We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vicky Zi Wang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vicky Zi below.

Alright, Vicky Zi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Ever since I was five years old, animation has been a part of my life in a way that felt almost destined. Watching Pokémon and playing the games—especially Diamond and Pearl—unlocked something inside me that I couldn’t quite name at that age. I just knew I wanted to bring characters to life, to be the person behind those beloved animations that made the world around me feel magical. My dream was crystal clear, even if the path wasn’t fully formed yet.

Throughout high school, as my love for animation deepened, I was determined to make it my career. That led me to apply for colleges with strong animation programs, eventually getting into Ringling College of Art and Design, where I received a BFA in Computer Animation. After graduation, I began my career at Taiko Animation, and in an incredible twist of fate, worked on two official Pokémon short films—yes, the very series that first inspired me, all those years ago. One of my favorite memories from that time was animating Piplup in Bidoof’s Big Stand, a dream project for me, which, to my delight, even went viral as a meme.

My journey continued, and after completing an MFA in Animation and Digital Arts from the University of Southern California, I found myself at Respawn Entertainment, working on Apex Legends, one of my all-time favorite FPS games. Now, as a 3D animator, I’m excited every day to be a part of projects that capture the joy, awe, and connection I felt when I first saw those animations on screen as a kid. It’s that same passion that drives me, even when the road gets tough.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a 3D animator, currently working on Apex Legends at Respawn Entertainment. My journey into animation began at five years old when Pokémon captured my imagination and sparked my dream to bring characters to life. Growing up, I pursued this dream with a BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design, where I worked on official Pokémon projects—an incredible experience that included animating fan-favorite scenes, like Piplup in Bidoof’s Big Stand. Later, with an MFA from USC, I joined Respawn, contributing to the very games I’ve loved.

In my work, I aim to combine visually compelling storytelling with technical skill, drawing from both 3D and traditional 2D techniques. This flexibility allows me to approach projects with a fresh perspective, creating animations that resonate emotionally with fans. Beyond animation, I believe that staying balanced—whether through hiking or switching between creative disciplines—helps me overcome creative blocks and deliver authentic, impactful work.

Ultimately, my passion for animation lies in creating stories that connect with people on a personal level. Whether it’s a Pokémon short or an action-packed sequence in Apex Legends, I hope to inspire and engage audiences by bringing memorable characters to life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing people experience the same joy and inspiration that animation and games gave me as a kid. Whether it’s someone smiling at a scene I animated in a Pokémon short or feeling energized by a character in Apex Legends, knowing my work brings happiness to others makes all the challenges worth it.

Growing up, animation and games were more than entertainment—they were a source of inspiration that shaped my path. Now, as a 3D animator, I’m excited to create moments that resonate with people in a similar way, giving them an escape, a spark of joy, or a dose of creativity. Being able to pass on that happiness and create connections through my art is truly the most fulfilling part of my work.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can really help artists thrive by making resources more accessible—things like grants, affordable studio spaces, and learning programs go a long way in supporting creative growth. For many artists, it’s tough to break through without that kind of backing, and these opportunities can make all the difference. Beyond financial support, creating more spaces to showcase art—whether in galleries, online platforms, or community events—helps artists connect with audiences and share their work in meaningful ways.

When society invests in the arts, it’s not just a boost for creatives; it enriches the whole community, adding fresh perspectives and inspiration that bring people together. A little support for the arts can lead to a big impact, building a culture where creativity is appreciated and artists feel empowered to keep pushing boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zivickywang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zvickyanim/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-wang-91081a160/

Image Credits

All the apex legends related images belong to respawn entertainment. I’m only responsible for conduit’s emote animation.
All Pokemon and Lego images belong to Taiko Studios, I’m only responsible for the animation in the images.
The illustration is drawn by me.