We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yu Harn (yuko) Hwang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yu Harn (Yuko), appreciate you joining us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

Learning 3D at Gnomon was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey that reshaped my perspective on passion and self-improvement. Being in an environment filled with talented artists often led me to question my own abilities, as I found myself comparing my work to that of my peers. However, I soon realized that my true competition was with myself. By identifying my strengths and areas for growth, I actively sought out tutorials and constructive feedback from my classmates and instructors.

Completing my demo reel, *Space Capsule Cockpit*, brought about a turning point in my confidence. The recognition I received, including Gnomon’s Best of Term and a feature on 80 Level, affirmed my progress and capabilities. Yet, even with my graduation and first job secured, I am aware that the world of 3D art is ever-evolving. This understanding drives me to stay dedicated to continuous learning, as I strive to master the latest techniques and tools in the field.

Yu Harn (Yuko), 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 was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. I am a 3D artist and recent graduate of the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, where I earned my BFA. My journey into 3D art began during my college years in Taiwan, where I was first introduced to the fundamentals of 3D animation and modeling. After completing my initial degree in design, I was driven to elevate my 3D skills to a professional level, leading me to Gnomon.

During my time at Gnomon, I discovered a deep passion for modeling and texturing characters, environments, and props. My final demo reel project, *Space Capsule Cockpit*, reflects my love for sci-fi art and serves as a showcase of the style I aspire to bring into my professional career.

The transition into the job market proved challenging, especially with the ongoing entertainment industry strikes. Balancing the mental and physical demands of job hunting was difficult, but I remained proactive by focusing on building my reputation in the 3D community. My efforts paid off when my work was selected for Gnomon’s Best of Term, and a 3D online magazine featured a breakdown of my project, introducing my work to a wider audience.

In April 2024, I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Edglrd as a props and environment artist, with the opportunity to relocate—an exciting prospect given my love for travel. I’ve been deeply impressed by the company culture and the projects I’ve been involved in, including creating 3D props and refining 3D scans for commercial work. The company’s dedication to producing original films and commercial collaborations aligns perfectly with my career goals. It’s a dream come true to transform my passion into a professional career, and I eagerly anticipate seeing the final results of our projects.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a 3D artist is seeing my ideas come to life and knowing they resonate with people. It’s a great feeling to take something that started as just a sketch or a concept in my head and turn it into a detailed 3D piece that others can interact with or appreciate. I love the creative freedom and the chance to explore different styles and techniques. Plus, there’s always something new to learn in this field, which keeps things exciting and pushes me to keep growing as an artist. It’s a constant journey of discovery that makes every project feel fresh and fulfilling.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Definitely! I wish I had discovered online communities and forums like Polycount, ArtStation, 80 Level, and YouTube much earlier in my 3D creative journey. These platforms are packed with inspiring work, tutorials, and industry advice that would have been incredibly valuable when I was just starting out. Before diving into 3D, I thought that attending school was the only way to break into the industry. Many students invest a lot in tuition to get into college, but the internet is now one of the best resources available. YouTube, in particular, is an amazing and free tool for learning 3D—attending school is no longer the only option. Even though I studied at Gnomon, I still rely on YouTube to solve technical problems most of the time.

I also wish I had known about certain software and plugins, like Substance Painter and ZBrush, earlier. These powerful tools can significantly speed up your workflow and elevate the quality of your work. Additionally, I would have greatly benefited from knowing about mentorship programs and the importance of seeking feedback from experienced artists early on—it’s incredible how much you can grow by learning from others.

While finding resources on your own is crucial, I also believe it’s important to step outside and talk to people. Last year, I attended Lightbox 2023 and had conversations with industry professionals who gave me valuable advice on job hunting and building a portfolio. Building connections is essential for artists because the digital industry is a tight-knit community, and we should always be ready to support one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artstation.com/yellofishcg22
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellofishcg22/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yu-harn-yuko-hwang-086652132/
• Twitter: https://x.com/yellofishcg22