Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Li.
Hi Leo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I come from Beijing, China and I’m currently studying animation at USC. I was making films with friends back home in China a few years ago, and one day I decided that I liked making films enough to maybe study it in college. Trying to learn how to make a film as a beginner in China is not easy. Most of the tutorials and lessons are on YouTube, which is banned there. I had to constantly use VPN to access sites that were banned just to learn how to use a camera, set up a light, and all that stuff. I knew I always enjoyed making 3D animated content, whether it was a full on animated character or visual effects for live action shots. And that motivated me to study softwares like Maya and Zbrush. Learning CGI opened a pandora’s box for me. Being able to generate pixels in computers is a really powerful tool for a filmmaker. I started doing it more and more, got better and better. It eventually led me to become a 3d artist. Inspired by my previously live action experience, my 3D art has always been rooted in photorealism. It’s always a good time making 3d arts.
In 2018, I came to LA and became a dedicated 3D artist. I really like my life here so far. Even during covid, it’s not that bad. Looking forward to creating more great memories with this beautiful city.
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?
Eh, it was alright. I can’t say I took it harder than everybody else did. I’m a college student learning how to make art, haha. It’s not that bad. Life is good enough. I do wish USC wasn’t so f*&king expensive tho.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a 3d artist and cinematographer. I do concept art for environment and characters. In my nerd friend group, I’m known as the Maya person. I’m pretty proud of the 3D environment work I’ve done so far. I always try to make sure that there is a story in every one of the environments I design that always makes an art piece interesting.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Studying art is a pretty big risk…right? From time to time, I think maybe art should remain a hobby instead of a career choice. It’s a pretty big risk to build a career plan based on passion, I guess. I hope it doesn’t fail me in the long term. With that said, I’m super happy about everything so far. We’ll see how it goes.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: leo1leo2leo3.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo2leo3leo1/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lma-281763770
