We chatted with UTS graduate Steffie Yee about how she decided what career she wanted to pursue, and how that was made possible through UTS.
Steffie Yee is an animation director and illustrator, whose work weaves together digital and mixed-media processes involving stop-motion, ink, pencil, video, and 2D & 3D animation. With a background in music, her animation style is driven by the synergy between sound and image.
Steffie’s work has screened internationally at film festivals, including at the Atlanta Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and Palm Springs ShortFest, where her stop-motion film The Lost Sound received two nominations for Best Animated Short and Best Animated Student Short.
Steffie Yee
How did you decide what you wanted to study?
I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do when I finished high school. I only knew that I wanted to do something creative because I was always interested in visual arts and music. I considered a wide range of options including journalism, media arts, sound design, architecture, and even event management.
Eventually, I landed on studying Visual Communication and International Studies at UTS. I didn’t mind it, but I wasn’t passionate about it. It wasn’t until 1.5 years into the degree when I did an animation elective, which made me realise that animation as a medium is a marriage between sound and image, which is a combination of my interests in visual art and music. After finishing 2 years of Vis Com and International Studies, I decided to transfer into the Animation degree at UTS.
Steffie's creative process
How long have you been passionate about the field you’re in?
I grew up in a small rural town and I didn’t see or know anyone who was pursuing a sustainable creative career. I didn’t even know what steps to take if I were to pursue a path in a creative field. After high school, I was privileged enough to be able to move to Sydney and go to UTS, and I knew I had to make the most of the opportunity. Even while I was studying, I still didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do after graduating, so I made sure I opened as many doors as possible along the way.
I put myself out there by meeting new people, going to events, doing volunteer work for arts festivals and initiatives, and being active in online spaces. Through all of this, I discovered events, saw what was happening in different creative spheres in Sydney, and met lots of people who generously shared their knowledge and experiences with me. It’s a combination of all of these experiences that have given me an idea of the different paths, fields, and people that exist. I wouldn’t say I’m passionate about a single path or field, but rather passionate about finding new ways to apply my animation skills and knowledge. Even to this day, I’m still discovering new fields and learning new things.
The Lost Sound - A Film By Steffie Yee
Did you experience any roadblocks while working towards your dream career?
With animation being a less traditional career path compared to something like business, law, or engineering, there seems to be less information about the industry. There’s a general sense of mystery around the animation industry, especially if you’re freelancing like I am. Building a community with people in the animation industry is really important, because the reality is that most other people also have burning questions about animation jobs or freelancing. Share information with each other about your contracts, how much you think is fair in terms of rates, how to have uncomfortable conversations with difficult clients, which accountant to see, which new software will make your life easier, and help uplift each other.
Fruit From The Heart showcased at Neon Playground
How did you go about building connections in the industry?
Talk to people! It doesn’t matter where you are. Going to events run by “creative” people is a great way to meet other creatives, but don’t discount opportunities outside of those spaces to connect with people. I worked in hospitality for several years (even on the side of my animation jobs) and I met plenty of people working in restaurants who were also working or studying in creative fields.
Steffie Yee designing visuals for PinkPantheress’ debut mixtape, To Hell With It
What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned while following the pathway to your career?
- Most people’s careers are not linear.
- Build a community where you all support and uplift each other.
- Someone else’s gain is not your loss.
- Find joy in your life outside of your job and career.
- Don’t let work interfere with your personal life.