Meet Yifan Sun | Animator/Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yifan Sun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yifan, what are you inspired by?
As a designer and animator, music is a significant source of inspiration for me. The rhythm and melody of music often trigger visual and emotional responses in my mind. When I listen to different types of music, I am always thinking about how to translate emotions, stories, and images into engaging designs and animations. My cat is another source of inspiration for me. I enjoy using the camera to capture her movements and emotions, whether she sleeps, plays or simply sits in front of the window. Her playful and curious nature has inspired me a series of short animations and artworks.

Additionally, traveling is also one of my favorite ways to recharge my creative energy. When I’m on the road, I love taking photos and capturing the colors, composition, and interesting moments of my travels through my camera lens. These experiences allow me to explore different cultures, landscapes, and experiences that I can later translate into my work. I believe that travel is one of the best ways to gain new perspectives and inspiration for my art.

I am always looking for new sources of inspiration and constantly experimenting with different styles and mediums, and also trying to improve my skills and learn new techniques that will help me create even more interesting and engaging designs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art is heavily inspired by my daily life and experiences. I enjoy exploring various art forms, including illustration, animation, and graphic design.

I am most proud of a short animated film that I created in SCAD, which was officially selected for several film festivals, which is called “Judgement.” It was a project that deals with a meaningful and relevant issue in today’s society – cyberbullying. Through this film, I wanted to convey the message that we should be more aware of the impact our actions have on others, especially in the online world where anonymity can often lead to hurtful behavior. I believe that art has the power to educate and raise awareness, and this project was an example of that.
Currently, I am working on a project for a non-profit educational organization for young teenagers. As the lead animator and designer, I am responsible for creating a world that is both engaging and educational for children. It has been a rewarding experience to use my skills to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

In terms of my professional journey, I faced some challenges after graduation. In school, most of the time, we were responsible for all aspects of a project, from storyboarding to editing. However, once I entered the industry, I realized that each team member has their own area of expertise. It was a difficult realization, but it helped me to identify my true passion, which is 2D animation. I learned that it’s important to keep trying new things and exploring different areas until you find what you truly love. Don’t be afraid of failure, as it can be a valuable learning experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am currently living in Boston. If my best friend was visiting Boston for a week, I would definitely take them to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to explore some of the incredible art collections. The MFA has a vast collection of art from all over the world, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, and the Gardner Museum is a unique space that features art pieces displayed in a way that mimics the layout of a Venetian palace. When it comes to food, I would definitely take my friend to Union Oyster House for some delicious seafood, including their famous lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters. It’s a historic restaurant, and it has a cozy atmosphere with wooden booths and old-fashioned décor.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. Before pursuing my dream to become an artist, I had a job that was not related to the art industry. I faced a difficult time deciding which path to take, but my parents were always there to offer their love and support. They helped me become more confident in my abilities and encouraged me to follow my passion. Their unwavering support and belief in me allowed me to take the leap and pursue a career in design and animation. Next, I want to give credit to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I received my formal education in design and animation. SCAD provided an environment that allowed me to explore and develop my skills while connecting me with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for animation. I had the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people who challenged me to push beyond my limits and strive for excellence. Through these experiences, I learned valuable skills and built relationships that have continued to shape my career today.

Finally, I am grateful for all of the amazing colleagues I have worked with throughout my career. Working on collaborative projects with talented and creative individuals has been a highlight of my professional journey. I have had the opportunity to learn from my coworkers, receive valuable feedback and guidance, and push beyond my comfort zone to create great work. These experiences have helped me to grow and develop as an artist and animator today.

Website: https://yifansun.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yifsun_animation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yifan-sun-8016a8171/