Today we’d like to introduce you to Gen Li

Hi Gen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Gen is a VFX Artist who has been in feature film/TV series post-production for more than five years. He was born and raised in China, where he developed a passion for art and technology early on. This passion led him to pursue a career in visual effects. He earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which provided him with a solid foundation in visual effects’ technical and artistic aspects. Over the years, He has had the privilege of contributing his skills and expertise to several well-known American TV shows at FuseFX New York. Notable projects include “The Changeling,” “American Horror Story,” and “The Diplomat.” He also had a chance working with Turn10 Studios partnered with Microsoft creating their latest iconic racing game “Forza Motorsports”. His skills are in various areas of visual effects, including compositing, 3D rendering, FX simulation, and lighting in real-time game engines.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Learning complex software like Houdini and Maya requires significant time, and the need for continuous learning adds to the workload. Creative challenges include meeting high standards and overcoming artistic blocks. Technically, rendering demands can strain hardware, and software bugs can be frustrating. Tight deadlines and frequent client revisions lead to long hours and stress. Effective collaboration and communication within teams are crucial but can be difficult to manage. Job stability is another issue, with many VFX artists working on a project-by-project basis, leading to periods of unemployment, especially under last year’s Hollywood writer’s strike impact. Freelancers face the added challenge of seeking new contracts and handling business aspects like invoicing. Breaking into the industry is tough due to fierce competition, and building a standout portfolio requires diverse project experience. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous learning, strong networking, effective time management, and resilience. Despite the hurdles, the VFX field is incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to bring imaginative worlds to life and work on exciting projects in film, TV, and gaming.

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 VFX artist with five years of experience, I specialize in creating realistic simulations and dynamic visual effects for film, television, and gaming. My work spans various aspects of VFX, including fluid simulations, particle systems, and environmental effects using tools like Houdini, Nuke, and Maya. I’m known for my attention to detail and ability to blend technical skills with artistic vision to produce photorealistic and compelling visual effects.

I’m particularly proud of my work on a major TV project named “Mr and Mrs. Smith” by Amazon Videos, where I was responsible for a pivotal action sequence involving intricate fire and explosion simulations. The scene was critically acclaimed for its realism and intensity, contributing significantly to the film’s overall impact.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

For film, TV, and video game projects, directors, producers, and studios can hire me for both short-term and long-term engagements to create and integrate high-quality visual effects. Freelance and contract work are also options, catering to specific VFX needs for commercials, indie films, and promotional videos. Networking at industry events, reaching out through professional platforms like LinkedIn and ArtStation, or contacting me directly via my website or email are effective ways to initiate collaboration. Supporting my work can be done through social media engagement—following, sharing, and promoting my content on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Additionally, backing my personal projects on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter allows me to explore new VFX techniques and produce independent content. Constructive feedback on my portfolio is always appreciated and helps refine my skills and presentation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://genlifx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muji_lee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genli20
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@genli25

Image Credits

Gen Li