Meet Yuyang Liao | Stop-motion artist

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

Hi Yuyang, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
For me, success is not just a process of achieving goals; it is also a journey of constantly surpassing oneself, exploring, and discovering new things. Each small step forward and each achievement are valuable experiences and rewards accumulated along the path to success. Success is not only the final outcome but also the embodiment of the growth, knowledge, and satisfaction we gain through our efforts. In other words, success is another term for the rewards we earn through persistence and hard work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a stop-motion animation artist. From a young age, I was very hands-on and loved crafting and watching animations. When I went to college, I chose to study animation, despite knowing little about it, because I thought it was something I would enjoy. I spent four years studying 3D animation, but as time went on, my passion for it gradually faded, leaving me feeling lost and confused about what I truly liked, what path to take in the future, and how to prove my worth.

To give myself another chance to find my direction, I applied for graduate school. In my first year, I explored motion graphics, but I soon realized that the gap between my skills and those of the MG artists around me was vast, which made me feel very insecure. This brought back the same confusion I had experienced during my undergraduate years.

During the pandemic, while stuck at home, I started studying stop-motion animation. I discovered that creating stop-motion objects brought me joy and excitement. Realizing I was at another crossroads in my life and unsure of where to go, I reminded myself: “Do what makes you happy.” So, I returned to the world of stop-motion animation, where I finally felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

My graduate school thesis project is called “Who Am I?”. “Who Am I?” is a brief autobiographical stop-motion animation that blends multiple techniques within a pop-up book installation. Thematically, it delves into the complexity of self-discovery, or …Who I am.
When I was a little girl my first grade teacher assigned everyone a paper called “who am I?” It should have been a simple introduction but when I asked everyone else what they thought, their different answers left me wondering— “Who exactly was I?” The question has evolved into a realization that who I am depends on who I ask. And still uncertain, I’ve channeled the dilemma into this project to seek the best answers.

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?
My favorite spots in Manhattan are the East Village, West Village, and Chinatown. These neighborhoods offer a fantastic mix of designer and quirky stores, charming stationery and toy shops, great coffee spots, and excellent value-for-money restaurants. Since these areas are connected, you can start your day shopping in the East Village, grab a coffee in the West Village, and then head to Chinatown for some delicious food.

In Brooklyn, my favorite area is Greenpoint. It has the most interesting vintage shops and high-quality thrift stores. When you need a break, stop by Radio Bakery for a pistachio croissant—it will brighten your day!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to all the women who continue to express their femininity through art, using their creativity to break barriers and challenge norms. Your work not only enriches our culture but also inspires others to embrace their true selves. Hats off to all the women who strive for self-love, prioritize their well-being, and practice self-care in a world that often demands so much. Your dedication to loving and valuing yourself sets a powerful example for others. Hats off to all the women who are fighting for more, who push against the boundaries and strive for equality, opportunity, and recognition. Your courage and determination are paving the way for future generations. I see you. I hear you. I stand with you. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to make a difference.

Website: https://yuyangliao.com

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Youtube: yuyangliao