Meet Justin Zhengyi Yu | Concept artist & instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Zhengyi Yu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin Zhengyi, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my career success as a concept artist is my passion for storytelling through visual arts. This passion fuels my motivation to continuously polish my artwork until it effectively conveys the intended narrative and resonates with audiences. Not only elevated the quality of my creativities, but has also enabled me to establish a unique artistic communication that stands out in a competitive field or in the entertainment industry.

Additionally, as an instructor at Gnomon School, I strived to inspire passion in my students by stimulating their interest in their own creations. I aimed to ignite the intrinsic drive necessary for success in our field. When young artists feel truly excited about their work, it empowers them to keep perfecting their skills over time. I wanted to nurture that passion to equip my students to evolve into the next generation of visual storytellers.

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.
I am inherently drawn to visual expression, which is why I have chosen to pursue a career as a concept artist. My deep fascination with animation, comic books, and video games has fueled an extra layer of passion for the art within the entertainment industry. Whenever I encounter an artwork that exudes excellence, a rush of excitement courses through me, and a sense of pride takes hold. As an artist, the pinnacle of pride for me resides in the creation of stunning artwork. This conviction led me to embark on the path of a concept artist, and since then, I have relentlessly pursued the betterment of my artistic knowledge, broadened my creative horizons, and diligently absorbed insights from fellow artists.

However, even within an industry I am incredibly passionate about, challenges persist. Despite being the best artist imaginable, there remain certain complexities and conflicts between the demands of a career and the essence of artistry. My natural inclination is to immerse myself wholeheartedly in the process of creating art, which often translates to a preference for solitude during my artistic endeavors. The tranquility of solitary work is where I find my most profound expressions. Nonetheless, the reality of a workplace beckons, and as a concept artist, collaboration with fellow artists is an indispensable aspect. This juncture is where the prowess of communication skills becomes paramount.

In navigating this challenge, the art of effective communication takes center stage. Excelling as a concept artist means not only honing artistic skills but also mastering the delicate balance between artistic independence and collaborative teamwork. As someone who cherishes moments of undisturbed creativity, I recognize the importance of cultivating the skill of managing interactions and articulating ideas effectively in a team environment. This challenge, while at times daunting, opens doors to acquiring additional skills that bolster both professional growth and personal development. The journey toward harmony between solitary artistry and collaborative teamwork is a testament to the adaptive nature of an artist’s evolution. Therefore, I embrace the opportunity to refine not only my artistic craft but also the indispensable skill set that propels me through the intricacies of the industry. Ultimately, when a team of artists comes together to bring a remarkable project to fruition, I find immense satisfaction in being a part of that collaborative effort. This collaborative success is the primary challenge I overcame to reach where I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
An interesting fact – most of my best friends still live in LA, though some have never visited the US. If they come to see me, I’d give them an unforgettable California trip. My friends love the Lakers, so catching a game at Staples Center would be a must. I’d also take them to Universal Studios Hollywood since they’d get a kick out of the unique shows and rides. I’d make sure to show them around my old neighborhoods like charming Pasadena and relaxed Santa Monica. We’d chill at the beach, where I know they could spend all day soaking up the sun. When it comes to food, LA has it all. We’d feast on Korean BBQ in K-Town and sample Japanese flavors in Little Tokyo, which highlights the city’s incredible diversity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents, my wife, my co-workers, and all my friends. I’m tremendously grateful to my parents for their steadfast support as I’ve forged my own path in the VFX industry, even though they really wanted me to be an engineer. Their encouragement as I’ve pursued my passion has been invaluable. To my wife, thank you for being my rock through every up and down. Her unwavering belief in me keeps me going, even when doubt creeps in.

Professionally, I owe immense thanks to Katie Godwin and Giorgio Lovino for making my dream a reality. Being able to collaborate with the incredible Doctor Strange team was the opportunity of a lifetime. Working on epic projects like this is a testament to their vision and leadership. I’m honored they entrusted me to help bring their creative vision to life. I’m deeply appreciative. They have made my career dreams attainable.

Website: http://www.yz-d.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhengyi-justin-yu/