Meet Kevin Yang | Concept Artist

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

Hi Kevin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My story began with my family’s immigration to the US during my high school years in 2012. Adapting to a new setting, language, and culture posed significant hurdles, especially with my limited English proficiency at the outset. Yet, amidst these challenges, I found solace and expression through art. It became my refuge, offering a canvas where words fell short.

Fueled by my passion for art, I resolved to pursue higher education at the esteemed ArtCenter College of Design, a pivotal choice that immersed me in a nurturing environment for creativity and skill development.

During my tenure at ArtCenter, I uncovered the captivating realm of concept art. The prospect of leveraging my artistic talents to craft visual concepts, particularly within the video game industry, ignited a fervor within me. From that moment on, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to refining my skills and pursuing a career as a concept artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a concept artist working on Apex Legends, a video game crafted by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts.

My academic journey culminated in a degree from ArtCenter College of Design, where I specialized in Entertainment Design. This educational background forms the bedrock of my expertise, furnishing me with a comprehensive toolkit to thrive in my profession.

What distinguishes my work is my fervent commitment to functionality and practicality. With a penchant for scale models, toys, and kitbash creations, I prioritize designs that marry aesthetic appeal with real-world viability. I take pleasure in delving into the intricacies of manufacturing processes, often bringing my concepts to life through 3D printing. This hands-on approach affords me invaluable insights, ensuring that my creations are not just visually striking but also feasible to produce.

Moreover, my affinity for graphic design sets me apart. Inspired by retro aesthetics from the 80s and 90s, as well as contemporary minimalism, I infuse my work with distinctive visual elements. This penchant for graphic design enriches my artistic vision, adding layers of depth and originality to my creations.

I take pride in my ability to synthesize functionality, manufacturing expertise, and a unique graphic sensibility to produce concept designs that are both visually captivating and pragmatically sound. This multidimensional approach defines my craft, propelling me toward perpetual growth and innovation in my artistic 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?
For a week-long adventure in the LA area with my best friend, we’d embark on a diverse itinerary blending city exploration, outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and niche interests.

I have many friends into cars, we’d attend many car meets, explore the Petersen Automotive Museum, and take drives along Angeles Crest Highway to take some sunset photos.

Venturing into nature, we’d camp and hike in national parks like Angeles National Forest or Joshua Tree, enjoying picnics amidst scenic vistas and campfire conversations under the stars.

Embracing our inner child, we’d spend a day exploring toy stores across LA, hunting for unique finds and indulging in nostalgia-filled shopping sprees.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Reflecting on my journey, it’s been a mix of smooth sailing and tough challenges. I’ve always known I wanted to work in a creative field, though the idea of being a concept designer really clicked for me in college. Art has been a part of my life since middle school, and having a graphic designer dad only fueled my passion further.

One big hurdle came when I was finishing college without a job lined up. Despite reaching out to many people and trying different avenues, finding work was harder than I expected. But during this tough time, I leaned heavily on the support and encouragement of those around me. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who believed in me and kept me going.

Especially important was my girlfriend’s support. Her unwavering belief in me and constant encouragement gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. Honestly, I don’t think I would have gotten through that tough time without her by my side.

Now, in my work, all my coworkers, manager, and leads help me a lot and always give me support. While being a concept designer has had its challenges, my love for this field and the support of my loved ones and coworkers have been crucial in helping me overcome those obstacles.

Website: https://www.metalmeshwork.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalmesh.work/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-yang-7bb63b104/

Image Credits
all the image done by me