We recently connected with Yuxin Peng and have shared our conversation below.

YUXIN, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

I believe that AI technology and real-time virtual production are among the most significant trends in the field of technical artistry today. As generative AI, virtual production, and real-time animation technologies continue to mature, they are rapidly transforming the way artistic assets are produced. These advancements not only improve efficiency and reduce costs but also open up entirely new possibilities for creators.

AI has significantly accelerated the creative process. For instance, tools like Stable Diffusion and LoRA models allow us to quickly generate stylized images or character prototypes, enabling art teams to iterate designs more efficiently. At the same time, virtual production technologies (such as Unreal Engine’s virtual production) are revolutionizing the production of films, games, and VR/AR content, making high-quality real-time animation and rendering possible and greatly reducing the time from concept to final product.

However, these opportunities also come with challenges. Over-reliance on AI could lead to creative homogenization, while the rapid pace of technological advancement demands that professionals continuously learn new tools and workflows to avoid falling behind.

In one project, we needed to design uniquely styled characters and environments for a game. Traditional methods would have been time-consuming, but by training a LoRA model and leveraging ControlNet for precise control over the generated outputs, we produced dozens of high-quality options in a short amount of time. Building on this, I used Unreal Engine for real-time scene construction and rendering, enabling the team to quickly validate and iteratively adjust visual effects in a virtual environment. This process not only significantly boosted efficiency but also freed up creative space for the art team.

This experience reinforced my belief that AI and virtual production are not replacements for artists but tools that amplify creativity. They liberate artists from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus more on design and expression.

Looking ahead, AI and virtual production technologies will further integrate into VR/AR immersive content and real-time interactive experiences, unlocking even greater innovation for the industry. At the same time, we must use these tools thoughtfully, staying true to the essence of artistic creativity. Personally, I am committed to continuously learning new technologies and finding the optimal balance between technology and artistry in this fast-evolving industry, contributing to its ongoing growth and innovation.

YUXIN, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a passionate Technical Artist with a background in Visual Effects (VFX) and real-time animation workflows. My journey into this field was driven by a fascination with the intersection of technology and creativity, where art meets innovation. During my studies and professional experiences, I developed skills in 3D animation, real-time rendering, virtual production, and pipeline optimization, which have become the core of my craft.

My work focuses on solving the challenges of bridging artistic vision with technical precision. I specialize in tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, and MotionBuilder, alongside programming in Python and C++ to create efficient workflows. For example, I’ve worked on animation retargeting projects, cinematic sequences, and AI-driven asset generation. Tools like LoRA models and ControlNet have enabled me to accelerate creative processes, producing high-quality assets while maintaining artistic integrity.

One project I’m particularly proud of involved designing a unique visual style for a game. Using AI, I trained models to replicate specific art styles and integrated them into a real-time Unreal Engine workflow. This allowed our team to iterate quickly, validate results in real-time, and ultimately deliver a visually cohesive product. This experience reinforced my belief that AI and virtual production aren’t replacements for artists—they’re tools that amplify creativity and allow us to focus on what matters most: the art.

What sets me apart is my ability to adapt and collaborate across disciplines. I’ve worked closely with programmers, designers, and art directors to ensure seamless communication and alignment of goals. This approach has not only improved team efficiency but also delivered solutions that exceed expectations.

For me, the future lies in pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering, VR/AR content, and AI-driven workflows. I believe in combining cutting-edge technology with storytelling to create immersive and impactful experiences. My goal is to continue learning, innovating, and contributing to projects that inspire audiences and redefine what’s possible.

I’d love for clients, collaborators, and followers to know that my work is fueled by a commitment to innovation and excellence. Whether it’s developing tools, creating stunning visuals, or refining workflows, I’m dedicated to delivering results that make a difference. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

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

My creative journey is driven by a passion for bridging technology and art. As a Technical Artist, my mission is to craft visually stunning and immersive experiences that connect with audiences on an emotional level.

I’m motivated by the rapid advancements in AI-driven tools and real-time rendering technologies. My goal is to leverage these innovations to make creative workflows more efficient and accessible, enabling teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible in games, film, and interactive media. I see my work not only as creating compelling visuals but also as developing tools and pipelines that empower other creators to focus on their artistry.

Ultimately, I aspire to inspire both creators and audiences by demonstrating how technology can amplify artistic vision. Through continuous learning and innovation, I aim to contribute to projects that leave a meaningful and lasting impact.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I’ve always had a deep interest in photography, capturing intriguing moments and unique compositions in my daily life using both my smartphone and camera. Alongside this, my passion for cinematic art has driven me to fully immerse myself in the production of several short films, exploring the entire process from start to finish.

A few months ago, I took a road trip to Oregon, inspired by one of the most impactful interactive movie games, Life is Strange. As a huge fan of the game, I was thrilled to visit the real-life locations that served as its backdrop. I had read blog posts from others who had shared their photos and experiences visiting these spots, with some even creating videos about their journeys. That sparked an idea—what if I created my own Life is Strange pilgrimage vlog?

With that mindset, my girlfriend, some close friends, and I embarked on a road trip through Oregon, and I captured many of those mesmerizing moments on my phone. Later, I edited the footage together with scenes from the game, creating a three-part vlog series that feels like a parallel universe—what the game world might look like in real life.

I uploaded these vlogs to platforms like Bilibili and YouTube, and the response was incredible. Two of the videos have nearly 20,000 views each, with a combined total of 5,000 likes and comments. Many viewers shared how inspired they were, with some expressing their envy and others stating that visiting Oregon had now become their next travel goal.

This feedback filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment—knowing that my work brought inspiration and emotional value to so many people. That moment solidified my belief in the value of my storytelling and creativity. Moving forward, I’m committed to producing more high-quality videos, with the ultimate goal of establishing myself as a full-time content creator.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whysowasp.wixsite.com/yuxin-peng
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuxin-peng-95648929a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elliotpeng6855
• Other: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1BNWVenEYU/?vd_source=1ce61467c02c07a596a127ecddcdb0e5