We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sherwyn Wong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sherwyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by the way stories could come to life through images. Growing up, I was a quiet observer, always doodling in every empty piece of paper I could find and being engrossed in watching animated films and cartoons. My fascination began with the simple joy of watching how drawings/pixels could convey emotions, entertain audiences (whether it’s to laugh or cry), or tell powerful stories.
I remember the first time I watched Inside Out as that was the film that truly impacted me. This was when I was still a freshman in animation college, unsure of pursuing my major (3D modelling, 3D animation, rigging, VFX). While watching the film with a bunch of my friends, I was completely blown away by the moment in the film especially when Joy realized that Sadness was just as important of an emotion for Riley. The sincerity of Riley’s performance has allowed me to relate and empathized with her which opened the floodgates in my eyes. Many, many tears have been shed. This was the firsthand experience I had of the power of animation and why I wanted to pursue a career as an animator. To create something this sincere and powerful for audiences around the world to experience. That is my goal as an animator as well as a storyteller, and it all began in a movie theatre.

Sherwyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a 3D animator with a passion for storytelling through animation, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work at Pixar on some iconic films like Inside Out 2. My journey into animation started as a child, when I was fascinated by how animated films could bring stories to life. I pursued this passion through college, and eventually, my career led me to Pixar, where I learned from some of the best in the industry.

At Pixar, I worked on creating characters and environments that not only looked great but also felt alive and emotionally engaging. Now, as a 3D animator, I specialize in making animation that connects with audiences, whether it’s for a commercial, short film, or a feature project. What sets me apart is my dedication to pushing the boundaries of animation and it’s techniques as well as the eagerness to collaborate with my peers through brainstorming. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, but I’m most excited about continuing to grow as an artist and experimenting with new ideas.

For potential clients and collaborators, I want them to know that I bring the same passion and attention to detail to every project, big or small. I focus on creating animation that’s not only visually stunning but also meaningful and engaging. If someone is looking for high-quality, emotionally-driven animation, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding experiences for a 3D animator is seeing our work come to life on screen, whether it’s in a film, video game, commercial, or virtual reality project. Knowing that people are enjoying or being moved by something you created is immensely gratifying.

Not only that, animation can also evoke deep emotions in viewers, making them laugh, cry, or think deeply about an issue. Knowing that your work has impacted someone’s experience can be very fulfilling.

Lastly, animation is often a collaborative process involving close interaction with other creatives like storyboard artists, directors, modelers, texture artists, layout artists, rigging artists and sound designers. Many animators find it rewarding to contribute to a larger vision and see how their work fits into the bigger picture. Collaboration is key here as it allows everyone to foster growth and learning, especially when working with talented professionals who can offer new insights, techniques, or feedback.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being a 3D animator is often a combination of creativity, personal growth, teamwork, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make an impact in the world.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The process of filmmaking and animation is demanding and often undervalued. It involves long hours, relentless creativity, and a lot of trial and error. Artists put their hearts and souls into creating worlds that feel real, characters that feel human, and stories that leave lasting impressions. The creative effort involved is not just about producing something visually stunning; it’s about communicating with the audience on an emotional, intellectual, and cultural level.

For society to truly appreciate the value of film and animation, we must recognize and support the hard work that goes into creating them. This means not only acknowledging the dedication of those who bring these projects to life but also understanding the transformative power that stories—told through moving images—have in shaping our perceptions of the world. Whether it’s through supporting the work of independent creators, encouraging fair compensation, or simply appreciating the artistry on screen by staying on at the end credits of the film. As creatives, we all have to play a role in fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.

Ultimately, film and animation remind us of the profound impact that art has on our lives. They offer us a space for reflection, exploration, and connection, showing us the world through different lenses and inviting us to experience it in new ways. As a society, we owe it to the artists and creatives behind these works to appreciate the immense effort and skill that goes into crafting the stories and experiences that enrich our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sherwynwong.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherwynwong/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherwynwong/
• Other: Vimeo account: https://vimeo.com/sherwynwong

Image Credits

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