Rising Stars: Meet Hugo Wu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Wu.

Hi Hugo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a skilled 3D motion designer and Unreal Engine generalist with expertise in 3D film, branding identity, and video installation. With a degree in MS Integrated Design and Media from NYU and experience in creating visually stunning 3D animations and virtual production projects, I have honed my skills and developed innovative and engaging virtual experiences that capture the essence of a brand. Additionally, I have worked on branding identity projects where I helped clients define their brand voice, create brand guidelines, and develop branding systems that aligned with their vision and values. With a passion in digital 3D art, my creative journey continues.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been completely smooth. Before getting into NYU to study emerging technology and 3D art, I pursued an undergraduate degree in Swedish language and literature. While interesting, that field was not the right fit for my interests and talents. The transition between those two very different areas of study was challenging. I had to work hard to catch up on the technical and art direction skills needed for Integrated design and media.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am Hugo Wu, a visual artist and designer working in moving image media. Currently based in NYC, I specialize in 3D film, video installations, and visual campaigns. I officially began my career as a digital artist after being accepted into the prestigious graduate program at NYU Integrated Design and Media. There, I immersed myself in virtual production, amusement park design, mixed reality filmmaking, and 3D abstract avatar creation.

One of my favorite recent projects is my animated short film Spirit Dive. It incorporates 3D motion digital art and virtual production to tell a visual story about an artist searching for inspiration. The film combines organic, raw aesthetics with a futuristic design aesthetic. I utilized emerging technologies like 3D scanning, MetaHuman, and Unreal Engine 5 to digitally construct the characters and scenes.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Iteration and experimentation are key to my work. Rather than seeking perfection from the start, I embrace a process of trial and error. My best ideas emerge through actively testing concepts, learning from mistakes, and refining my approach. Staying flexible and open to feedback guides me towards better solutions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/hugowu5
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugowuuuu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugowuworking/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HugoHugoWu