Today we’d like to introduce you to Sisa Chiang.
Hi Sisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a CG Generalist/Environment Artist in the VFX industry. Never thought I would make CG as a living now, but I am so happy I am here today.
Since I was little, I love reading manga, drawing, painting, and collecting cuteness-overload items. My mind was almost blank when I thought of growing up; it was either being a hidden manga sensei in the mountains or selling red bean pancakes down the street. That’s the kind of life I have anticipated for my whole life.
But I flew all across the pacific ocean to Los Angeles from Taiwan when I was 18, and my life since then has shifted. I went to art school for college, then transferred out of art school because my dream of being a cavewoman painter isn’t supported by my family. Eventually, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Game Design from NYU cause I was a little addicted to online games at the time (still one of the best times of my life). Soon after, I fell into the same swamp as a rookie grad, I have no idea what should I do for a living.
At the time, I did different internships and tried to expose myself to all kinds of people and mentors; I was creeping through adulthood like a toddler, hesitantly. When Coivd hits, I spent all my time on film, animations, and games; that’s when I decided that I would love to be a part of the awesome creations. I went to Gnomon for another 2-year program to be more trained and professional (also the best times of my life), and the rest is history. Here I am today as a new tiny bee in the VFX industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As cliche as it could be, I think the biggest challenge is to not give up. I am constantly galloping in an ultra marathon game, which is held during extreme weather on a noman’s land, with unknown monsters chasing after me. Just keep running.
I am always insecure. There are too many talented professional artists, too talented to the extent that you start questioning your own qualifications, too many opinions pointing at your work cause there is no right or wrong but just good or bad, and too many unpredictable life events collapsing like huge rocks down the road, too many voices, and too much bad timing. But I appreciate all of it cause I learned so much from it and met so many people that I really appreciate on the way. All these make me enjoy the scenery as I am still running.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally speaking as a little bee in the industry, I focus on creating VFX environments and assets for films or shows. My mediums are 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, and rendering a scene with shots in computer programs. In charge of either procedurally generating or modeling out needed items and layout them with given directions.
Personally, with the same mediums, I like to create scenes with stories that deliver a subtle but vibrant vibe. With the purpose of creating something that can bring a little calmness in life, I have always been attracted to moments that create a voice of silence.
The breathtaking moment when you climb up the mountains and view downhills; the nostalgic moment when you went back to your childhood house and smell that same kind of wood; or the moment when you saw that old friend across the street, who was always on your mind but you never dial that number. I am hopelessly attracted to those inconspicuous moments in life and I attempt to sculpt them out gradually with my work.
Have to mention that many of my works started with amazing drawings by concept artists and I try to convert them into 3D shots and build atmospheres around them to create those little moments in my head.
Healed by art countless times, I imagine bringing the same feeling to another soul.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are numerous people in my life that deserves credit for who I am today. My family, friends, teachers, classmates, colleagues, supervisors, and all the others who support me unconditionally; these people contribute to my life much greater than they could imagine. I don’t hide those elaborations on how thankful and grateful for them, so I want to share different stories here.
Back when I was in a teenage art class, I told my teacher that I do not know if I can study fine art in the future, it was quite a huge commitment back at the time. He told me he thought I am talented, and that statement sticks with me and drags me through all the hardships for over 10 years of pursuing art. It might be just some words that cross his mind, but it was a moment when I decided to start the journey.
Back in college, one night when I was taxiing home around midnight from the library. My driver asked me what is my plan after college, and I told him I have no idea at all. He said if I am brave enough to try anything, then anything could happen. Also very cliche but so true. It had me starting to think about the practical future for the first time.
That moment grew legs out of my body; I started to run instead of crawl on the art marathon.
These moments amazed me with how short fractions can inspire life-long, and I am passionate about creating that one moment for others through art. Hopefully, it sparks something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/sisachiang
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisa-chiang-b8914b185/
Image Credits
3. Concept by Yeonji Rhee 4. Concept by Richard Lim 5. Concept by Ren Wei Pan
