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

Wenxin, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always been into art and design, but I think the moment I really knew I wanted to pursue it as a career was when I got into 3D. Before that, I had tried all kinds of creative fields—graphic design, illustration, animation—you name it. They were fun, but nothing quite clicked the way I wanted.

About six months ago, I started experimenting with 3D software. At first, it was just out of curiosity—I wanted to see how I could mix it with my illustration skills. But as I got deeper into it, I realized I was completely hooked. The process of creating something from scratch, turning it into a model, and then bringing it to life through motion—it felt like magic.

I remember finishing my first animated piece and just staring at it, thinking, “This is it. This is what I want to do.” It was such an amazing feeling to see my ideas come alive in a way I hadn’t been able to achieve before.

From that point on, I’ve been all in, exploring 3D and pushing myself to create work that’s dynamic and visually impactful. It’s been a journey of figuring out my style and refining my skills, but I know this is where I belong.

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?

Hi! I’m Wen Xin, an illustrator, motion designer, and animator currently pursuing my MA in Illustration and MFA motion design at SCAD. I specialize in creating visuals for brands and products, including brand packaging, posters, and CG advertisements. My work blends illustration, animation, and 3D design to craft bold, engaging visuals that stand out and connect with audiences.

What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary background, allowing me to approach projects creatively and adapt to different needs. I’m proud of helping clients bring their ideas to life through vibrant and memorable designs. Whether you’re looking for fresh visuals or inspiring storytelling, I’m here to make it happen!

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

As an illustrator, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing how a single piece of artwork can tell a story or convey an emotion that resonates with others.
When the illustration was shared, people started commenting on how it reminded them of their childhood or their favorite quiet moments at home. Some even shared personal stories about how it made them feel. That’s when I realized the power of illustration—it’s not just about creating something visually pleasing; it’s about creating a connection, a feeling, or a memory for someone else. Moments like that are what make being an artist so fulfilling for me.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to create visuals that really connect with people—whether it’s telling a story, sparking an emotion, or helping a brand make a lasting impression. I want my work to be more than just something nice to look at; it should have meaning and leave an impact.

What drives me is the constant excitement of exploring and growing. I love mixing illustration, motion design, and 3D to try new things and push my creative limits. At the end of the day, I hope my work inspires others, makes them feel something, or just leaves them curious and excited about what they see.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wenxinin.com/
• Instagram: wenxininyan_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenxin-yan-347636272/

Image Credits

https://wenxinin.com/