We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yinan Liang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yinan below.

Alright, Yinan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

The best way to learn the craft is to make something. The most essential for beginners is that finish is always more important than perfect. I’m still trying to find the balance between time and quality. I don’t mean to lower my anticipations for my work, but I try to set a clear view of the most essential part of this work? What level of detail I’m pursuing? How long am I expected to spend on this one? By doing that, the learning can be more efficient.

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.

Hi, my name is yinan liang! I’m an Animator currently working at BUCK.

I loved watching animation when I was a kid. That’s why I pursued a master’s degree at SVA after finishing my Bachelor’s in New media arts. I started by learning online 3D software classes but was immediately attracted by those amazing motion graphic and cel animation works as I gradually entered the animation world. That’s when I decided to work hard to become an animation artist and participate in those cool projects.

After 2 years of learning and 1 gap year of intern working experience, I graduated from School and officially stepped into the industry. Fortunately, I got an apprentice offer from my dream studio, BUCK, a creative studio that did countless beautiful animations and inspired me for years. After 6 months in the apprentice program, I’m fortunate to have had a chance to continue working at BUCK until now. I was surprised to find how much and fast I learned during work. I know new stuff every single day, especially the first few months. Working with so many talented people brings a lot of pressure, but at the same time, I am glad.

I use a wide range of skills while working. From cel animation to motion graphics, compositing, and even some 3D needs, I did different projects for clients such as Microsoft, Paypal, Walmart, Mailchimp, Chase, WhatsApp, Github, and Transportation Alternatives…

Outside of work, I’d love to do personal work constantly. There are no restrictions or goals, just interest-driven work. This process allows me to satisfy my curiosity about the animation world. I was intrigued by a blender plugin enabling you to create clay stop motion, so I made a small loop animation. Recently, I have been very interested in frame-by-frame on paper, so I made a series of attempts to try different combinations of the materials. I also have some artworks in related fields like installation, ceramics, 3D prints, and illustration…

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Seeing other people’s behind-the-scenes work would be super beneficial as an animator. Some animator will sometimes share their work progress on their social media. Sometimes, simple gifs let us see the author’s ideas and techniques. This will bring us great inspiration.

Paying attention to independent animated film festivals is also a good option. You can see many works that are difficult to see in daily life but are very thoughtful, personal, and full of creativity. This will help you to break out of your limitations.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, I am fortunate to be an artist. I get joy and satisfaction from my work. For me, all efforts are not considered hard work but happen naturally. In addition, I feel a great sense of accomplishment when others like my work. It is significant to me if my work can move or influence some people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yinanliang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorcrucian/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinan-liang-15b58a197/

Image Credits
all create and shoot by myself