Today we’d like to introduce you to Zora Fu.
Hi Zora, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello everyone, my name is Zora. I am an environment artist based in Los Angeles. I graduated from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Applied Arts with an emphasis in Computer Animation. When I first started with CG, I felt as though the environment has the potential to play a large part in storytelling and driving the viewer’s experience. Despite beginning my journey in Blender, I developed a fascination for real-time rendering and subsequently discovered Unreal Engine. After much consideration, I decided to continue my studies at Gnomon – School of VFX, Games & Animation, in the Digital Production certificate program, with an emphasis in Game Art. During my time at Gnomon, I dedicated my time to Unreal Engine as my primary renderer. I became proficient with a variety of 3D design software, including Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Substance 3D Painter, and Substance 3D Designer. To acquire skills in using these software within just two years has proven to be very challenging. There were many points at which I had to optimize my production pipeline. This allowed me to not only maintain the quality of my projects but to be efficient with my time spent at school.
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?
One of the greatest challenges I had to face actually had nothing to do with art at all but rather with leaving my home to travel alone to the United States to further pursue my studies. Not only did the cultural differences take some time to get used to, but it was also incredibly difficult adapting to the English language, which I very rarely had to use in Taiwan. The topics that I came here to study are already difficult to learn without a language barrier. To compensate, I had to try to immerse myself in using the language as often as I possibly could. One of the positives in doing so was that I also got to meet a variety of new friends. And of course, it goes without saying that the skillsets that I now have took a lot of hard work to master. But through persistence and having an open mind when it comes to learning, I was able to improve upon my capabilities to the point of being ready to enter the entertainment industry. The entire experience really helped to expand my horizons, and the struggle that I endured was definitely worth the wonderful result.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an environment artist who focuses on game art, which includes real-time environments, cinematic renders, and virtual production workflows, all brought together in Unreal Engine. My skills include modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, set dressing, compositing and look development. One of the things that I’m most proud of has been receiving the Finalist and Draft Pick rewards in The Rookies Awards of 2023. My entry received over 4,500 views on their website and was shared even shared by the contest holders on Instagram. My work has also been chosen to be displayed at the Gnomon 2023 Student Gallery and 2023 Student Reel.
Before my success at Gnomon, back in Taiwan, my graduation project received the 3D Animation Merit Award in the 2020 Vision Get Wild Awards and also received multiple nominations. I was also invited to an interview by INCG Media and to be a guest lecturer for Kadokawa’s Taiwanese subsidiary.
I think one of the things that sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to face challenges in order to achieve my artistic goals. Even if a problem takes time and energy, I will analyze it and find the most efficient and suitable way to solve it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to music on YouTube very often, which helps me to relax and enter a focused state, where it is easier to be creative. There are also many great content creators on YouTube who share helpful educational videos that have taught me a lot. Sometimes, I also watch some inspirational articles and videos to help me get through relatively low moments. In addition, God and my church family are some of my best supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zoraskyfu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoraaart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zoraaart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoraskyfu/
