Today we’d like to introduce you to Jude (Jongwook) Lee.
Hi Jude (Jongwook), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, my name is Jongwook. You can call me Jude. I’m a 3D environment artist for video games at Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts. I was always interested in making something since I was little, such as paper board games. As I grew up, the world became more and more digitalized, and this led me to pursue a Game Development degree at SCAD, where my interests can illustrate everything as digital; I was especially into ‘Art’ and ‘3D’ in game development, which enriches the game’s overall quality. I learned 3D software such as 3D Maya, Zbrush, and Substance Painter. Moreover, I studied hard at school about how to convey storytelling with immersive game environments and 3D elements. To do that, I focused on how to create realistic assets and how to harmoniously place them together, I also continuously refined and developed the work through feedback.
With the portfolio I constantly updated at school, I was able to begin my professional career as an environment artist at the Apex Legend team in Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts. It was lucky for me to join the team. My millions of gamers come from all over the world, and I find it rewarding to work as an environment artist for the game because I feel responsible for creating environments that players can enjoy even more.
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?
Before studying at SCAD, I actually began my career as a game designer in the game industry in Korea. However, after launching two games, I realized that my true passion lies in art, and I wanted to explore opportunities in the broader game industry. The Journey of knocking on the doors of the game industry as an environment artist around the time of graduation from SCAD was far from easy. I faced numerous interview rejections, and there were moments, especially after being rejected in final interviews, when I felt like giving up. Nevertheless, the only option was to constantly evolve my portfolio with feedback, and during this period, I feel like I’ve had an experience that pushed me to my limits. I finally got the opportunity to work on the team of Apex Legends, a game I had been dreaming of since my school days and one of my favorite games. Working for my favorite game and growing alongside talented fellow artists, drawing inspiration is something I consider fortunate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have participated in a total of 4 seasons of Apex Legends so far and have done various environment-related works. An environment artist primarily creates all the background objects visible around characters in a game. I help players become more immersed in the game by making the terrain, buildings, and props fit the concept of the game. My job is also to convey storytelling with all the assets mentioned above, as well as create spaces and paths for gameplay. I think delivering storytelling as an environment artist is both fun and difficult. It is an area that expresses 3D space, atmosphere, and mood, not through text or explanation, so artistic skills are needed. In addition, optimization techniques are essential because game development includes interactive elements unlike movies or any other visual media. Therefore, my work covers both artistic and technical aspects. Lastly, I believe that environment artists provide users with a virtual playground that does not exist in real life. I feel really proud when I see players running around, playing in the environments I created.
What does success mean to you?
If you find a sense of ease and happiness in your life, I believe that’s success. It took me a while to find something I’m passionate about and can fully immerse myself in, but now engaged in work that brings me happiness, I consider that the first half of my personal success story. Looking ahead, to fulfill the remaining half, I plan to continue seeking ways to cultivate a sense of leisure and putting effort into finding that balance with work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://judelee.artstation.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jude.lee.737
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-lee-jongwook-8332aa181/
