Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Zhang.
Hi Chen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in CG animation didn’t start with modeling—it actually began with animation. I initially studied animation as an animator at the Academy of Art University, However, as I worked on animation projects, I found myself increasingly drawn to modeling and visual development. I loved bringing characters and environments to life, but I often felt limited by the quality of the models I was working with. That curiosity pushed me to learn how to create them myself, and the more I explored modeling, the more I realized it was what I truly loved. So I decided to shift my focus to modeling.
I used to spent some time working at an interior design company as a 3D artist, but my fascination with animation and filmmaking never faded. That passion motivated me to continue learning on my own in my free time, gradually immersing myself deeper into the world of CG. While pursuing my MFA, I honed my modeling and visual storytelling skills, working on projects like the animated short Soar. I especially enjoyed my texture, lighting, and modeling classes, where I discovered the satisfaction of crafting detailed assets from the ground up. Eventually, I was fortunate to land an internship as an environment modeler at Blue Sky Studios in 2019. I spent three unforgettable months there, working alongside incredibly talented artists who inspired me every day. That experience solidified my passion for modeling.
In 2020, I received another incredible opportunity—an internship at Pixar as a sets modeler. It was a dream come true to contribute to feature films like Luca and Lightyear. I still remember the thrill of seeing my work integrated into shots and knowing it would eventually be on the big screen. These experiences not only deepened my love for modeling but also taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration, artistic storytelling, and attention to detail. At that moment, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
After my internships, I joined Sony Pictures Imageworks as a modeler, where I had the chance to work on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This project was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—it pushed my artistic and technical skills to the next level. I contributed to both environment and character modeling, creating assets like the Mumbattan Bridge, futuristic 2099 architecture, and characters such as Samurai Spider-Man and the mysterious villain. Seeing how everything came together in the final film was beyond rewarding.
Later, I moved to Disney to work on Moana 2, and now, I’m continuing my journey at Bardel Entertainment as a senior organic modeler. Looking back, my transition from animation to modeling was driven by my love for craftsmanship and storytelling. Each project has been a stepping stone, teaching me something new and reinforcing my passion for this art form. I’m always excited to push my skills further and bring worlds to life through modeling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. like most artists in the industry, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles early on was transitioning from animation to modeling. Since my background was originally in animation, I had to put in extra effort to catch up on modeling fundamentals, improve my technical skills, and build a strong portfolio that would make me competitive in the industry.
Breaking into the industry was one of the biggest challenges I faced. Landing that first opportunity is always the hardest part, but as an international student, the hurdles were even greater. In addition to proving my artistic and technical skills, I had to navigate visa restrictions and job market limitations, which made the process even more competitive. This meant I had to work even harder to stand out—not just in terms of my portfolio but also in networking and demonstrating my value to potential employers.
There were times when I doubted myself, especially after receiving rejections or comparing myself to other talented artists. It was easy to feel discouraged, but I realized that setbacks were part of the journey. Instead of letting them hold me back, I focused on refining my portfolio, seeking feedback from industry professionals, and continuously improving my skills. I made a habit of attending industry events, reaching out to mentors, and applying to every opportunity I could, even if I wasn’t sure I was ready.
Looking back, the challenges of breaking into the industry taught me resilience and persistence. Every rejection was a learning experience that pushed me to grow, and eventually, all that hard work paid off when I secured my first major opportunities.
Interning at Blue Sky Studios and Pixar was a huge turning point for me, but even then, imposter syndrome was something I struggled with. Being surrounded by incredibly skilled artists made me question whether I was good enough. However, I learned to embrace the challenges, ask questions, and continuously improve.
Later, when I started working on major productions like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the challenge shifted to meeting high artistic and technical standards while keeping up with fast-paced production schedules. Every project has pushed me to grow, and while the road hasn’t always been easy, every struggle has shaped me into the artist I am today.
