What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Yewon Park and I am currently working at Blizzard as a visual development artist.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
When I was in South Korea, I did work at coffee shop for a while. I had to memorize all the recipe of how to make different kinds of coffee and breads.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Most projects I have worked on are very proud! I was very proud of working on Fall because I was the only one who was working as a concept art at that time. Therefore, it was allowed me to do a lot of different things such as character design, set design, and moment paintings and so on. Working at DreamWorks, designing all toys for Kung Fu Panda3 fascinated me a lot. Since my art director trusted me, I had a chance to stylize all the characters in my taste. Upcoming cinematic I have been working on at Blizzard is super fun as well!
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and came to the USA for Art Center Collage of Design. I always liked to draw and read manga as a kid. I never thought of being an artist, but after years, animations and Japanese cartoons still fascinated me. I finally decided to become an animation artist. I got first internship offer from Titmouse as background artist. It is my first animation job.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
My life at the moment is the typical routine of an artist working for a studio. Working closely with art directors and other artists. I always try to accomplish the assignment and listen to others feedback.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I think the creative aspect stage is my faverite because it allows me to explore lots of possibilities to get into the final stage. While designing it with great reference and imagination, I don’t feel like working anymore, I am just having fun.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Sometime, I don’t feel okay and something is not quite right. In that kinds of days, I don’t even know how to make right stroke for myself. Also, when I feel bit nervous, I easily lose concentration and create ugly design. In that day, I just hope that the work time is over quicker.
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?
Since I was at Art Center, I always used Wacom Intros 3. Even if I have a Cintiq, I rarely use it. I don’t think the technology has impacted me much.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I think being consistent is very tricky part for most artists. If you are working for a company, you might feel some kind of pressure daily to create great and useful art. If you don’t produce the artwork on time or make clear design, it would make others struggle as well.
If you could change the way the business works and is run how would you do it?
I think it would be okay to me so far.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
When I was working at DreamWorks, I saw Nico Marlet on the way to a meeting. I got surprised and smiled at him. First time, I couldn’t believe myself that I was working with some of people who I saw on TV and made fascinating work for worldwide films.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
When I first came to LA by myself for Art Center Collage of Design, I had so much difficulty. Since I don’t know anyone, I had to take care of everything. At that time, I don’t even know how to speak basic communication in English. So, I used body language to do something. Also, I don’t know how to drive, so I had to take a bus for commute with heavy painting materials. Everything was full of instability and anxiety.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
I did few gallery show at Nucleus gallery, so I did some paintings and sketches under the theme. I had so much fun.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I am really good at Bubble Bubble.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Always experience new things and invest time for the foundation skills. being anxious is okay, but keep drawing and working. Don’t let worry waste your time.
