Meet Wanyi Ma | Motion Wizard

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

Hi Wanyi, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Foster a consistent spirit of practice, curiosity and exploration. This mindset helps me to quickly understand trends and developments within the professional industry as well as stimulates me to continually grow and develop my artistic voice. During my time at work, my usual habits include consistently browsing design websites and researching current trends in the design industry. This helps me to consistently absorb new information content. In life, I stay curious to discuss information in the industry with professional friends around me. This exchange helps me to think and update new ideas

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I come from a coastal city in southern China. Currently, I am enrolled in the SCAD motion media MFA program. Ever since I was young, I have been exposed to various art-related courses. It all started when my parents discovered my interest in drawing, after I had scribbled on a white wall at home. They recognized my potential and began nurturing my drawing skills by enrolling me in professional art classes. Since then, art has become an integral part of my life.

I pursued the basic techniques of painting until I embarked on my undergraduate program. However, I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. So, I chose a completely different major for my undergraduate studies: Multimedia Stage Design. This field encompassed diverse areas such as stage construction, lighting control, and stage background animations. I quickly developed a keen interest in multimedia production. After graduation, when I started searching for job opportunities, I realized that my studies had provided me with a broad understanding of the major but lacked depth in certain aspects. That’s when I decided to pursue a graduate degree and chose Motion Media as my field of specialization. This program focuses on the development and language of motion graphics for multimedia production. I found it to be a fascinating subject worth studying.

While I can’t predict what the future holds for me, I am genuinely captivated by the intellectual content of my chosen specialization. At present, I find great joy and stimulation in studying Motion Media. Of course, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Both my undergraduate and graduate programs required me to learn how to create dynamic visuals using new media software and hardware. Sometimes, this meant having to quickly grasp new software to produce content for my projects. However, it hasn’t always been possible to achieve the desired results within tight deadlines. For instance, when I attempted to learn animation programming, I had planned to dedicate an evening to studying the programming language. Unfortunately, the outcome was not what I had anticipated, and I didn’t accomplish what I had set out to achieve.

Facing these challenges has allowed me to develop resilience and adaptability. I have learned to embrace the unpredictable nature of working with new media tools and to find alternative solutions when things don’t go as planned. These experiences have honed my problem-solving skills and fostered a sense of perseverance within me. As I progress in my career, I believe these qualities will continue to contribute to my growth as a professional in the field of Motion Media.

In the future, I aim to apply my skills and knowledge in Motion Media to contribute to the creation of captivating multimedia content. Whether it’s through animation, visual effects, or other forms of motion graphics, I want to make a positive impact on the audience and inspire them with my work. Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and explore new possibilities in the ever-evolving realm of

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I plan to take my friend on an unforgettable two-day journey through New York City. New York is a city brimming with artistic ambiance and offers a wide array of cultural events and global cuisines.

we’ll kick off our New York adventure by heading to Central Park in Manhattan in the morning. We can either rent bicycles or take a leisurely walk to admire the park’s stunning scenery, including its lakes, gardens, and iconic fountains. For lunch, we’ll make our way to Greenwich Village in downtown Manhattan, known for its trendy cafes and restaurants. We can indulge in a delicious meal, such as trying out New York-style pizza or savoring a perfectly grilled steak. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of New York City’s most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty. We’ll take a boat ride to Liberty Island and marvel at this iconic sculpture symbolizing freedom and opportunity. In the evening, we’ll find a restaurant near Times Square to have dinner. There are plenty of world-class dining options to choose from, allowing us to sample a variety of cuisines, from traditional American burgers to exquisite French cuisine.

On the second day, we’ll explore the Museum District of Manhattan, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). We’ll have the opportunity to admire world-class art collections and immerse ourselves in New York’s cultural heritage. For lunch, we’ll venture into Chinatown to taste authentic Asian cuisine. There are numerous Chinese restaurants offering a diverse range of flavors, so we can try some classic Chinese barbecue or seafood dishes. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic and historically significant landmark. We can either take a stroll or rent bikes to cross the bridge, enjoying breathtaking views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. In the evening, we’ll spend a delightful night in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. This trendy neighborhood boasts fashionable restaurants, bars, and music venues, where we can savor local specialties and enjoy live music performances.

This two-day trip to New York City will take your friends through the city’s unique charm. We’ll see the sights and sounds, taste the national cuisine, and soak up the art and culture. From the serenity of Central Park to the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty, from the art treasures of the museums to the history of the Brooklyn Bridge, my friend and I will make unforgettable memories on this trip. Whether strolling the streets of Manhattan or savoring the bustling nightlife of Brooklyn, New York will give you an unforgettable time with its diversity, vibrancy and blend of cultures.

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 shout out to my professor, Dominique Elliott. She has been an incredible source of inspiration, guidance and support throughout my artistic journey. Her passion for art and design is contagious and she has always gone above and beyond to help her students grow. Mrs. Dominique’s constructive feedback, encouragement, and trust in my abilities have played a key role in shaping my artistic skills and confidence. I am grateful for her guidance and the positive impact she has had on my artistic development. Her dedication and commitment to developing young artists is recognized and celebrated in my story.

Website: https://wanyima.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanyi-ma-6b63881b6/

Image Credits
SCADPRO X COLITE CITY: Designer / Animator: Wanyi Ma / Ruyue Tian