Meet Jiaxing Yang | Digital Artist & 3D Animator

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

Hi Jiaxing, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Born and raised in Chengdu, China, a city where people are laid-back, I have always been an artist, spending my childhood filling sketchbooks with hundreds of drawings. I entered and won art contests, and had my first televised art exhibition as a teenager, and eventually, this passion led me to pursue intensive studies in the animation industry. There is no doubt in my mind that animation and sketching should play a key role in my future career.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Purdue University, majoring in Computer Graphics Technology (Animation), where I spent my time in the university lab modeling, texturing, rigging, and animating while gaining an understanding of the digital world. It was during this time that I decided to continue my studies in the animation industry. I then attended the Savannah College of Art and Design for my graduate studies, where I mastered my skills in narrative animation and motion media. I joined numerous collaborative animation and motion projects, and these experiences were truly special as they pushed me beyond my previous boundaries and expanded my understanding of art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Due to my undergraduate and graduate studies focusing on 3D, I have gained experience with various 3D software. I have explored hard-surface modeling, character animation, cinematic lighting, and motion media. I enjoy leveraging the unique features of different software to create works in various styles. For example, I use Maya for modeling, animation, and lighting in narrative animation, while I use Cinema 4D for realistic product promotional animations. Different rendering engines and settings can also significantly alter the style of the final result.

I have been fortunate to apply my experience to various collaborative projects. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in several student collaborative projects as a 3D character animator. However, in graduate school, I worked as a lighting artist and director on my thesis film, For Ever. I enjoy understanding the various aspects and behind-the-scenes work of a project through different roles and software.

I will continue to bring my spirit of exploration to future projects, hoping that my diverse experiences will offer unique perspectives to upcoming endeavors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely bring them to Santa Monica for a week. We’d start with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the rides and games. For breakfast, we’d hit up Huckleberry Bakery & Café, followed by a beach day at Santa Monica Beach with some paddleboarding. Lunch at The Albright for fresh seafood, then rent bikes and ride the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Evenings would be for drinks at The Bungalow, then dinner at Cassia for some amazing Southeast Asian cuisine. We’d also take a day trip to the Getty Villa, explore the Third Street Promenade for shopping, and maybe catch a show at the Santa Monica Playhouse.

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 give a special shoutout to Jieru Tang. She is an amazing illustrator and motion media artist. Her support allowed me to pursue the things I am truly passionate about. So thank you for all your efforts and support.

Website: https://www.yangjiaxingmax.com/

Instagram: https://jiaxing.art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiaxingyang/