Meet Tianyu Wang | 3D Artist & Visual Artist

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

Hi Tianyu, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up surrounded by animation, comics, and games, I was always fascinated by the immersive worlds behind the stories. From the emotional impact of The Lion King, to the dreamlike atmosphere of Studio Ghibli films, to the stunning visuals of Avatar, I became curious about how these fantastical environments were created—and how I could one day build my own.
That curiosity led me to drawing, and later to a three-year foundation in art alongside my high school studies. What started as a hobby gradually became a serious academic and professional pursuit. I studied stage art in college, where I gained hands-on experience creating environments for live theater and, later, for film sets. This gave me a strong foundation in spatial design, composition, and storytelling through environments.
But over time, I realized that my true passion was in crafting fully immersive, fantastical worlds—not just on stage or set, but in digital space. That realization led me to transition into 3D art. In the world of 3D software, I found a medium that combined my love for visual storytelling with technical creativity. It allowed me to design entire worlds that audiences could explore and experience.
As a 3D artist focusing on environment, I see my work as a bridge between imagination and interaction. Whether it’s a quiet forest, a sci-fi city, or a forgotten ruin, I aim to create spaces that evoke emotion, tell stories, and invite people in. For me, environment art is not just about visuals—it’s about building worlds that people believe in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart as an artist is my futuristic mindset and my drive to explore the intersection of art and technology. I’ve always embraced new digital tools and creative platforms, which helps me—and my collaborators—see new possibilities for visual storytelling. It’s not always easy to predict the next trend, but I believe there’s power in staying curious and open to innovation. I see each advancement in technology as a new language for creativity.
One thing I’m most proud of is my consistency in choosing work that aligns with my passion. That passion has always been my motivation. After experiencing the limitations of traditional film production, I made a bold decision to shift into animation and pursue my professional career in the U.S.—where CGI technology is thriving. It wasn’t an easy transition, especially with the language and cultural barriers, but it opened up dream opportunities for me, including working on TV series like Archer and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Through these experiences, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented people who share the same passion for CG and 3D art. We’ve bonded over our favorite games, films, and animations, and some of my most inspiring moments have come from collaborating and problem-solving together as we built out complex scenes. Those creative exchanges—full of shared ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs—have reinforced my belief that art has the power to bring people together across cultures and backgrounds, creating meaningful connections through visual storytelling.
The toughest time in my journey came when the film and animation industry was getting hard since two years ago. I saw major productions pause and studios close down, which forced me to pivot. I transitioned into product and architectural visualization, where I can explore more possibility of design with dimension, materials and shape language. While the narratives I work with now may not come from a script, I still find purpose in uncovering the brand story behind each project—and turning it into a compelling visual experience that helps businesses connect with their audiences.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always stay prepared and grounded in your passion. If you remain true to your creative spark, others will see it too—and that light will guide you to new beginnings and new opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to give them the perfect mix of art, food, and nature that shows off the creative vibe of Atlanta. We’d definitely start with some good eats—brunch at Atlanta Break is always a win. Then we’d walk it off through Piedmont Park or along the BeltLine, checking out murals and street art along the way. I’d take them to the High Museum and the Center for Puppetry Arts—it’s such a fun and inspiring place, especially for creatives. Of course, we’d hit up Ponce City Market for shopping and rooftop games, and maybe catch a musical show at the Fox Theatre or see what’s happening at SCAD Fash.
We’d spend one day just relaxing in nature, either hiking around Arabia Mountain or having a picnic by the Chattahoochee River—it’s such a peaceful spot and a great way to reset. I’d also want to show them the weirder, artsy side of Atlanta, so a trip to Little Five Points is a must—vintage stores, funky murals, and just good people-watching. Somewhere in between, maybe an AR/VR art installation or immersive pop-up exhibit or check out a local arts space, then grab Korean BBQ at 678 followed by dessert from Paris Baguette.
And honestly, one of my favorite things is just hanging out in a cozy café like East Pole, Brash or Perc, sketching, talking about ideas, or even collaborating on drawing or sculpting together. We’d wrap it all up with dinner at The Optimist with some local taste of seafood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who has accompanied me on this journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my parents and my cousin for their unwavering encouragement and belief in my dream. Their support has been a constant source of strength.
I’d also like to give a shoutout to my friends at SCAD and my peers from Floyd County Productions. They’ve been more than just talented collaborators—I’ve grown with them, learned alongside them, and built deep connections in the Atlanta creative community. Every late-night project, every challenge we tackled together, and every success we celebrated is a meaningful part of my story and my fond memories of this city.
Lastly, I want to recognize everyone at Thoughtful3D. Their inspiration and encouragement went far beyond just the craft of 3D art—they helped me understand the deeper value of growing as an artist and staying true to my creative voice.

Website: https://wangty1994.artstation.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianyuwang1994