Meet Yeonha (Yona) Park | 2D Animator / Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yeonha (Yona) Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yeonha (Yona), can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

My journey thus far has been profoundly dynamic, marked by the challenges of divorced parents, overcoming poverty, leaving high school, and embarking on a new chapter in the United States, among other tribulations. Each of these trials proved arduous to overcome, and I often found myself mired in despondency.

Nonetheless, my perspective underwent a profound transformation upon encountering the following quote, “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

While this epiphany did not precipitate an immediate metamorphosis in my existence, it consistently reminded me of a new perspective. I resolved never to relinquish my capacity to find solace amid distressing moments, adopting an ethos of resilience, which I symbolize by swaying to life’s rhythm and applauding in the face of its vicissitudes. I will endeavor to carry on through life in this manner until I pass away.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my role as an animator within the domain of sports entertainment, a path I had never envisioned prior to its opportunity. My journey in this career has been far from effortless, often presenting itself as a formidable challenge. I found myself tasked with the creation of animations that seamlessly harmonized with the dynamics of various sports, instantaneously integrating them into the game, despite my prior experience primarily centered around character animation.

In navigating this unfamiliar terrain, I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance and support of a multitude of individuals. Drawing insights from a wealth of references and heeding the advice of experienced colleagues and superiors who have honed their craft in this profession over extended periods, I embarked on a progressive path of discovery. This process has imparted to me a profound understanding of the distinctions between general animation and the specialized field of sports animation, as well as the aspects that warrant heightened emphasis.

Consequently, my work has developed a distinctive style that seamlessly fuses the warmth and humor I hold dear with the vigor and intensity characteristic of the sports arena. This unique synthesis has proven highly appealing and has bestowed upon my work a personality I had never foreseen during my initial venture into character animation.

My counsel to aspiring individuals is grounded in the principles of open-mindedness and a willingness to explore the broader horizons of the world. As I continue my career, I derive immense satisfaction from witnessing my creations come to life on electronic displays, a sensation that fills me with excitement, a profound sense of accomplishment, and a distinct sense of honor. This journey has illuminated the notion that hidden happiness often lies within the embrace of the unknown, and I fervently encourage others not to shy away from confronting the unfamiliar.

Life’s gonna work out anyway!

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?
Without a doubt, attending a basketball game should be on your list of things to do. Given my residence in Greensboro, I wholeheartedly suggest catching a basketball game featuring the “Greensboro Swarm”, a prominent team in the NBA G League. It’s worth noting that the Greensboro Swarm operates as an affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, providing an opportunity to also witness the main NBA league games, just an hour’s drive from Greensboro.

Furthermore, I’m an enthusiast of delectable desserts, and one place I highly recommend in Greensboro is “Dolce & Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery”. With an Italian owner at the helm, the desserts on offer are not only exquisite but also exceptionally delicious. I’ve had the pleasure of indulging there, and the experience was nothing short of delightful. If any of your friends happen to visit Greensboro, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring them here.

In addition to these recommendations, Greensboro boasts a plethora of antique stores, making it challenging to single out just one. Downtown Greensboro is replete with numerous antique shops, each offering a unique and often whimsical array of items. I thoroughly enjoy exploring these establishments and discovering their diverse and captivating inventory. It’s an experience I heartily recommend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The initiation of my professional career commenced at the esteemed Charlotte Hornets organization. I embarked on this journey in the capacity of an official intern. My invaluable mentor and manager during this formative period was none other than Kathy, a seasoned veteran with over a decade of dedicated service in a directorial role. Despite her vast experience and expertise, she consistently exhibited remarkable humility, often suggesting that I may possess knowledge surpassing her own. Kathy exhibited profound admiration for my endeavors, even in the minutiae, which subsequently garnered recognition from a broader audience. It is conceivable that her endorsement extended my reputation to those previously unacquainted with me, ultimately transforming me into a proficient intern of repute.

The confidence Kathy instilled in me served as a catalyst for elevated performance within the organization. Unwaveringly, she rendered praise and encouragement across the spectrum of my undertakings. Even when confronted with the myriad challenges encountered during my internship, Kathy remained an attentive confidante, demonstrating genuine concern for my well-being. In a foreign land, far removed from the comfort of friends and family, Kathy emerged as both an internal and external comrade. She constituted a wellspring of solace and support within the corporate milieu.

Thanks to her endorsement, I secured a full-time position, affording me the opportunity to cultivate a stable life.
To this day, I maintain a cordial relationship with Kathy, inquiring about her ongoing pursuits. She remains a cherished friend in my life, and I harbor immense gratitude for her pivotal role as my inaugural supervisor. This experience has profoundly influenced my perspective on leadership, inspiring a commitment to treat my future subordinates with the same exceptional mentorship and encouragement that Kathy bestowed upon me. I am eager to convey my profound sentiments of gratitude and admiration to her.

Website: https://www.yeonhapark.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeonha-park-6bb8b11a0/