Meet Xiyin Wang | Visual Development Artist& Illustrator

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

Hi Xiyin, why did you pursue a creative career?
Grew up reading great literature and watching animations, I always have a strong passion for creating something from my imagination since I was a kid, and drawing was the most important way of self-expression to me. I always knew art was my calling, but I used to think that pursuing a creative career was an impossible thing. Back in college, I majored in art history to get myself into an art school. The decision to choose a career path as a professional artist only got serious in my senior year of college. After graduation, I was lucky enough to move from the other side of the world to Los Angeles to pursue my passion for art. Now, I’m working as a visual development artist and illustrator designing for animation and games. The career path naturally chose me in the end, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to work on something that inspires me and hopefully will inspire others as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a visual development artist and illustrator working for animations and games. I’m proud of how deep my research is in terms of world-building. Born and raised in China, I am lucky to have grown up surrounded by a rich culture and beautiful landscapes. When I was a kid, I also had the opportunity to read in the library at a university because my mother is a librarian. These experiences shaped my appreciation of history and literature. My biggest inspirations are my heritage, history, and natural landscapes. I enjoy the process of researching and collecting my own reference a lot when I’m working on a project. It was not easy to get where I am today. The process of making art helps me dissect how I’m feeling and understand the world around me. It is also a lonely adventure. It takes hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm to get me here. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way of being an artist is that stay true to yourself and follow your passion. Don’t compare yourself to others and focusing on the task in front of you at the present moment. Being patient, empathetic, and easy to work with is also the key. Life is never easy to be an artist, but I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to work on something that inspires me every day and work with some incredibly talented people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For me, it’s definitely the museums. I love how diverse the world-class museums are here in Los Angeles. The Getty Center, LACMA, the Broad, MOCA, the Huntington Library, the Norton Simon Museum, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and more. No matter whether you are enthusiastic about classic painting, contemporary art, or history, you can always find a museum to spend a day in and get some inspiration.

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 shoutout to all of my families, my partner, and mentors whose support brought me here. My parents who encouraged me to explore my creativity since I was a child. They have continued to support me every step of the way on my journey to becoming an artist. My partner Allen, who always had faith in me and helped me grow over the years. The amazing professors at Artcenter College of Design, who believed in me and sharpened my skills. Last but not least, all the individuals I’ve built relationships with who have given me opportunities to show my skill.

Website: https://xywangart.myportfolio.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiyin-wang-1b0b081a0/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scxyw

Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/xywangart