Meet Yimeng Wang | animator, storyboard artist

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

Hi Yimeng, why did you pursue a creative career?
Hi everyone, my name is Yimeng. I’m an animator based in New York, currently studying animation at NYU. Over the past few years, I’ve contributed to a variety of projects, from indie short films to industry-level productions.

What really drives me is the process of visual storytelling—finding ways to convey emotions and narratives through movement, composition, and timing. Since childhood, I’ve had a deep longing for nature and countryside life, yet I grew up in the city and have moved between different urban spaces ever since. Constantly shifting between cities made me aware of the insecurity of never fully settling, but through that, I realized that creating and expressing myself is what keeps me grounded. Drawing and painting have become my form of meditation, a way to process my emotions and experiences. I’m glad to see my skills improving over time and is gradually connecting with more audiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
All of the experiences I mentioned above have led me to the production of my short film AfterLife, which explores the feeling of being overwhelmed by modern life’s relentless flow of information and technology, and the fleeting moments of stillness and childhood nostalgia that surface when I’m at my breaking point. We’re now in post-production, and hopefully, it will begin its festival run in the second half of the year.

I’ve been working on this film for almost two years, and I’m thrilled to see it nearing completion. I’ve grown so much through this project, both in animation and storytelling skills, and have had many unforgettable nights challenging myself or brainstorming ideas with my friends. I’ve found my creative support group along the way and met amazing crew members, fellow artists, and mentors who’ve been supporting me through this process.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to myself while remaining open to feedback. It’s a delicate balance to strike—you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the words of others, but you also need to find the right way to adapt and revise to present the best version of your work. Over time, I’ve found myself gradually stabilizing the core of my creative vision (through countless artistic choices I’ve made) and becoming bolder and more confident in my expression. With a stronger foundation, I’ve now gotten better in achieving a balance between external input and my own internal direction.

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?
No matter if you’re in Los Angeles or New York, I always recommend finding a quiet beach—somewhere with fewer people—where you can listen to the ocean breeze, watch the sunset, and take in the scenery. It’s always wonderful how the sunset here looks like a spilled palette of colors—New York is painted in soothing purples and pinks, while California glows in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. There’s something incredibly peaceful and inspiring about that kind of solitude. It pulls you away from the chaos of daily life and gives you a moment to reflect, reset, and just breathe.

In LA, my favorite spot is Manhattan Beach—it’s serene yet not too far from the city. And if you’re in NY, I’d suggest finding a spot at Long Beach. Both places offer that perfect mix of tranquility.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Growing up in China, I’m deeply rooted in East Asian aesthetics and storytelling traditions, which have shaped my artistic approach. Right now, I’m especially interested in how animation can blend rhythm and atmosphere to create connections with audiences on feelings or culturally rich narratives.

I want to first thank my family for raising me in a way that allowed me to adapt to the world while preserving a strong connection to my own culture. That foundation has become the root of my work and the philosophical spirit within it. I also want to give a special shoutout to the NYU animation community, which has embraced me with a shared love for animation and provided countless opportunities to explore different roles in the production pipeline. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding both creatively and technically, and have grown into a more mature animator.

Website: https://yimengthea.wixstudio.com/storyboard

Instagram: @thea_anima

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yimeng-wang-30b70624b/

Image Credits
All image credits to Yimeng Wang