Today we’d like to introduce you to Wildy Riftian.
Hi Wildy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Indonesia, where my older brother’s love for drawing first sparked my interest in art. Following in his footsteps, I developed a strong passion for sketching, which soon became second nature and laid the foundation for my creative path.
Even though art wasn’t always viewed as a stable career path back home, I knew early on that creativity was what I wanted to pursue. After high school, I moved to Seoul, South Korea, to study Visual Communication Design. Starting from scratch with a new language made the transition tough, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Beyond design and language skills, living in Seoul taught me independence and resilience.
After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer and product photographer for several years, but animation kept calling to me. The idea of bringing static images to life was too exciting to ignore, so I left my stable job to pursue an M.A. in Animation at SCAD Savannah.
There, I’ve focused on 3D animation and modeling, exploring ways to blend design, storytelling, and technology. This summer, I’m interning at BlackMath in Boston, where I gained hands-on experience as both a designer and animator.
Looking back, each step has shaped the artist I am today. My journey has always been about embracing risks, adapting to new environments, and pushing creative boundaries, and that mindset continues to guide the work I create and the stories I want to tell.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving from Indonesia to South Korea, and later to the U.S., meant starting over multiple times. Being the only foreign student in many classes while I was in South Korea made every lecture and critique feel like a test. Working there also brought new hurdles. I was the only foreigner in my office, juggling tight deadlines, a second language, and endless visa paperwork, all within a culture of long working hours. Over time, the work felt repetitive, and I found myself comparing my path to friends who were studying abroad on scholarships or advancing in big-name companies. Those comparisons forced me to ask myself: what future did I really want?
Eventually, I realized I had outgrown my role. So, I quit my stable job and moved to the U.S. to pursue animation at SCAD. The transition came with its own challenges: homesickness, culture shock, and constant imposter syndrome. With only a year and a half to learn animation and prepare for the future, the pressure was overwhelming. But those struggles sharpened my endurance and adaptability.
In the end, the hard work paid off. After just nine months of studying animation, I landed an internship in Boston as a designer and animator. I wouldn’t trade the difficulties for an easier road. Every challenge shaped me into the artist I am today and gave me the drive to keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary visual designer working at the intersection of design, storytelling, and technology. My background started with graphic design, branding, and photography, but curiosity pushed me into motion design, 3D animation, and creative technology. What I enjoy most is mixing all these mediums together. It’s where I get to make things that feel new, meaningful, and a little unexpected.
My focus right now is 3D motion graphics and design-driven animation. What sets my work apart is not just the craft, but the perspective I bring. Having grown up in Indonesia, studied in South Korea, and now worked in the U.S., I see design as a form of cultural storytelling. I often draw inspiration from Southeast Asian traditions that are rarely spotlighted globally, weaving them into contemporary visual narratives.
Some of the projects I’m most proud of include Flavors of Indonesia: An Illustrated Cookbook and Unity in Diversity: 2024 Calendar, both celebrating Indonesian heritage through a modern design lens. On the animation side, Into the Abyss was a milestone for me. I handled every part of the 3D pipeline myself, which deepened my love for animation.
More recently, my portfolio website, designed with my close friend Agnes Andreyana, won Framer’s “Best Visual Design” Award. With its playful “archive” concept inspired by folders, papers, and keychains, it was featured on over 25 curated platforms worldwide and even earned an Awwwards Website Design Award nomination.
But more than recognition, what I value most is impact. Whether it’s cultural storytelling, branding, or experimental motion pieces, I want my work to spark curiosity and connection. My journey across continents taught me that growth comes from discomfort and risk-taking, and that’s the spirit I bring into every project.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
When I first chose Savannah for SCAD, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always been a big-city person, so trading in that fast-paced life for a smaller, historic town felt like a complete change of pace. However, I’m so glad I made the move.
The best part about living here is definitely the sense of community. The city’s small size turned out to be its biggest strength, as it made it easier to form genuine connections. I’ve met friends, collaborators, and mentors who have shaped my journey. On top of that, the creative energy is everywhere.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would be the weather. The humid summers, sudden storms, and even the occasional cold snap can be a lot to handle. But in a way, the unpredictability adds character. It keeps me on my toes and makes life here feel a little more interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildyriftian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildyriftian/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wildy-riftian/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/wildyriftian
