Interview with Jiao Jiao from United States

In Gnomon, I found my passion in real-time environment art and virtual production which is also a passion inherited from my previous brief study experience in Architecture Design when I had just entered the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ever since the dreadful fire happened in Paris that burned down the Notre-Dame in 2019, I believe now it is our Digital Artists’ Obligation to find a way to keep all those wonderful creations of architecture in the world of data. “Thus, I believe, practicing the art of 3D environment creation is one answer for the future of our society.”

I recently graduated from Gnomon — School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation, which is a highly regarded institution that provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of digital art. My current focus is on creating new works to gain more exposure and attention from industry professionals and recruiters. I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting and contribute to the success of an innovative and dynamic organization in the visual effects and gaming industry.

To me, “creativity” itself is a thinking process that involves both emotional and rational decision-making. And it often requires testing one’s ability of problem-solving and artistic perception. Trying to be creative is a challenge for artists and designers to overcome.

I believe a "creative" idea or design reflects a deep understanding of human experience and perspective. Creativity involves tapping into our inner selves and generating something original and resonant. However, the successful execution of a creative concept also requires technical mastery and attention to detail, and a certain degree of consideration for the target audience.

Regardless of whether it is being produced by an individual or a team. Ultimately, a creative idea or design combines inspiration and skill to produce something that is both unique and impactful.

Coming from an institutional art school background, I believe that most successful creative processes can’t be done without thoughtful planning that involves critical thinking and research. Research is always the key element that almost always determines the result of a design process. For most of my design process as a CG artist, I usually start analyzing and doing research for the technical aspect required to achieve the intended dazzling results for the final products. Most importantly, I always try to keep an open mind whenever I start doing a new art project.

My favorite part of the creative process is also one of the vital steps of any artistic creation, which is the research process. As this is the stage that can ensure you fully prepare yourself before diving into the most difficult part. And, if you can do this part right. It also can possibly gain you enough confidence that allows you to support yourself for the following creating progress.

During my time as a student, one of the major themes I'd love to bring into my works is "dream of gold". This can be expanded in either the spiritual feeling or the motif of the artworks themselves. As the presence of “gold” in one’s dream can either symbolize the sun or a certain emotional state. And lighting is often one of the key elements that convinces the vibe when it comes to digital photography and CGI rendering. Thus, it has become one of my major studies and practices during my creative processes.

Intentionally or subconsciously, most of the lighting and look development in my environment works has often been given comments such as "surreal" or "dreamlike". Assuredly, I always try to bring a certain sense of ghostly and celestial air into my artworks, to discuss the relationship between players/audiences and environments.

Undoubtedly, it does.

It means a lot to me! As someone who came from a fine art background and entered the realm of CGI art later on, I’m proud to say that my ability is now recognized.

This piece was my very first ever completed project during my time in Gnomon, therefore I’m deeply attached to it.

"Se son rose, fioriranno", "If they are roses, they will bloom" It's a beautiful quote I accidentally read a long time ago. I found it very empowering to me. And I would love to showcase it to the world to inspire other young artists.

The biggest challenge with this project was definitely the look development. By saying the term “look development”, and for what it stands in the production process of CG, it can be challenging when it requires an artist to make correct decisions on texturing, shading, lighting, and compositing.

It is an emblem and milestone for my past achievement.

Fast pacing, innovative, entertaining.

I believe that no one’s creativity should be limited by their background and where they came from. It is true that each one of us is formed by our experiences. Yet, two thing I’m proud of those creative minds in my motherland is their indelible exploration spirt, and the unstoppable but hidden creative desire.

I genuinely hope it will be able to be EVERYWHERE.

Don’t be afraid of being different from your peers in terms of artistic styles. Do the art style you like to do. But make sure it is good to a level as it is supposed to be.

Search Engine is always your best helper. Self-study is also a vital ability. Be sharp and don’t ever let those free online learning resources slip away!

2023 is a really difficult time for our newbies who are trying to break into the entertainment industry. But hey, don’t give up! Never say never!

All the great Masters of Literature in this world. As knowledge is the source of creativity and inspiration.

It’s the same quote that inspired my entry creation this time: Se son rose, fioriranno.

Thank you so much for the recognition!