Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Darja Wolf
Hi Laura Darja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to pursue a creative career, but I wasn’t sure which field to choose. After some time, I decided to focus on creating art for video games. During a local trade fair in my home city Vienna, I discovered the SAE Institute Vienna. I enrolled there in September 2021 and completed the Game Art and 3D Animation Course in March 2023.
Right after that, in April 2023, I enrolled in the Environment Art Track at Vertex School to specialize in 3D Game Environment Art. I completed this course in December 2023. I needed some extra time to finish my portfolio and then started searching for jobs as a 3D artist.
Through a recommendation, I got the chance to start at a game studio here in Vienna, Austria, where I now work as a 3D Environment Artist since mid-March 2024. It has been great so far, and I am really looking forward to new learning opportunities in my first 3D job.
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?
Thankfully, I did not face any major obstacles along the way. I was lucky to have a supportive family and friends who helped me find my true passion. My parents also paid for my education, for which I am very grateful.
Searching for jobs was a bit frustrating at first, but I received support there as well, which I really appreciate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During my studies, I focused on creating stylized art, including both characters and environments. Over time, I decided to specialize in stylized environments because I found them more interesting. In environment art, there are many aspects to consider when establishing a scene. Personally, I prefer creating smaller areas with lots of detail and story. Besides 3D environment art, I also enjoy making detailed props for games.
While I focused on stylized art during my time as a student, my current job requires me to work in a realistic style. This was a bit challenging at first, but thankfully, I learned about realism at Vertex School, which helped a lot. Although I still prefer stylized art, I’m glad I got the chance to learn realism as well.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Since I was still in school during that time, I wasn’t too affected by the crisis. In Vienna, we also had to stay home and attend school online. It was strange at first, but I eventually got used to it. I didn’t mind having school from home, and I learned that working remotely might be something I enjoy.
During that time, I also had the chance to explore many creative hobbies. One of them was character design, which started my interest in game art.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itz_a_lauraa/
- Other: https://www.artstation.com/lauradarjawolf5
