Lost in Translation by Yachan Yuan Reveals the Power of Cultural Nuance

My name is Yachan Yuan, and I’m a visual effects artist and visual designer currently based in the United States. I work at Framestore and have contributed to award-winning campaigns for brands like Apple, Toyota, and the Oscars.

My creative journey began in service design and visual communication design before evolving into digital storytelling and VFX. I focus on blending emotional resonance, cultural identity, and surreal visual aesthetics in my professional work.

"Lost in Translation" is a deeply personal project that explores the poetry of untranslatable words across cultures. I submitted it to the MUSE Creative Awards to share that quiet vision with a wider audience. Winning affirms that subtle, meaningful stories can have universal impact—and it motivates me to keep bridging conceptual ideas with visual language.

The film visualizes emotionally complex, culturally specific words like Mångata, Saudade, and Gluggaveður—terms that defy direct translation. It was inspired by my experience as an observer of cultural nuance.

In today’s industry, where authenticity and storytelling matter more than ever, it represents a gentle rebellion against the noise—offering introspection, stillness, and beauty.

The conceptual foundation of visualizing “untranslatable” emotions through design and VFX gives the project a distinct voice. It’s not just about technical CGI—it invites reflection and fosters cross-cultural connection.

The hybrid pipeline (Unreal Engine + green screen + Nuke compositing) also allowed me to achieve a realistic aesthetic in the VFX short.

I worked on the majority of this project independently, juggling multiple creative and technical roles. The greatest challenge was bridging the gap between abstract inspiration and tangible execution. With limited resources, I adopted a green screen setup and relied on modular compositing techniques to craft a visual world.

This award encourages further visual experimentation around language and emotion. It validates that artistic and introspective work holds as much value as commercial storytelling. For me, it opens exciting possibilities for future hybrid narratives that merge poetic concepts with technical execution.

The feedback has been surprisingly emotional. Several viewers told me they saw their own “unspoken feelings” reflected in the visuals. That, to me, is the highest compliment—to create something that resonates beyond language.

Find a theme that genuinely resonates with you, and don’t be afraid to express your true emotions—even if the result feels subtle, niche, or experimental. Lean into your unique perspective and create something only you can make. That kind of authenticity and focus will become your greatest strength.

We’re in a transitional moment—AI, real-time engines, and cross-disciplinary practices are reshaping everything. I see myself continuing to work at the intersection of art, culture, and technology, especially in poetic storytelling and immersive visuals. I want to remain flexible and emotionally resonant, even as tools evolve.

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Your work is part of a longer dialogue. Competitions are not just about winning—they’re about visibility and self-belief.

Stay curious and open. The creative industry thrives on exploration and diversity—not just in style, but in perspective. Let’s not only share the polished outcomes, but also the struggles, the emotional moments of our creative journeys.

I’m deeply grateful to the green screen team who supported the production, and I’d like to dedicate this achievement to everyone who lives between cultures and languages—especially those who often feel unseen, unheard, or caught in between.

Visual poetry for the words we don’t know how to express.

I’m currently developing a new AI-driven short film that continues my exploration of cross-cultural expression. I also plan to exhibit internationally and expand my role into creative direction for experimental and immersive projects.