Looking back, I’ve learned that perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning are key in this industry. It’s a tough but rewarding journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a 3D modeler specializing in both environment and character modeling for animated feature films. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work at some of the top studios in the industry, including Sony Pictures Imageworks, Pixar, Disney, and Blue Sky Studios. My work involves creating highly detailed and stylized models that help bring animated worlds to life.
I’m best known for my contributions to *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse*, where I worked on both environments and characters. One of my proudest achievements was creating the Mumbattan Bridge and the bustling marketplace within it, it is an intricate, layered environment that played a key role in the film. I was also responsible for modeling futuristic 2099 architecture and help finishing designing and modeling characters like Samurai Spider-Man. Seeing my work integrated into the film and receiving recognition, including an internal SPI 2024 Award for my environment modeling, was incredibly rewarding.
Beyond *Spider-Verse*, I contributed to *Luca* and *Lightyear* during my time at Pixar, as well as *Moana 2* at Disney. My ability to work on both environments and characters allows me to adapt to different artistic styles and production needs.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the films I’ve worked on, but also my contributions to the animation community. I actively mentor aspiring artists through Women in Animation (WIA), guiding newcomers on how to break into the industry. Through this mentorship, I provide insights on portfolio development, industry expectations, and career strategies, helping bridge the gap between students and professionals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see mentees grow, gain confidence, and take their first steps into the field.
Beyond mentorship, I am always looking for ways to give back to the industry. I recently became a member of the Visual Effects Society (VES), which has allowed me to connect with top professionals in the field and contribute in meaningful ways. One of my most exciting experiences was serving as a judge for the 2025 VES Awards for the first time. It was an honor to evaluate and celebrate some of the most innovative work in the industry while gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft and storytelling behind visual effects. Being part of these professional organizations not only helps me stay engaged with the industry but also allows me to contribute to its growth by recognizing and supporting exceptional talent.
Through mentorship, volunteering, and active participation in industry events, I hope to continue fostering a strong, inclusive, and inspiring animation community.
What sets me apart is my combination of artistic skill, versatility, and dedication to storytelling. Coming from an animation background, I approach modeling with a strong understanding of movement and composition. My transition from animation to modeling gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and I always strive to push the quality of my work to the highest standard.
Ultimately, my passion lies in bringing worlds and characters to life through modeling, and I’m always looking for new ways to grow and contribute to the industry.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is how my parents, especially my dad, loved taking me to watch movies, especially animated films. It became a special family tradition—whenever a new animated movie came out, we would go to the theater together, or sometimes we’d rent DVDs and watch them at home. Those moments weren’t just about watching a film; they were about experiencing a whole new world together, sharing emotions, and talking about our favorite scenes afterward.
I still remember the first time I watched *The Lion King* as a child. I was completely captivated—stunned by the epic landscapes, the emotional storytelling, and the way the characters felt so real. Mufasa’s death was probably the first scene in a movie that ever made me cry, and it was in that moment that I realized just how powerful animation could be. It wasn’t just entertainment—it could make people feel something deep inside.
Another unforgettable experience was watching *Toy Story* for the first time. Unlike traditional animated films, this one looked completely different—the toys felt so real, It is the first CG animation in the world. I was amazed by how they moved and interacted with the world. I remember asking my parents, *How did they make this?* Of course, back then, I had no idea about CG animation, but something about that movie sparked my curiosity. I started playing with my own toys in a different way, imagining little stories and adventures for them. I even tried drawing my favorite characters, though I wasn’t very good at it at the time.
Looking back, I think those early experiences planted the seed for my passion in animation. My parents’ love for movies, especially animated ones, exposed me to the magic of storytelling from an early age. Even though I didn’t know it then, those childhood memories were shaping my future. It’s incredible to think that years later, I would not only understand *how* these movies were made but actually become part of the industry, contributing to films that might inspire the next generation—just like *The Lion King* and *Toy Story* once inspired me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chenzhang3d.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superchen.z/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chen-zhang-54622926/
