Meet Wendy Wan Ching Huang | Motion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Wan Ching Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy Wan Ching, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career as a motion designer because it allows me to combine my passion for storytelling through animation with my love for problem-solving and design. The journey to this career path was shaped by various experiences and realizations throughout my life. My fascination with animation and the creative process behind storytelling began in my childhood through exposure to Ghibli and Pixar animation movies, which ignited my imagination. However, societal expectations and the perception of artistic pursuits as impractical in Taiwan made it challenging for me to initially pursue this path.
I followed a different route and became a pediatric nurse, a job that I was passionate about and enjoyed. However, over time, I noticed that the demands of the job were making me less emotionally connected with my patients. The turning point came when I met a high school girl with a terminal illness who expressed her dream of becoming a doctor to help other sick children. Her words inspired me to reconsider my own dreams and aspirations.
Driven by a desire to pursue my artistic passion, I conducted extensive research and made a well-thought-out plan to transition into animation. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I took the leap and applied to art school, eventually getting accepted into SCAD. During my studies, I explored various classes and projects, but the most impactful experience was working on my final project, “mini matters,” a short film about the value of every effort, no matter how small.
Through this experience, I gained a comprehensive understanding of motion design and strengthened my skills with new software and techniques. After completing my studies, I joined Black Math, a design studio, where I have been working as a motion designer for the past two years. My passion for motion design has only grown with each project, and I find joy in collaborating with colleagues and meeting clients’ needs through design and animation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of my personal and professional growth during my journey, which is filled with ups and downs, especially when I made pivotal changes in my path. The memories of my first quarter at SCAD are still vivid, a time when doubt filled my mind regarding my design skills. Unlike some of my peers who had been immersed in the major since college or high school, I felt inadequate and anxious. The astounding work of others left me wondering if I could ever compete with their talent. The fear of not finding a job after graduation weighed heavily on me, and I even contemplated giving up. However, I am grateful that I didn’t yield to those thoughts.

During that challenging period, I discovered the invaluable support of my professors. They offered practical advice, encouraging me to explore different techniques and push the boundaries of my design. Though they didn’t directly address my confidence issues, their guidance allowed me to focus more on my own work, and as I witnessed improvements in my designs, my confidence naturally grew.

Stepping into the professional world after graduation came with a new set of anxieties, especially when it came to receiving criticism. Negative feedback would make me feel nervous and stressed. Fortunately, I was surrounded by supportive coworkers and a friendly work environment. Although handling criticism is still something I need to work on, my experiences have taught me that there is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to design or art. Feedback is not a judgment of my abilities but rather a collaborative effort to align our work with the needs of our clients. Embracing this mindset has empowered me to approach my work boldly and express my opinions with confidence.

My journey has been filled with valuable lessons in perseverance, seeking guidance, and building a supportive network. It hasn’t been a smooth and straightforward path, but every challenge and success has played a significant role in shaping me into the motion designer I am today.

Everything I have encountered along the way has taught me to believe in myself, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and stay true to my artistic vision. I am excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to continuing my pursuit of creativity and storytelling through motion design.

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.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to visit LA to spend time with my friend for a week. One of the must-visit attractions in LA is its beautiful beaches, with Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach being two of the most popular spots. The lively atmosphere along Santa Monica Pier at night, with people, vendors, and restaurants, made for a vibrant and enjoyable experience. The sunset at Venice Beach was absolutely stunning, and driving on the roads with the iconic palm trees lining the way was a quintessential LA experience.

When it comes to food, the tacos at Grand Central Market left a lasting impression on me. The amazing flavors and affordable prices made it an unbeatable deal. Additionally, I loved the Asian food in LA, enjoying delicious Japanese ramen on Sawtelle Blvd and flavorful Korean jjajangmen near Wilshire Center.

For a relaxing stroll with friends, The Huntington proved to be a great choice. Its vast gardens with diverse themed sections were meticulously maintained, providing the perfect backdrop for wonderful photos. On the other hand, for someone who appreciates art and collections, The Getty Center would be a top recommendation. The incredible array of artworks, furniture, and wares from different places and periods were truly impressive. Not to mention, the breathtaking views of the wide range of LA cityscape from the spot were simply magnificent.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such supportive and faithful people throughout my journey. Before coming to the US, my parents, brother, friends, and Professor Feng from college went above and beyond to help me with the art school application process. They devoted their time and efforts to assist me in collecting documents, writing reference letters, and most importantly, providing the emotional support and encouragement I needed to overcome my doubts and build confidence.

During my time at SCAD, the professors’ guidance played a crucial role in shaping the professional I am today. Their advice and resources not only enhanced my skills but also taught me to think critically and independently. The friendships I formed at school were equally significant; we went through late nights working together and supported each other through the challenges of job hunting, creating an essential and enriching component of my life at school.

After entering the motion design industry, I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing and delightful group of colleagues at Black Math. Working with them has been a true blessing, as they have created and maintained an encouraging, positive, and grateful work environment. I deeply value the opportunity to learn from the talented artists in the company, and I am grateful for the support they provide to enhance my professional skills. Additionally, the friends I made after graduating from school have become an integral part of my life outside of work. Their support and companionship have made my experience in a foreign country enjoyable and fulfilling.

There are countless people and incidents in my life that deserve appreciation. I acknowledge that I wouldn’t be the person I am today or have reached where I am without each and every one of them. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been the driving force behind my success and personal growth.

Website: https://www.wanchinghuang.com