From Taiwan to Gnomon: Yuko Hwang’s Journey in 3D Art and Animation

In a recent interview, Gnomon graduate Yuko Hwang shared her inspiring journey from Taiwan to the United States and how her love for 3D art and animation shaped her path. Born and raised in Taiwan, Yuko discovered her passion for 3D art in high school after being captivated by the animation in Disney’s Frozen. This fascination led her to make the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to study at Gnomon. Read on to learn more about her Gnomon experience, landing her first industry job, and advice she has for artists looking to stand out in today’s job market.  

Where are you from and what were some of your early passions?  

I was born and raised in Taiwan. When I was in my second year of high school, I was impressed by the 3D art in the Disney movie Frozen. Since then, I have been deeply interested in 3D art and animation. I was fascinated by how 3D technology could create immersive experiences. This passion led me to hone my skills and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. I enrolled in the animation program at Hsing Wu University in Taiwan to begin my journey in 3D animation. 

What is the VFX/3D modeling education like in Taiwan? What did your undergraduate training teach you? 

In Taiwan, VFX and 3D modeling education is rapidly gaining popularity in tandem with the growth of the media and entertainment industry. Several universities and vocational schools now offer specialized programs and courses dedicated to these cutting-edge fields.  

The industry in Taiwan has been steadily growing and gaining recognition in recent years. Many entertainment projects often collaborate with international companies. There are also some original movies and games that incorporate elements of Taiwanese culture and folklore.  

What made you want to pursue further education?  

As I delved deeper into the intricacies of 3D design, my passion for the field grew, fueling my ambition to further advance my career. Initially, my family strongly opposed my decision to go to the United States. However, after many discussions, they recognized my passion for creating CG art and were there to support my dream. I was determined to find the best 3D school. Gnomon perfectly matched my needs.  

What was the process like applying from another country? 

The beginning was challenging since English is not my first language, requiring me to spend countless hours improving my language skills while preparing my portfolio. When I was ready to apply, I contacted the admissions team to review my work and suggest adjustments. Their valuable advice ensured my application was strong and helped me determine when it was ready to submit.  

What were the biggest lessons you learned at Gnomon?  

Learning 3D at Gnomon was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of passion. Being surrounded by talented artists sometimes made me doubt my abilities, as I constantly compared my work to others. I eventually realized that my biggest competitor was myself.  

By understanding my strengths and weaknesses, I sought out tutorials and feedback from my peers at Gnomon. After completing my demo reel, Space Capsule Cockpit, I received significant recognition, including Gnomon's Best of Term and a feature on 80 Level, which boosted my confidence. Gnomon taught me that you should keep challenging yourself and find new ways to grow. Even after graduating and starting my first job, I know there’s still a lot of advanced 3D skills to learn. That’s why I stay dedicated to ongoing learning.  

Your space capsule project is amazing. What drew you to use Red Hong’s concept art? Was there anything that stood or that you felt you could really make your own? 

Before starting the 3D process, I was searching for concept art that not only had a strong sci-fi aesthetic but also demonstrated excellent composition. For me, creating an engaging environment means having clear foreground, midground, and background elements that draw the viewer in. Red Hong’s concept art stood out because it did exactly that, with a well-balanced layout and a high level of detail in every prop. 

The attention to detail made it easier for me to visualize how each part of the cockpit, especially the machinery and buttons, would function in a 3D space. This gave me the creative freedom to expand on those details and bring the design to life in my own way. 

How did your previous Gnomon classes shape your creative and technical approach to the space capsule project?  

I relied heavily on the skills and knowledge I gained from my classes at Gnomon. Classes like Hard Surface Modeling and Texturing and Shading were essential, as they gave me a solid foundation in modeling and surfacing realistic, high-tech assets. I also applied techniques from Lighting and Rendering to ensure that the lighting in the cockpit set the right atmosphere and brought out the detail in the materials.  

The Props and Weapon Design class taught me how to create optimized, game-ready models while still maintaining a high level of detail. I combined this with what I learned in Environment for Games to create a cohesive and immersive sci-fi setting. The lessons from Conceptual Design also informed my creative process, especially when designing the functionality and aesthetic of the space capsule to feel believable in a sci-fi context. 

You are a recent graduate (congrats)! Can you share about your job search and specifically how you navigated a work visa?  

After graduating with my bachelor's degree at Gnomon, I was granted a three-year working visa as an international student. With limited time to find a job, I felt the pressure to secure employment quickly. LinkedIn was the primary platform I used for my job search, along with checking the career pages of studio websites. In April, EDGLRD reached out to me with a job opportunity. They were looking for a props and environment artist willing to relocate. Given my love for travel, I eagerly accepted the offer.  

Tell us a little bit about your experience at EDGLRD. Can you talk about any of the projects you’ve been working on?  

We've been involved in a range of film, commercial, and music video projects. One of our recent releases was a collaboration with Marc Jacobs, where I contributed by modeling and texturing a black-and-yellow purse, re-sculpting a character body, and refining the 3D scan mesh of several tote bags. Currently, we're working on an exciting unannounced project, where I'm focused on creating environments and props. I can't wait to see the final result when the project is released. It’s been an amazing experience collaborating with both former classmates from Gnomon and alumni who graduated years ago. I am impressed by the company culture at EDGLRD, and it's a dream come true to turn my passion into a professional career. 

What advice would you give to those who are graduating and just starting their job search? 

I suggest students put their best effort into every assignment, as building a strong portfolio starts from day one at Gnomon. It's crucial to constantly ask questions in class without feeling ashamed, as curiosity leads to growth. Gnomon offers excellent resources, such as the Academic Mentoring Center, which I used to seek additional 3D skills from teachers and enhance my demo reel. Additionally, start building your social media presence while still in school. I regularly update my profiles and post new work on Instagram, ArtStation, and LinkedIn to promote my work to the industry. Self-promotion on prominent 3D websites increases visibility, which led to my work being featured on 80 Level - a recognition I highly value. 

Follow Yuko on ArtStation, connect with her on LinkedIn or explore more of her work on her Instagram.  

Gnomon is proud to celebrate Yuko Hwang’s inspiring journey from international student to industry professional. In less than a year since graduating, Yuko has already begun making her mark as a CG Artist at EDGLRD, impressing colleagues with her talent and dedication. Her story serves as an inspiration to the next class of Gnomon students, showing how perseverance and passion can turn a dream into a thriving career. Yuko’s commitment to continuous learning reminds us all that growth is a never-ending process in the world of digital art, and her success reflects the spirit of curiosity and excellence that Gnomon fosters in every artist.  

About Gnomon

For over 25 years, Gnomon has educated many of the world’s best digital artists on its state-of-the-art campus in Los Angeles, California. Recognized as one of the top U.S. colleges in Forbes' 2023 rankings and called “the MIT of visual effects” by Fast Company magazine, Gnomon offers a variety of educational options to help students reach their goals in the entertainment industry, with certificate and degree programs, and over 100 individual courses. Our comprehensive programs, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that every student can achieve their full potential, just like Yuko. Gnomon's strong industry partnerships give students real-world experience and a competitive edge in the job market. Connect with a Gnomon rep and take the first step in your art journey!