We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yige Huang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yige, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
The discussion around artificial intelligence in the art world is fervent, and it’s evident that AI is transforming the creative landscape globally. During my course on “The Business of Animation” at USC, taught by Sandra Rabins, we were tasked with creating a music video using popular AI software. The results were impressive – diverse and completed to a remarkable standard within a week. I find AI particularly efficient in assisting artists during the early stages of the production process. However, I’ve realized through my own experiences, such as using Mid-journey to generate a few images I’d like, continuous tweaking is necessary to achieve desired outcomes, adjustments are often required.
In my game art internship experience, I learned the effective use of AI in providing more options for visual development, enhancing character design in exciting ways. In my animation field, while I cannot guarantee the consistent coherence of AI-produced storyboards, I acknowledge that AI broadens perspectives and presents new possibilities for my films.
The inevitability of AI is clear, especially for companies and individuals aiming for efficiency. During discussions with a friend who illustrates children’s books, predominantly in a hand-drawn style, we explored another perspective on AI art. AI-generated art lacks scarcity, and in an era where uniqueness is highly valued, particularly among the Gen Z, AI cannot replicate the personal connection, customization, and individuality that artists bring to their work.
In online collaborations, factors such as the artist’s reputation, the relevance of the artwork to the requester, and the element of personalization are crucial considerations, which AI currently cannot fully address. Learning to use AI tools can undoubtedly enhance productivity and facilitate scalable output, but it is equally important for artists to cultivate their irreplaceable uniqueness. In essence, it’s about working smart, not just hard.
The discussion around artificial intelligence in the art world is fervent, and it’s evident that AI is transforming the creative landscape globally. During my course on “The Business of Animation” at USC, taught by Sandra Rabins, we were tasked with creating a music video using popular AI software. The results were impressive – diverse and completed to a remarkable standard within a week. I find AI particularly efficient in assisting artists during the early stages of the production process. However, I’ve realized through my own experiences, such as using Mid-journey to generate a few images I’d like, continuous tweaking is necessary to achieve desired outcomes, adjustments are often required.
In my game art internship experience, I learned the effective use of AI in providing more options for visual development, enhancing character design in exciting ways. In my animation field, while I cannot guarantee the consistent coherence of AI-produced storyboards, I acknowledge that AI broadens perspectives and presents new possibilities for my films.
The inevitability of AI is clear, especially for companies and individuals aiming for efficiency. During discussions with a friend who illustrates children’s books, predominantly in a hand-drawn style, we explored another perspective on AI art. AI-generated art lacks scarcity, and in an era where uniqueness is highly valued, particularly among the Gen Z, AI cannot replicate the personal connection, customization, and individuality that artists bring to their work.
In online collaborations, factors such as the artist’s reputation, the relevance of the artwork to the requester, and the element of personalization are crucial considerations, which AI currently cannot fully address. Learning to use AI tools can undoubtedly enhance productivity and facilitate scalable output, but it is equally important for artists to cultivate their irreplaceable uniqueness. In essence, it’s about working smart, not just hard.
Yige, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have a passion for design and illustration, and recently, I’ve been involved in creating motion graphic short films. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I gained substantial insights into visual aesthetics and design.
Currently, I am studying in Animation at the University of Southern California. This program has allowed me to dive deeper into expressing dynamic movements and exploring smart transitions in my 2d art work. I’ve discovered and acquired knowledge beyond what I learned during my undergraduate studies, such as the language of cinematography, editing techniques, and industry standard production pipeline. This diverse skill set has transformed me into a generalist.
Throughout my journey, I’ve focused on providing design, illustration, and now animation services. I take pride in creating motion graphic short films that not only showcase my artistic abilities.What sets me apart is my dedication to continuous learning and adaptation to the latest trends and technologies in the industry. For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my work is not just about visuals but also about the thoughtfulness and precision I bring to each project. I aim to solve creative challenges with a unique perspective and a comprehensive skill set.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most fulfilling aspect of creating artworks is the ability to articulate my thoughts and emotions uniquely, a passion that has been with me since childhood while watching countless animation films. creative work serves as a powerful means to share perspectives and stories and establishing connections.
Engaging in filmmaking feels like problem solving. Breaking down complex ideas into tasks and completing each one provides me sense of satisfaction. Moreover, the continual journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery within the creative realm contributes to an enriching experience. Ultimately, the ability to influence, inspire, and contribute to the cultural narrative underscores the gratifying and fulfilling nature of being a creative.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had known about the production pipeline earlier in my creative journey. In my first year of graduate school, I took a systematic course on this topic, where industry professionals gave lectures. It was an eye-opener, revealing that animation is more complex, detailed, and challenging than I initially imagined.
I initially aimed for a career in visual development but later realized it might not suit me well due to the constant need for revisions and new ideas. After learning about the pipeline, I discovered that traditional animation storyboarding aligns better with my preferences. It doesn’t require extensive coloring or high completion levels – the focus is on capturing the scenes outlined in the script. Sometimes, constant innovation can be painful, but with a script as a framework, I find I can unleash my creativity more effectively within those boundaries.
Simultaneously, I learned that storyboarding falls within the pre-production phase, where time is often more abundant compared to the mid and late stages. This emphasizes the importance of speed and efficiency in storyboarding. Understood the entire animation production process made me realize the significance of time management; otherwise, I might overly refine certain details during storyboarding.
Therefore, I believe thorough research into the type of work one wants to pursue and gaining an in-depth understanding of the larger industry is crucial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/yigehuang
- Instagram: yigehart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yige-huang-90763a18a/
Image Credits
Yige Huang