We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlie Yuying Luo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Charlie Yuying thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Growing up, I was always passionate about art. I loved learning how to draw, watching cartoons and animations, and exploring music through piano, singing, and dancing. Part of this came from generational expectations: girls were often encouraged to be good at art. However, more than that, art became my one true friend throughout childhood. I remember sneaking my night light on after my parents had gone to sleep, just to finish a drawing. Art was always there for me when I needed it most.

By the time I reached my late teens, it became clear: I was deeply drawn to creative work, far more than to math or science. I knew I wanted to pursue art professionally. I felt truly grateful that my parents were supportive – they even agreed to let me move overseas to chase that dream.

That’s when I discovered the 3D world. I’d always admired DreamWorks, Pixar, and Disney films growing up, but now I realized I could be part of that magic. The 3D industry was on the rise, and for the first time, I saw a path where my creativity could inspire others, just as those films had once inspired me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My Chinese name is Yuying Luo, and I go by Charlie. I grew up in China and lived there until I moved to New York to pursue my BFA in Computer Art at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), one of the leading art institutes in New York City. Currently, I’m continuing my journey at SVA by pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Arts.

I work as a freelance CG generalist, specializing in character modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. I also create 2D animations, illustrations, and motion graphics. My journey into computer graphics began when I started college. Transitioning from a traditional art background to learning cutting-edge software and new technologies was a completely different experience. I discovered the complexity and beauty of the CG pipeline, with its specialized departments like lighting and texturing. Over the years, I’ve built a solid foundation in 3D work and have produced projects of various scales – from standalone models to complete short films.

What I love most about this field is the storytelling aspect – bringing characters and environments to life and finding my voice through design. I’ve also learned that one of the most important skills in this industry is the ability to adapt quickly, understand client needs, take feedback effectively, and ultimately exceed expectations. Whether I’m working independently or collaborating with others, this challenge is what excites me most.

I’m proud of my Chinese heritage, and I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in American culture. Embracing both allows me to create work that’s uniquely my own. My diverse background has given me a natural eye for finding distinct topics and voices. I feel a strong responsibility to be part of something meaningful – to create work that represents people like me and speaks for the underrepresented. That is one of my biggest goals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To me, one of the most meaningful goals of being an artist is the ability to inspire someone and to be a voice for others—especially those who might not often see themselves represented. As a Chinese female artist, I feel a deep responsibility to stand up and express not only my own perspective but also the stories and emotions of people like me. Our voices matter, and I want my work to reflect that—to create space for empathy, connection, and understanding.

Much of my content is cute, whimsical, and heart-warming. I aim to create stories and visuals that children can enjoy, but also ones that speak to the inner child in all of us. In a world that often demands seriousness and conformity, I hope my work can offer a sense of wonder and comfort, reminding people of the beauty in small, magical moments.

I was lucky to grow up with a childhood that included running around outdoors, laughing and chasing each other before school and responsibilities took over. For me, art was more than just entertainment – it was my escape, my joy, and ultimately, what shaped me into the person I am today. I’m endlessly grateful to the artists and creators who came before me and lit the path. One day, I hope I can be that same light for someone else – to help them feel seen, inspired, and encouraged to follow their own creative dreams.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that my background made me less visible or less valuable in the creative industry. As a Chinese female artist working in a space often dominated by Western perspectives, there was a time when I felt the need to downplay who I was in order to fit in. I worried that my experiences wouldn’t resonate, or that my voice wasn’t what people were looking for. I thought I had to shape my work to reflect what was already considered popular or successful.

For a while, I followed that mindset. I stayed quiet, tried to blend in, and created work that felt safe rather than personal. But over time, especially through developing personal projects and meeting others with similar backgrounds, I started to see things differently. I realized that my cultural identity and unique perspective were not limitations. In fact, they were the very things that could make my work meaningful and distinctive.

Unlearning that belief gave me the freedom to create with more honesty and confidence. I stopped trying to erase parts of myself to be accepted and started embracing them fully. Now, I see the value in creating stories that reflect who I am and where I come from. Representation is not just important to me – it is essential. I want to make work that speaks to people who rarely see themselves reflected on screen. I want to show that our voices and experiences matter just as much as anyone else’s.

Letting go of that internal doubt has been transformative. It allowed me to shift from seeking validation to creating with intention and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlielart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eilrahc.oul
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-luo-0144bb157/

Image Credits

Mouse image 1-2: Animated Short film “Bottom of the Well” by Charlie Luo and Xinyu Shen
Room image 3: Recreation of a scene from Music Video “脱せ” by Eisyu
Boy image 4 and image 7(kitchen): Mini Animted Short by Charlie Luo and Johnson Qiang
Cyberpunk Image 5: Car and Character by Charlie Luo, environment from sketchfab
Cat image 6: All aspect by Charlie Luo