Today we’d like to introduce you to Jingyu Li.
Hi Jingyu, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a passionate 3D artist from China. My work involves creating visual effects for movies and TV shows. My journey into the world of visual effects is deeply rooted in my childhood. As a quiet child, I was drawn to comic books, animations, and fantasy movies, always fascinated by the fantasy worlds created by talented individuals. Little did I know this fascination would pave the way for my academic and professional pursuits. My educational journey took me to South Korea for undergraduate studies, where my love for movie effects began to overshadow my interest in animation. Recognizing the U.S. as the epicenter of the film industry, I pursued further studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the U.S., supported by a scholarship. While at school, I relentlessly sought feedback on my works from professors, peers, and professionals on LinkedIn, as well as at portfolio reviews hosted by major entertainment companies. This feedback was invaluable and propelled my growth. After an intense three years of learning and specializing in advanced modeling, texturing, and lighting, I was fortunate to secure my first job in the VFX industry shortly after graduation—a contract position with SkyEdge Studio. There, I contributed to the visual effects of the Netflix series ‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North,’ an experience that was both challenging and educational, perfectly setting me up for my next role as a CG Generalist at Ingenuity Studios.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Well, the path hasn’t been easy. Starting out, there was a mountain of things I needed to learn. From mastering the basics to achieving professional proficiency, there was a lot to absorb. Also, studying in a foreign country added another layer of complexity; aside from the technical skills, there was the challenge of learning everything in a different language. I had to grapple not only with the course material but also with understanding it in a language that wasn’t my first. In terms of work, the challenges took on a different form; the fast-paced nature of the projects often meant dealing with tight deadlines. It required efficient task management and a commitment to producing high-quality work under pressure. Moreover, with technology constantly advancing in our field, I’ve had to make learning a continuous part of my life, always pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to stay abreast of new techniques and tools. It’s a continuous process of self-improvement and adaptation, which, while challenging, has been incredibly rewarding and a vital part of my growth as a professional.
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?
As a CG generalist, my role is part of the visual effects process for films and TV shows. If a director requires a shot with a bridge explosion that can’t be safely executed in reality, that’s where our CG magic comes into play. The process of creating visual effects can be complex, demanding a lot of teamwork among different departments such as CG, FX, animation, and compositing. My job begins with creating 3D models and texturing them. Once that’s completed, these models are passed on to the FX or animation teams if necessary. After they’ve completed their contributions, I take over again to set up the scene’s lighting and render the final files, which are then sent off to the compositing team. They apply the finishing touch, blending our CG creations with the live-action footage. The goal is seamless integration, ensuring that our digital elements are indistinguishable from the actual footage. The most fulfilling part of my work is the profound sense of achievement, reminiscent of the satisfaction I felt when I won the Rookie Excellence Award during my schooling.
This accomplishment greatly fueled my passion and drive in this field. After graduating, I was honored to receive an invitation to create a tutorial for a prestigious educational website in China called Yihuwang. Though time-consuming, it was immensely rewarding. Once the tutorial was published and I began receiving questions from CG learners, the joy of assisting them was unparalleled. It’s gratifying to contribute to someone else’s learning journey. In my professional work, this sense of fulfillment continues to grow with each project I participate in. Seeing my name in the credits is always exhilarating; it’s a public acknowledgment of my contributions to a vision brought to life. Additionally, starting with smaller tasks and progressively taking on key elements of projects, I can see my growth with each new challenge, which serves as a constant source of motivation. My portfolio now includes work on projects like “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” “The Walking Dead,” and “La Brea,” and I’m eagerly looking forward to diving into even more exciting projects in the future.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As I previously mentioned, growing up, I was the quiet child whose mind was always brimming with the fantastical realms from animations and fantasy movies. I also had a penchant for painting, indeed, any medium that allowed me to explore and express my imagination. When the time came to choose my academic path, I naturally gravitated towards animation, a decision that initially caused quite a stir at home. My family, holding traditional views on career stability, was surprised by my unexpected choice, which I made without consulting them, sparking a bit of a family debate. They had hoped I would choose a more conventional field, one with a predictable trajectory for them. Nevertheless, I was committed to my passion, a commitment that eventually won them over as they recognized my dedication to the path I had chosen. The years I spent studying and living abroad truly solidified my independence. I’ve always been a planner; organizing my thoughts, studies, and projects is how I navigate life. This structured approach has been fundamental to both my personal development and professional advancement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jingyu3d.artstation.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingyu3d
