Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yimei Qin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Yimei thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have participated in must be the one I experienced during my internship in China. I have always loved various independent games, such as 2D adventure games or roguelike games. So I joined a small independent game studio as a game artist. The studio was developing a pixel-art business simulation game at the time. I designed mine cave scenes and bamboo forest scenes, designed the main map in the game world and the ui in a mini fishing game section. And I also optimized a lot of ui panels and icons for the game. This project further fueled my passion for the gaming industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Yimei Qin, an illustrator and a lifelong gamer. I specializing in 2D art and character design. My goal is to create immersive worlds and engaging characters that be remembered by the world. Since childhood, I have had a passion for drawing, which led me to pursue my undergraduate studies at ArtCenter College of Design in California. During my time there, I discovered that my true calling lies in game art. I can offer clients or companies illustration, character design, and environment design. I primarily use Photoshop as my design tool, I also use Illustrator, Maya, Figma skillfully. I was born in China, currently based in LA. I fell in love with video games as a kid, and now I get to bring my own visions to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When we talk about resilience, I always think of my experience of from China coming to the US all by myself to attend high school when I was 13. At that time, my English was not good enough to communicate with people. And I felt really lonely and confused in this unfamiliar environment and culture. However, after a challenging first semester, I gradually adapted to the new environment. I tried my best to overcome the language barrier and eventually my grades improved steadily. This experience not only improved my English level, but also gave me the courage and perseverance to face any challenges in my future.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a game artist or illustrator is the ability to bring stories to life. Seeing my designs and artwork contribute to the overall experience of a game can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to witness how a single piece of art can evoke emotions and shape a player’s journey. It’s also gratifying to collaborate with a team, as we collectively create something that resonates with players. Plus, the constant opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques keeps the work fresh and exciting!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ym_qinnn
• Linkedin: Yimei Qin

Image Credits
by Yimei Qin