Meet Kathie Yang: Illustrator + Motion Designer

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

Hi Kathie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Such a great question to start with. I think it must be the most frequently asked question for every artist. Most of us share the same answer— we discovered that we are passionate about creating arts. However, we have different reasons that push us forward to continue on this path.

In the journey of developing my creative skill and career, I gradually feel that art has given me meaning beyond just happiness, in which people are full of passion and desire for beautiful things.

We can convey our inner feelings through various art forms. I consider it as a transformation of making invisible things come to life. Creativity is the privilege that life has given to us so that every artwork carries the artist’s thought of life. Indeed, this sensibility that one’s piece has brought out looks like the tangible form of our soul. When I realized it, I saw the flashing flames of life through the artworks, and I finally understood the meaning that art gave to me. It pushed me to continue pursuing an artistic career until today.

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.
I would say my edge is the use of color and composition, and the two successfully formed into my own style. I usually like to use color to catch viewers’ eyes and put everything that needs to be expressed into every corner of the canvas. As an illustrator, it is essential to tell a whole story in one image, and smartly arranging every element is a crucial skill to a storyteller. The process is similar to solve a math problem. It is all about how to add and subtract visual information.

The biggest challenge I encountered was finding a balance between my two identities as an illustrator and a motion designer and finding coherence between different styles. The solution I discovered at the end is to follow my heart.

Following the heart sounds very cliché, but it all depends on how one would interpret it. I had a difficult time facing and accepting myself. I felt that my style wasn’t fitting the industry’s trending style, so I rejected applying my illustration style to motion. In the process of continuous practice, I have tried many techniques that I am not good at. Not surprisingly, the results were terrible. It made me feel that I had nothing special as a motion designer. The frustration surged like ocean waves.

I cleared the fog because my friends kept accompanying me and giving me advice. Thanks to them, I realize and understand that my value lies in my experience and accumulation. All this knowledge is integrated into my work and is presented across various visual platforms, forming a balanced style unconsciously. It is like a reconciliation with myself. With that being said, the most important thing I learned is to listen the voice in my heart and love myself.

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?
I have to say this is my favorite question! Atlanta is a charming city, and it has some stunning places – a large aquarium and zoo. I always inspired by nature, so I feel quite relaxed when visiting those places. I will take my friend there for a walk and take a break from busy city life for a moment.

After that, I would like to take them to Savannah, which possess my college life memories. I deeply love the starry sky in Savannah. The night sky there is clearer than in the big city. We can stand on the seashore and feel the water submerge our instep, and all the fatigue washed away. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents and all my friends are the people I am most thankful for, and they deserve my shoutout. I am a person who needs the company of others, and I feel energetic when I stay together with my friends and family. My parents always have my back, and I won’t be here today without their support. Our hearts are still united together even I decided to start my creative journey in a different country. I genuinely appreciate everyone who came into my life and stayed with me throughout my time as an artist.

Website: https://www.woodgeo-art.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodgeo.art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathie-yang-944926180/