What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Yannan Connie Kang, and I am currently graduated from Academy of Art University in MFA Illustration.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I was a graphic artist before, and also kept various part time jobs at that time. The crazy part was that I had to changed my role in the same day and became an illustrator, a UI designer, a T-shirt designer, character designer and product designer in different projects. People called me insane. Haha…though very busy, I like a full fruitful life.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I was worked at Lolapps, Inc. before, I’ve been an concept artist who was a part of the game Ravenshire and Ravensky City.  Also I have taken the internship with Disney Mobile, feel proud to involve in a lot of Disney games during that time.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I original from Shanghai China, I fell in love into with the animation field since my childhood.  However I decided it as my career when I came to Academy of Art University.  I learned character design, layout and storyboard during that time. I enjoy to these processes and get so much fun from the animation.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I worked in different parts every day and also did some projects at same time. Such as character design and illustration as loading screen for one day. Other days I did some UI and icon, sometimes I need work at several styles and projects at one day, I do like solve the problems, which makes me feel like a fireman at the company.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I love character design the best. Because I’d like observe the people and creatures, also enjoy draw their subtle expression, action and figure.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I had to say it’s meeting…sometimes it interrupts my train of thought in concept and design.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis, how has technology changed in the last few years in your field and how has that impacted you in your job?
I am used to sketch first by pencil and scan them into the computer, then use photoshop, painter or illustrator to redefined drawing and color it. I do like the Cintiq, however still prefer to use the Wacom tablet. For me, this is the effective and convenient way to work with.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I am not native speaker and just move to USA start my new life.  Everything need take it from the top, the most difficult part is how to blend in with my surroundings and culture.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I have been lucky enough to meet some awesome people, and I took the drawing for film class with Anthony Christov who’s the art director in Pixar and responsible for Cars and Finding Nemo.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
The shooting incident happened in my apartment on May 2012 in San Francisco. The man had beaten his mother to death and came to our building to looking for his girlfriend. He fired numerous shots next door of me. I remember the police brought the murder’s girlfriend asked for cover at my room. I was nervous and anxious. After few minutes, we evacuated from the building and no one take care of me at that night, I just walked at street wore my pajama and felt like a homeless.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
I feel sorry cannot share the details of the projects, because they have some copyright from the company and I need keep the business secret until they release.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I have good eyesight to discern the false from the genuine of the product, such as toys, dolls and action figures.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Portfolio is the most important part to open your business, also website and blog is necessary to let the professional people getting know you.
