Daily Inspiration: Meet Xiaoyue Zhang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiaoyue Zhang.

Hi Xiaoyue, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a game artist originally from China. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by anime and games. The vivid characters and engrossing stories provided an escape from the pressures of my academic life, which always centered around studying and striving for better grades. Despite these challenges, I was determined to pursue my passion, and I ultimately found my way to the Beijing Film Academy, one of China’s most prestigious art and film schools. After graduation, I joined NetEase as a game artist, but my dreams eventually led me to Los Angeles, where I enrolled at Gnomon to further hone my craft. Today, I am proud to say that I am an Environment Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, where I have the privilege of working on the exciting StarCitizen project.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that life is not like geometry, where the shortest path between two points is always the best. In fact, it’s often the bumps and detours along the way that make life more meaningful and surprising. So, to answer your question, I would say no, life is not easy. There are many struggles, both mental and physical, that I encounter on my journey. For instance, leaving my home country and moving to a different one has been a significant challenge. Not only do I need to adapt to a new culture and society, but I also have to find ways to fit in. Moreover, achieving my goals requires hard work, which means spending long hours in front of the computer, solving problems, and pouring in a lot of effort and time. Despite the challenges, I remain determined to push forward and make the most of every opportunity.

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?
Currently, I am an Environment Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, working on the Star Citizen project. This game is one of the most ambitious space simulation games ever created and is also the most crowdfunded game in the world. As an Environment Artist, I am responsible for designing and creating various environments in the game, including stations, buildings, and landing facilities on the planet’s surface. However, what I am most proud of is my overall experience, as I have had the opportunity to witness the development of the gaming industry in both China and the West. Working on this unique project has opened my eyes to the possibilities of game design and development. Although I am not someone who aspires to create a unique and outstanding project or artwork, I thoroughly enjoy being a part of projects that allow me to experience the creative process up close.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is the balance between many accomplishments. While everyone has their own goals, whether they be related to their careers, finances, or leading a meaningful life, true success is the equilibrium point between all of these pursuits. This balance looks different for everyone. For instance, happiness is something that some people may find by spending time with their loved ones, while others may gain it from their personal artistic pursuits. For others, it might be achieved by completing a major project. Ultimately, success is about finding that balance point that resonates with you, and it is an ongoing process because our goals and feelings constantly change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artstation.com/xiaoyuezhang
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoyue-zhang-77839b179/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@3daxis30