Meet Yueyue Zhang | Storyboard Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Yueyue, why did you pursue a creative career?

I embarked on an artistic journey because my passion for drawing has been ingrained in me since kindergarten. Being naturally introverted, drawing became my primary means of communicating with the world around me.

My artistic perspective deepened significantly during middle school when I was introduced to the films and behind-the-scenes documentaries of Miyazaki. The meticulous process of creating animation and a relentless commitment to quality reshaped how I viewed my drawings. Miyazaki’s work taught me the importance of expressing ideas through images in a way that sparks the viewer’s imagination without constraining it.

Over the years, I’ve come to prefer capturing life’s moments through quick sketches in my sketchbook, which has become much more than just a collection of drawings; it is a visual diary of my experiences. I believe that as artists, we have a special mission to offer new perspectives and experiences through our work, enriching others’ lives. It is my hope that my art brings warmth and a deeper appreciation for life to those who see it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my focus on evoking emotions and facilitating experiences rather than just expressing personal artistic visions. After moving to the U.S., I dove into storyboarding and storytelling, driven by a passion to bring unique emotional experiences to my audience. One of my memorable works, a story about a boy who lost his shadow, moved some of my classmates to tears, earning me the nickname “Tearmaker.” To further enhance my skills, I also take additional storyboard courses and other classes to address my technical shortcomings. Although this requires extra time to balance school assignments and my additional coursework, the effort greatly benefits me.

Professionally, getting to where I am today involved facing significant challenges, especially when I got a chance to work on the 2D lighting part of the film “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” which will be released in theaters in August. Initially, I struggled with compositing and lighting, skills that were new to me. The pressure to perform well in a collaborative environment was immense. Despite the tears and frustration, the unwavering support from my team leader and teammates helped me overcome these hurdles. I’ve learned that continuous learning and embracing teamwork are crucial to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

I am happy to see my ability to adapt and thrive in new areas, like transitioning from industrial design to storyboarding and filmmaking, showcasing my adaptability and commitment to growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think it might be Savannah, a city where I lived for four years. On a Saturday morning, I would recommend visiting Forsyth Park. There is a farmers’ market where I like to buy a brownie from the baker and some fruits from the vegetable and fruit stalls across the way. You could also take photos by the park’s fountain, and perhaps buy some paintings from the illustrators and artists there. In the afternoon, I’d recommend heading to a vintage shop near E. Victory Drive to browse some antiques and pick up some items you like. You might drive past Abercorn Street, where the Spanish moss hangs from the trees and the sunlight filters through beautifully. In the evening, I would walk along the Savannah River, sit on a bench to enjoy the view, and sketch some drawings in my sketchbook.

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 dedicate my shoutout to my parents. They may not know how to draw, but their incredible understanding and tolerance have always supported my artistic endeavors. Even when I used to draw on the walls of my bedroom, they never scolded me. Although my mom asked me not to draw on the living room walls, I secretly moved the sofa and painted behind it, then moved it back when I was done. This nurturing environment is a big reason why I have always been deeply interested in drawing and am pursuing a career in the arts.

Website: https://yuesaki.wixsite.com/website

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia0425/