Alumni Interviews
Jennifer Yu
Digital Artist, Look Effects Inc.
Jennifer Yu, a Los Angeles native, found her way to visual effects through a long love of the arts. Attending college as a Computer Science student, she discovered what would become her passion and career. Now, working as a CG Project Supervisor in film at Look Effects, Inc., she will dazzle us on the big screen for years to come.
- As a child, how did you spend your time?
I spent countless hours with my parents at their store where I excelled at entertaining myself. On many such occasions, I found the walls in the back room to be rather plain, and took it upon myself to decorate them =). When I was old enough, my parents enrolled me in art classes where I started with pastels and worked my way up to oil paints.
- What was your career path prior to Visual Effects?
My early childhood aspiration was to become an architect. I've always loved building and seeing ideas translate to implementation. I spent a lot of time in the arts as a child but then took a 180-degree turn in college by studying Computer Science at the University of California in Santa Barbara. Though this technical experience has proven valuable to me, I found my desire for artistic expression constantly calling me. This ultimately led me to Gnomon, where I could integrate both art and technology.
- What inspired you to change course?
While I was at UCSB, a friend of mine who was also studying Computer Science was reading through a book of Maya tutorials. After seeing what he produced, I was intrigued and had to see more.
- What interested you about writing software? What interests you now about the artistic aspect and the combination?
I expected that writing software would be a natural extension to one of my strengths: mathematics. However, it didn't appeal to me artistically. The combination of the two in Visual Effects really gives me the satisfaction that I didn’t get with either individually.
- Did you start your Gnomon education with a specific goal, or did you find unexpected interests and opportunities?
Since I spent the years prior to Gnomon writing software, I thought the most obvious transition for me would be to focus on Dynamics. However, once I got a taste of other specializations, I found myself wanting to do it all. Having come from a very eclectic background, I now consider myself to be a generalist.
- What was your curriculum at Gnomon?
I completed the 21-month, High-End Computer Graphics Certificate Program. As a full-time Certificate Student, I was required to take almost all of the classes offered.
- What are you doing now?
I was able to acquire an internship during my fifth term, which led me to full-time employment at Look Effects Inc. after only 3 months! After beginning my internship, it was time to prove myself in the real world. I was determined to succeed.
- Have your opportunities expanded since Gnomon?
Attending Gnomon has opened so many doors for me. The first indication that my education at Gnomon was paying off was being moved to full-time employment even before graduating. Currently, I have attained the position of CG supervisor on our latest project. Also, I was recently invited by Look Effects to speak at a Maya User Group meeting. I was the first Alumnus to do so. It was a great feeling, knowing that my education at Gnomon was the reason why I was there to begin with.
- Has your pay level increased?
Yes! :)
- What is it you enjoy about it your career the most?
Being involved in the lifecycle of a movie is amazing. You constantly receive visual feedback on everything you do and see things progress from start to finish.
- How would you like to utilize your technical background further?
I would like to explore the possibilities of custom shading through software such as Renderman. I would like to explore my skill set as a generalist to advance as a technical artist. Although my technical background has been valuable, I feel that it is underutilized at the current moment.
- Would you consider returning for additional classes?
Yes, most definitely. Our industry is constantly evolving; it’s a lifelong commitment to learning.
- What were some of your favorite aspects of attending Gnomon?
I have met some of my greatest friends and mentors at Gnomon. I am very fortunate to have such great people involved in my life and my career. Thanks Gnomon =).
Interview by Renee Dunlop
