Kate Yu is a concept artist and illustrator working in the video game and entertainment industry.
Professional Portfolio and Blog
Educational background:
Attended The Guildhall at SMU, Majored in Art Creation, graduated 2007. Holds a degree in Video Game Development in Art Creation
Number of years in industry: 9
Projects worked on:Brothers in Arms, Borderlands, Fear 3, Wizard 101, Wizard of Oz slots
Kate Yu’s current portfolio examples:
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE(S) OF ADVICE YOU CAN OFFER STUDENTS THAT YOU WISH THEY HAD TOLD YOU IN ART SCHOOL?
I wish someone had suggested that perhaps, art is not meant for a career. In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of artists (including myself) who have grown jaded over time or whose style has become too mechanical because of this demanding industry. There is a real danger for those of us utilizing art for our careers, to “burn out” and the process of art creation to get less creative.
ARE YOU AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE?
I think I am moderately successful, but, I don’t think I’ve had that many years of experience yet. If there’s one thing I’d tell my younger self to do differently, (even my current self, actually), is to be less lazy – you can always do more art!
AS AN ARTIST, WHAT DOES “SUCCESS” MEAN TO YOU AND, WHAT ARE AT LEAST THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE IT? PLEASE LIST.
I think true success as an artist is that you are really, without self denial or ego, truly happy with your artistic creation – and that others are too. I think there’s only one thing that can get a person there; that is to constantly and continuously out-do yourself, and to keep pushing forward. Hopefully this brings you all the things that we all hope for, like cool jobs, great projects, prestige and recognition.
If you;d like to read more from Kate Yu, then check out her full interview. All images used with permission by the artist. ©Kate Yu.
