Meet YUXIN PENG | VFX Artist & Storyteller

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

Hi YUXIN, why did you pursue a creative career?
When watching movies, I found that I really enjoy following the protagonist’s adventure and growth, overcoming difficulties. Therefore, I have decided to pursue a career related to movies and games in the future. In this field, any whimsical idea is possible. I believe that my observational skills, perceptiveness, and imagination are my talents. Observational skills help me gather emotionally rich experiences and interesting stories from life. Perceptiveness helps me better understand the principles and laws of the world’s operation. Imagination makes my works more creative.
I believe that such creative work can convey deeper meanings to the audience, such as the pursuit of beauty, the endurance and overcoming of difficulties. I think that working in the entertainment industry has a more profound and important significance for society than just providing entertainment. It is like a lighthouse, inspiring future generations to create and prompting the audience to think.

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 journey has been full of twists and turns: I grew up in a traditional rural family in China, but I never felt I fit in with my surroundings. I had a passion for movies, animation, and games, spending more time on these interests than with my family. I believe most of my self-education came from the movies I watched. Although I studied chemical engineering during my undergraduate years in China, my enthusiasm for the film industry never waned. I eagerly watched excellent films and learned the principles of film storytelling through YouTube.
After graduation, I chose to take a gap year to focus on learning the necessary knowledge for a film major. I prepared my portfolio, began writing scripts, and worked on short films for my college applications. At that time, my goal was to study film directing. Gradually, I convinced my family to support my decision to study film in the United States. This process was incredibly challenging and can be considered the most critical and difficult turning point in my life. Fortunately, I met someone very important to me during this time—my girlfriend, Xinyue Pan. She is my partner and has always supported me as we pursue our dream of becoming storytellers together.
After multiple attempts and practical considerations, I realized that my family’s financial support was limited. Therefore, I decided to choose a more practical and feasible direction: visual effects (VFX). VFX is not only an essential part of the filmmaking workflow but also allows me to achieve financial independence. I see storytelling as my ultimate goal, and learning VFX is a crucial step toward that goal. Additionally, the application of VFX in the gaming industry is extensive, providing me with more career options and development opportunities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would recommend visiting the Palace of Fine Arts. This beautiful and tranquil place is perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. The Palace boasts impressive Roman-style architecture, surrounded by expansive lawns and a serene lake. The lake is home to many birds and other wildlife, adding to its natural charm. This spot is ideal for relaxation and offers a fantastic backdrop for capturing stunning photos. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely afternoon with friends or quietly taking in the scenery alone, the Palace of Fine Arts is a wonderful choice. Additionally, it is conveniently located near the Golden Gate Bridge. After visiting the Palace, you can easily head over to this iconic San Francisco landmark. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, the bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, and its magnificent orange-red steel structure is breathtaking in any weather.

Next, I recommend exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations. It is lively and full of excitement. One of the Wharf’s highlights is Pier 39, where you can see numerous sea lions lounging and playing. The area is filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can savor fresh seafood, especially the famous crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take boat tours around San Francisco Bay, visit Alcatraz Island, or choose an evening dinner cruise to enjoy the city’s nightscape.

If you’re traveling by car, I strongly recommend visiting Half Moon Bay and the scenic spots along Highway 1. Half Moon Bay, located south of San Francisco, is a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, natural scenery, and relaxed lifestyle. Half Moon Bay State Beach is great for walking, picnicking, and surfing. The beach is wide with fine sand, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Mavericks Beach is another famous spot, renowned for its massive waves that attract top surfers from around the world each year.

Continuing south along Highway 1, there are many spectacular sights to see. First is Big Sur, where you’ll find Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most iconic spots along the highway, offering breathtaking coastal views. Another must-see is McWay Falls, a waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean from a cliff, making it perfect for photography and sightseeing.

Next is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming town known for its unique architecture, art galleries, and boutiques. The town’s beach is also beautiful, ideal for strolling and relaxing.

Finally, you’ll reach Santa Cruz, home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park with various rides and attractions. Nearby, Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its rock formations and as a winter haven for monarch butterflies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to mention my girlfriend, Xinyue Pan. Since we met in animation class, she has given me a lot of encouragement and advice and has always supported me quietly by my side. When I was working on a script, she helped me revise and refine it together. Before shooting, she drew storyboards for me and offered suggestions and ideas during the filming process. No one else has been such a strong support and steadfast teammate like her.

We not only progress together in our studies but have also overcome many challenges in life. We are lovers and friends. We have traveled to many places together, gaining countless experiences along the way.

Website: https://whysowasp.wixsite.com/yuxin-peng

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuxin-peng-95648929a