From Taipei to Los Angeles: Crafting Stories Through Digital Worlds

Interview with Yuko Hwang

1.      Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, where my passion for art began at a young age. I spent nearly eight years studying fine art with a tutor, developing a strong foundation in traditional drawing, painting, and composition. In high school, I majored in advertising design, which expanded my skills in visual storytelling and design thinking.

I later attended Hsing Wu University, where I studied character animation and 3D modeling, and participated in a workshop that produced two animated short films. Wanting to further specialize, I moved to Los Angeles to study at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, earning my BFA degree. There, I focused on environment and prop art—blending organic sculpting with hard-surface modeling.

My final project, Space Capsule Cockpit, was selected for Gnomon’s Best of Term and featured in a 3D art magazine, 80 levels. After graduating, I worked as a 3D artist at EDGLRD, where I contributed to commercial projects and original productions by creating props and environments. My work often draws from my love of science fiction and my belief that environments can carry their own stories, emotions, and history—even without characters present.

2.      Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

My work often explores the intersection of imagination, storytelling, and immersive world-building. I’m drawn to creating environments that feel as if they’ve existed long before the viewer steps into them—spaces with their own mood, history, and atmosphere.

Science fiction is a big influence on me, not just for its futuristic aesthetics, but for the way it invites us to think about human stories in unfamiliar settings. Nature and architectural forms also inspire me, especially the way light, texture, and structure can shape the personality of a place.

When I create, I approach each project with a sculptor’s mindset, paying attention to small details that make a world believable—from the worn edges of a metal panel to the overgrowth on a forgotten stone path. I like the idea that even without characters present, an environment can speak volumes about the world it belongs to.

3.      Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been leaving my home in Taiwan to study and work abroad. Moving to Los Angeles to attend Gnomon meant starting over in a completely new environment—navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure of excelling in a highly competitive field.

On top of that, working in a creative industry as an international artist comes with the added difficulty of securing visas. The process can be long, uncertain, and stressful, especially while balancing work deadlines and personal projects. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when comparing myself to other talented artists, but I learned to focus on growth rather than comparison.

I’ve also had to adapt constantly to an industry that’s always evolving. New tools, technologies, and styles emerge quickly, and keeping up requires persistence and a willingness to keep learning. Over time, I’ve realized that adaptability, patience, and determination have been just as important to my career as my artistic skills.

4.      What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

One piece of advice I’d give is to focus on consistency over perfection. It’s easy to get stuck chasing a flawless result, but progress comes from showing up and creating regularly—even if the work isn’t perfect yet.

I’d also say, never stop learning. Entertainments industry changes fast, and the ability to adapt to new tools, techniques, and ideas will keep your work fresh and relevant. Seek out feedback and see it as a gift—it’s one of the fastest ways to grow.

Lastly, take care of yourself outside of your art. Inspiration often comes from living a full life, not just from sitting at your desk. Travel, read, explore nature, or try something completely unrelated to your field. Those experiences will find their way back into your work in surprising ways.

5.      What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?

At the moment, I’m working on two main projects. One is a personal environment project inspired by Taiwanese culture, where I’m exploring ways to integrate traditional aesthetics, local architecture, and cultural motifs into a cohesive, story-driven space. The other is an environment project for an outsourcing company, where I’m contributing 3D assets that fit seamlessly into larger production pipelines.Balancing personal work with professional projects keeps me growing in different ways—personal projects give me the creative freedom to experiment and express my heritage, while client work challenges me to meet high technical standards and collaborate effectively within a team.

Website : https://www.artstation.com/yellofishcg22

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yellofishcg22/?hl=en