Meet Mulin Chen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mulin Chen.

Hi Mulin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for inviting me to share my story with VoyageLA. My journey has been a real blessing, even though it came with its fair share of challenges, especially as I’m on the autism spectrum. Art has been my trusted companion since my early years whenever I felt lonely or misunderstood. That’s why I hold artists in such high regard – they’re like magicians, conjuring creativity and imagination to bring people out of their shells.

On the other hand, my love for science, nurtured during my time at Carnegie Mellon and Syracuse University, has been a game-changer in my career within the CG industry. I’ve been able to turn my lifelong dream into a reality by merging my two passions – art and science – in my profession. It’s like living the dream!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe that every event in life unfolds for a specific purpose, and challenges are the crucible that forges our character. For me, one recent challenge lies in staying abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of software and technology. It is significantly accelerated by artificial intelligence (AI). Initially, it was uncomfortable to step outside of my comfort zone to approach the CG production pipeline differently. However, it’s precisely these challenges that make this profession fascinating, reminding me to maintain an open-minded outlook and to always expand my knowledge.

Utilizing AI tools while crafting my artwork not only facilitates considerable time savings but also provides an avenue for amplifying my creativity, thanks to the additional free time. I no longer see it as a struggle but rather as an opportunity that infuses excitement into my daily work.

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, I wear many hats in the CG pipeline, spanning roles from concept art and modeling to look development, lighting, and visual effects. Lately, I’ve honed my focus on integrating Real-time rendering software like Unreal Engine and AI tools such as Midjourney into my workflow. My short film “Natira,” co-created with artists Joshua Marquez and Robert Yu, was rendered using Unreal Engine 5. AI generative program, Midjourney, also played a pivotal role in terms of the concept art for the film’s environment while I applied my theater design background to translate 2D concepts into intricate 3D models. Additionally, my knowledge in coding and physics has enabled me to create dynamic visual effects in coding-based software like Houdini.

In short, What I hold in high regard about my journey is my willingness to venture beyond my comfort zone. This willingness has allowed me to showcase a diverse array of skill sets and styles.

Furthermore, being on the autism spectrum has added a unique perspective to my personal work, as it serves as a canvas for expressing my distinct outlook on the world. Rather than relying on words, my strength lies in visually conveying thoughts, allowing me to connect with others in a deeply personal manner.

What were you like growing up?
From an early age, I’ve held a deep fascination for all forms of art, from books and music to movies and, especially, paintings. As a child, I was naturally quiet, struggling to express myself verbally. However, within the realm of art, I discovered a sanctuary where I could find solace and understanding. This profound connection with art led me to look up to artists who became my silent companions during my formative years. I often reminisce about how I yearned for the day when my own work could bring solace and comfort to kids like me, just as those artists did for me. It’s a heartfelt aspiration that has never left me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mulinc.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mulin_c_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulinchen/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mulin_C

Image Credits
Midjourney Joshua Marquez Robert Yu Richard Kim