Yong Yi Chang
Artist Statement
I never realized how much art was relevant in my life until I got into art school. I remember when I was little I created a comic book that I scrapped together using a stapler and printer paper. I was really invested into it and I did not even know why. Did I enjoy making it? Was I bored? Who knows? All I know is that I was proud of the result and the proud look on my mom’s face. In middle school, I took pride in my handwriting as some people would say it was clean and neat. At the time, I was also drawing names for my friends in graffiti style using markers, pens, and whiteout. It made me feel appreciated when they would tape it in their lockers. I think that is what ultimately made me gravitate towards art as a career path. I liked the gratification from creating and I also liked making people happy.
My first step towards pursuing art was 3D modeling. I was working full-time and taking a break from college until my cousin suggested trying out an open source 3D software called Blender. I started doing tutorials and enjoyed the learning process, but what got me hooked was witnessing the result. Even the process of not being satisfied with the project and having to make countless revisions until it was perfect was gratifying. I began making weekly render challenges for myself and documenting my progress on Instagram as a form of expression. It was so fulfilling that I even did daily challenges at one point because I was getting so used to the program.
I always try to incorporate my interests into my designs. Make it look like how you want it to look. I find designing easier when you are proud of and enjoying the process as much as the result. It is also important to keep trying different approaches and using what you have learned to achieve your vision. I want my work to inspire growth through my journey as a graphic designer. I want to be able to show that through consistency and hard work towards understanding the fundamentals, those who are uncertain of their future career paths can learn and achieve anything. Starting is the hardest part and your plans on life may change, but I believe everything happens for a reason.
