Hanyu Mu (穆晗语) is an artist and animator hailing from Beijing, China, and currently residing in Atlanta. With a diverse range of skills, Hanyu excels in various artistic mediums, including illustration, traditional painting, 2D animation, and storyboarding. Through her artistry, she masterfully constructs immersive narratives, channeling her emotions and unrestrained imagination. By harnessing the power of digital tools, Hanyu pushes the boundaries of her creative process, resulting in captivating visuals that stir deep emotions within the viewer. Her creations focus on pure self-expression and visual storytelling, capturing fleeting moments of profound sentiment and beckoning audiences to embark on a journey of imagination alongside her.
Thank you for joining us, Hanyu. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello! I’m Hanyu Mu, an illustrator and animator from Beijing, China who now lives in Atlanta. I have a strong interest in visual storytelling and developing immersive narratives. My artistic path has taken me through numerous disciplines, such as illustration, traditional painting, 2D animation, and storyboarding.
My work is all about expressing my emotions, allowing my imagination to go wild, and capturing fleeting moments of great sentiment. I enjoy experimenting with different approaches and styles using digital tools to push the boundaries of my creativity. Overall, I want to use my art to convey profound emotions and to unleash the limitless breadth of my mind.
What is your art about? Do you have any specific themes in your projects?
The majority of my artistic themes revolve around the interaction of fantasy and dreams within the context of realistic settings. I’m drawn to the idea of bridging the tangible with the intangible, crafting narratives that invite viewers to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary. This blend of reality and imagination creates a dynamic and often thought-provoking visual experience.
I get inspiration for my work from common scenes, objects, and feelings that people meet in their daily lives. These commonplace things serve as the foundation for my dreamlike or fantasy experiences. I hope to immerse viewers in a journey of wonder and reflection by juxtaposing the known with the unknown.
This theme allows me to explore the boundaries of storytelling by utilizing art to portray feelings, experiences, and points of view that go beyond the confines of reality. Whether it’s a whimsical vision of a cityscape or an introspective character study in a strange environment, my art aims to pique the viewer’s interest, prompting them to explore their own interpretations and connect with the emotions inherent in the work.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far?
The completion of the concept design for “Good Morning” and the recognition that I achieved through various awards this year were two of the most thrilling moments in my recent journey as an artist.
The concept design for “Good Morning” is quite exciting. This project has been a long-held ambition of mine, and seeing it come to fruition is quite satisfying. While it is still in the conceptual stage and will eventually be animated, I consider this to be a huge step forward. It gives me a sense of purpose and inspiration to watch a concept I’ve cultivated for so long come to fruition.
The second source of excitement is the recognition I’ve received this year through various awards. These honors are key stepping stones in my career as an illustrator. They are proof that my work is resonating with others and being recognized in the creative world. This acknowledgment not only boosts my confidence, but also motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression and narrative. It serves as a reminder that the creative journey is filled with memorable moments which fuel my passion for art.
What does “community” mean to you? How do you see yourself in a community?
To me, community is a network of like-minded people who share common interests, ambitions, or values. It’s a support system, a place for mutual inspiration and learning, and a place for people to interact and contribute to a greater good.
I consider myself both a participant and a contributor to a community. Fellow artists and creators who share my passion for visual storytelling provide me with inspiration and encouragement. It’s a place for me to learn and grow, to share ideas, and to receive critical feedback. I believe in the value of giving back to the community, whether through sharing my experiences and knowledge or by participating in collaborative projects. In essence, I see myself as an active member of a thriving creative community, always looking for ways to expand my own personal path while also assisting others in their creative aspirations.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently expanding and developing the concept design for my project “Good Morning,” which is a large undertaking. This project is really interesting for me because it combines my passions for illustration and animation. It entails creating a visual narrative based on my childhood experiences and feelings, with a focus on the theme of childhood anxieties related to going to school.
At the same time, I’m working on new illustration projects that explore other themes and visual styles. These projects allow me to continue stretching the boundaries of my imagination and narrative ability.
In addition to my personal projects, I frequently collaborate with other artists and creators, which is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and bring new perspectives into my work.
Overall, my creative journey consists of a dynamic mix of personal projects and collaborations, and I’m always curious to see where these endeavors will lead me.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
Staying true to your distinctive voice as an artist is critical; don’t be seduced by trends, and allow your particular experiences and style arise. Continue to educate yourself throughout your profession, whether through formal education or self-study. Expect failures and rejections, but recognize that these obstacles will help you improve. Collaborate with other artists to obtain new perspectives and ideas. Find inspiration in ordinary situations, nature, and culture. Set specific artistic goals and devise a strategy to achieve them. Share your work with the world because constructive feedback is priceless. Accept failure as a necessary part of the creative process and learn from your mistakes. Remember that the road to success is a never-ending journey; there is no set path, so embrace your unique vision and never stop creating.
text & photo courtesy of Hanyu Mu
- Website: http://www.hanyumu.com
- Instagram: @hany_umu
