We were lucky to catch up with Wanyi Ma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wanyi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally from a very young age. I started learning to draw at the age of 5 and discovered my passion for painting soon after. My parents recognized my interest and sent me to painting classes, which ignited my love for art even more. As I grew older, I started taking professional painting courses, and eventually chose Multimedia Stage Design as my major in college. However, after completing my undergrad studies, I still felt like I had more to learn in the field of multimedia design.

It was then that I discovered the Motion Media program at SCAD, and I knew I had found my calling. I was drawn to the program’s teaching and research direction, which matched my future goals perfectly. I decided to subdivide into motion media and study motion graphic design, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far.

Throughout my journey, I’ve always been passionate about the creative process and the power of art to communicate ideas and emotions. Pursuing a creative/artistic path professionally has allowed me to continue exploring these passions while also building a fulfilling career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Wanyi, and I’m a motion graphics freelancer. I became interested in motion graphics and animation while studying in SCAD’s Motion Media program, and have been passionate about creating engaging visual content ever since. My work includes 2D and 3D animations, as well as digital visual design.

When I first started out as a freelancer after graduating, I encountered some challenges. While I had honed my technical skills in school, I found that I lacked experience in communicating with clients, guiding them through the production process, and understanding their content needs. However, I was determined to learn, and I turned to my professors and friends for advice.

Through these conversations, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of clear communication with clients, such as outlining project requirements, costs, and timelines upfront, and requesting a deposit before beginning work. I also realized that being a successful freelancer required not just technical skill, but also the ability to efficiently manage projects and coordinate with clients.

Since then, I’ve developed strong communication and coordination skills that have helped me produce high-quality work and build long-term relationships with clients. I’m most proud of my ability to bring my clients’ visions to life and create compelling visual content that helps them achieve their goals. Whether it’s a promotional video, explainer animation, or other type of motion graphic, I’m committed to delivering work that exceeds my clients’ expectations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For many artists and creatives, the most rewarding aspect of their work is the ability to express themselves and communicate their unique perspectives and ideas through their art. Creating something from scratch and seeing it come to life can bring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Additionally, the ability to inspire and impact others through their work can be incredibly gratifying.

The creative process itself can be rewarding. The act of making art or coming up with new ideas can be meditative and therapeutic, providing a sense of relaxation and release from stress. Artists and creatives may also find joy in exploring new techniques, mediums, or subject matters, and pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.

Some artists and creatives may find the most reward in the connections and relationships they build through their work. Whether it’s collaborating with others or sharing their work with an audience, the ability to connect with others through art can be incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing that may be difficult for non-creators to understand about the creative process is the time, effort and dedication required to produce quality work. Creating something from scratch requires not only technical skills, but also a deep understanding of the craft, a willingness to experiment and take risks, and the ability to take a project from conception to completion. Creative professionals often face a great deal of criticism, as artistic and creative work is subjective and may be evaluated differently by different people. This can be challenging, especially when the artist or creative is passionate about their work and invested in its success. In addition, creative work often requires a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation. Artists and creatives must be able to manage their time effectively, set their own goals and deadlines, and stay motivated even in the face of setbacks or challenges. However, there can be a degree of vulnerability in creating and sharing one’s work with the world. Artists and creators often pour their hearts and souls into their work, and getting it out into the world can be daunting. It can also be difficult to receive feedback or criticism for something that feels very personal and meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wanyima.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavis_mawanyi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanyi-ma-6b63881b6/

Image Credits
Wanyi Ma