time to the areas where I was most skilled.
This experience reinforced my belief that while it’s important to play to your strengths, being versatile and willing to step into less familiar roles can be equally valuable. It’s about striking a balance that allows you to make the most of your talents while also contributing meaningfully in other ways. This approach not only enhances your personal growth but also benefits the team and the project as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jiangxin.artstation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_5383/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi4462/
