We recently connected with Kai Chuan Yang and have shared our conversation below.

Kai Chuan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I had the honor of collaborating with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra (MNDSO) on the visual design for their concert. Previously, I was a part of the MNDSO and was involved in various responsibilities, including performances for the President and the nation on National Day, flag-raising ceremonies on New Year’s Day, and other significant national-level tasks.

The project revolved around a composition by a sergeant of the symphony orchestra named “Kybernētēs,” originating from ancient Greek, signifying “helmsman” or “pilot.” In ancient Greece, the role of the helmsman was to guide ships forward, ensuring they stayed on the correct course and direction.

The musical piece incorporated two xylophones, a vibraphone, a piano, and electronic elements, combined with visual imagery, showcasing the integration of diverse aspects across various fields, thus reflecting the fundamental concept of “Kybernetes.”

The composition comprises two movements, with the second movement seamlessly blending electronic music and film scoring elements, incorporating unpitched percussion to emphasize the atmospheric and dramatic aspects of film scoring. The commanding rhythmic percussion, in conjunction with immersive sound effects and synthesizers, allows the audience to immerse themselves in the music and envision cinematic scenes.

Kai Chuan, 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 am Kai Chuan Yang, a freelance motion designer based in New York. My early immersion in percussion education has significantly influenced my career trajectory. After obtaining my degree in BFA Communications Design, I served with the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra, an experience that profoundly impacted my future pursuits. Upon completing my military service, I worked as an editor and compositor in an animation studio in Taipei.

Later on, I pursued my aspiration of studying in New York. During my graduate studies, I delved deeply into the foundation of motion graphics. My thesis project, “Paradiddle,” is about percussion in the military through different eras and spaces.

After completing my MFA degree, I took on diverse projects, catering to prominent clients like McDonald’s, MSCI, P&G, Accenture, etc. I also became a part of the New York Alliance Drumlines and the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, allowing me to continue my journey in percussion.

My background in percussion has provided me with a keen understanding of diverse rhythms while crafting motion designs, nurturing a profound admiration for music within my creative ventures.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The ability for my work to be appreciated brings immense satisfaction. One of my projects involved creating a series of interactive installations at Accenture’s Manhattan office, where I was responsible for the motion design of most of the interactive content.

On the day of completion, there was palpable excitement among everyone in the office as they experienced each interactive installation, leaving me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It was as if the work transcended the confines of the screen, adding a new dimension of interactivity and enriched experiences.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my career, I’ve always believed in the immense power of both visual and auditory elements. In Motion Graphics, most projects are often geared towards commercial purposes. However, being able to promote excellent products beautifully through storytelling and compelling visuals to reach a wider audience has always brought me a sense of fulfillment. Moreover, impactful works can inspire more peers to create even better pieces.

This has been a crucial milestone in my professional journey. It’s not just about completing a project; it’s about viewing it as a work of art. My goal is to create works that can inspire other creators, contributing to a cycle of continuous improvement and innovation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yangkaiyo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yangkaiyo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yangkaiyo/