Today we’d like to introduce you to Haohao Yu.
Haohao, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! I started out with a background in advertising, where I was drawn to the power of storytelling and visual communication. But it wasn’t until I worked closely with children as an art assistant that I truly felt the magic of imagination. Their creativity reminded me that storytelling doesn’t always have to be literal or polished to be impactful. That experience sparked my interest in motion media, where I could combine illustration, animation, and design to create emotionally resonant visual narratives.
I pursued my graduate degree in Motion Media Design at SCAD from 2023 to 2025, where I had the chance to explore everything from branding animations to narrative-based work. My favorite project is my final project at SCAD, which explored “Imposter Syndrome.” Translating that complex, internal emotion into visual language felt both vulnerable and empowering.
Now I see myself as a designer and storyteller who loves blending the cute and the unexpected. Whether that’s through a title sequence with abstract elements or a poetic PSA inspired by nature, I enjoy finding emotional connections through visual design. It’s been a journey of exploring different mediums, trusting my instincts, and constantly learning from the people and stories around me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Since I only started taking formal design courses in grad school, I had to catch up on a lot of foundational knowledge and learn software skills on my own outside of class. That was challenging, but also really motivating. I’m very grateful for the professors in my program. They are not only incredibly experienced but also genuinely supportive. I have learned so much from their feedback and guidance.
I also joined the branding team for CoMotion, our department’s annual motion design event. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with peers from all over the world. Everyone brought different strengths, perspectives, and techniques to the table, and I learned a lot from working alongside them. Even though I faced some gaps in experience at the beginning, these experiences helped me grow quickly, both as a designer and as a teammate.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work blends motion design, illustration, and storytelling. I love creating visuals that are playful, expressive, and emotionally honest. I specialize in character-driven motion graphics and branding for screen-based experiences, often using bright colors, soft shapes, and a bit of humor to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
One project I’m especially proud of is the promotional video I created for the Taiwan Music Festival, organized by the Pingtung County Government. The festival usually happens every April and features performances by singers and bands, along with a market and interactive games. For this project, I focused on portraying office workers as the main characters, showing that even though everyday life can feel dull and monotonous, music gives us something to look forward to. The video highlights how the festival brings emotional impact and joy through music, offering a refreshing break from routine.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance cute, accessible aesthetics with deeper, sometimes unexpected narratives. I believe design can be both delightful and powerful, and I try to bring that mindset into every project!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that uncertainty is part of the creative process. In the beginning, I often felt like I had to have all the answers before I started a project — the right concept, the perfect style, a clear direction. But over time, I realized that clarity often comes through making, not before it. Letting myself explore, make mistakes, and respond to feedback without fear has been key to my growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thisishao.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhyu1999/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihhaoyu
