I am Anlan Yang, a 3D environment and game artist recognized for creating deeply immersive and narratively compelling digital worlds. With expertise in both 2D and 3D artistry across diverse styles, I excel in leveraging cutting-edge tools and technologies to elevate the visual and narrative dimensions of interactive experiences.

My professional journey was catalyzed by my foundational training in traditional arts, which evolved during my academic pursuits—earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation from Renmin University of China, and later, a Master’s in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University.

These programs honed my skills in computer graphics and interactive art, setting the stage for my current role in the educational game industry. Here, I lead projects that focus on crafting transformative gaming experiences designed to educate, engage, and inspire players. This work not only reflects my passion but also contributes to advancing the field of educational technology through art.

The inspiration behind Ruins of City - The Retake stems from my thinking of the relationship between nature and humanity. Over the years, I have explored this theme across various mediums, including interactive installations, graphic design, and illustration. Each project reinforced how meaningful and thought-provoking this topic is, and this time, I wanted to take it even further through the immersive storytelling of environment art.

At its core, the story is about reclamation—how nature and forgotten places can regain their power in a world shaped by human influence. The project envisions a city being overtaken by a mysterious botanical force, embodied by a powerful character wrapped in vines. This character’s magic is not merely an attack but a reclamation, symbolizing the cycle of destruction and rebirth.

From a broader perspective, I believe this project resonates with today’s industry in several ways. Game environments are no longer just visual backdrops; they have become active storytellers, shaping player experiences and emotions. Ruins of City - The Retake represents this shift—where world-building is not just about aesthetics but about narrative depth, atmosphere, and emotional impact.

One key element that made the project shine was my focus on composition and lighting. I carefully designed the scene to guide the viewer’s eye, using contrast, depth, and dynamic framing to create a strong sense of scale and impact.

Another standout feature was the integration of animated elements and particle effects, which added movement and life to the scene. Given that the entire video clip is under one minute, these dynamic elements played a crucial role in delivering the story efficiently within a short timeframe.

One of the biggest challenges I faced during the creation of this project was optimizing performance while maintaining high visual fidelity. Since the project features a large-scale city environment with detailed assets, dynamic lighting, and particle effects, balancing visual quality and performance was a constant struggle.

To overcome this, I focused on efficient asset optimization—carefully managing polygon counts, texture resolutions, and LOD settings to ensure smooth rendering without sacrificing detail. I also made strategic use of Unreal Engine 5’s Nanite and Lumen systems, which allowed me to push visual realism while keeping performance manageable.

Another challenge was conveying a compelling story within a short video format. Since the clip is under one minute, I had to be intentional with camera work, animation, and visual effects to ensure that every second contributed to the storytelling.

The creative industry is evolving at an incredible pace, especially with advancements in real-time rendering, AI, and immersive technologies. Tools like Unreal Engine 5, procedural generation, and AI-assisted workflows are not only improving the efficiency of creation but also expanding the possibilities for visual storytelling.

As game environments become more interactive and dynamic, the role of a 3D environment artist is shifting from creating static assets to building living, interactive worlds.

In line with this evolution, I aim to constantly explore advanced technologies to help me implement my artistic ideas more effectively. However, I also believe that a solid foundation in art theory is irreplaceable. Aesthetic sense and creativity cannot be substituted by technology alone.

Therefore, I am committed to continually refining my artistic theory while integrating it with the latest tools and techniques. This combination of strong art theory and constantly evolving technical skills is the direction I want to pursue in my career.

Entering competitions can be a powerful catalyst for professional growth, regardless of one’s experience level. One practical approach is to set clear goals, which can turn the daunting task of competing into a more structured and motivating journey. Competitions provide not only a deadline that can spur you to complete projects but also an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback from peers and industry leaders.

For those new to the field or experiencing hesitation, I recommend starting with manageable projects. For instance, focusing on a concise video clip or a small design piece can still offer significant learning opportunities and exposure. Delivering a smaller, well-executed project often has more impact than attempting a larger, less refined work.

It’s about quality over quantity, and such successes can build your confidence, enhance your portfolio, and increase your visibility in the industry.

My award-winning entry, "Ruins of City - The Retake," is a visual exploration of nature’s resilience, where a forgotten city is reclaimed by a powerful, botanical force, symbolizing the cycle of destruction and rebirth, which reflects my belief in the power of world-building as a storytelling tool, merging atmosphere, emotion, and environmental design to create an immersive, narrative-driven experience.

Looking ahead, my next project is inspired by Beijing’s Hutong culture, which holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I grew up. I’ve begun researching and gathering references, and I’m excited about the initial concepts taking shape. The Hutong neighborhoods are rich in history, architecture, and community, and I can’t wait to explore how to bring that to life in a digital world.

At the same time, I’m focused on advancing my technical skills in 3D modeling and game engine technology. This project offers a great opportunity to refine my workflow and apply cutting-edge tools and techniques. I'm determined to push my technical boundaries while honoring the cultural depth of the Hutong experience.