We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Lesiangi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on recently, took place shortly after I joined The Mill. It was a collaborative effort involving The Courageous Conversation Global Foundation, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and Critical Mass. Our mission was to create an awareness campaign focusing on the experience of driving as a person of color in the United States.

The heart of the campaign involved developing a groundbreaking concept: a car prototype fully equipped to withstand racial profiling. This unique vehicle featured various “safety features” aimed at eliminating reasonable suspicion, such as transparent doors and a steering wheel designed to keep the driver’s hands visible at all times. Additionally, it had no trunk or glovebox, thereby eliminating the need for searches.

While it’s easy to assume that VFX Artists primarily work on exciting films, this project has been particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to contribute to something with real-world significance. Throughout my relatively short career as a VFX Artist, this project stands out as one of the highlights. Not only did we produce visually impressive CG work, but we also made a substantial impact in the real world.

Brian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always had a passion for both technology and art, although initially, my primary career goal wasn’t in the creative industry. To be honest, I was on the path to attend medical (Bio Tech) school, but a last-minute change of heart altered my course. Along the way, I had the good fortune of meeting individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping my career journey.

I pursued a major in visual communication design during my college years, and during this time, I had the privilege of crossing paths with remarkable artists from ILM Singapore. Their recognition of my potential in this field fueled my decision to further my studies in the United States.

My two years at SCAD marked a transformative period, and I’m forever indebted to the people I encountered. Professors like Bridget Gaynor, known for her work on all-time favorite movies like Harry Potter, Arthur Shek, Director at Forza Motorsport, and Rini Sugianto, a Senior Animator with credits on films like The Hobbit and Avengers, not only served as creative inspirations but also instilled invaluable soft skills crucial for my career growth. As an Asian in a competitive field, standing out can be challenging, as we’re often taught not to draw attention to ourselves, yet expected to excel. These mentors helped me break free from my shell and evolve into the professional I am today.

During my time at SCAD, Unreal Engine began to gain prominence in the VFX industry, despite the fact that few foresaw its significance in the VFX pipeline at the time. My passion for technology and art led me to embrace the path of a VFX Artist. I engaged in a collaborative class mentored by professionals from The Mill NY, including Kyle Cody, Todd Akita, Billy Jang, and Cat Gulacsy, which further solidified my connection to Unreal Engine. The Mill was renowned for their Blackbird technology, which integrated Unreal Engine into their car commercial workflow. My team was entrusted with the task of creating a car commercial using Unreal Engine. Despite the numerous challenges, with the help and guidance of our mentors, we successfully produced a decent commercial using fairly limited software at the time.

My first professional role at Psyop not only allowed me to create impressive visuals but also enabled me to contribute to the understanding of Unreal Engine’s role in a traditional CG pipeline by building essential tools and standardizing the workflow for everyone in the company. This was all under the trust and mentorship of Shaun Comly. One of my notable works at Psyop was the Project BottleCap, which garnered recognition at various international film festivals and earned acknowledgment from none other than James Cameron.

My passion next led me to Crafty Apes, where I played a role in significant TV series projects such as Star Trek: Picard Season 3, Orville Season 3, and Westworld Season 4. I was also involved in one of their very first Unreal-heavy shows for the series “Anne Rice Mayfair Witches.” This experience was a substantial challenge, particularly because I joined the project late, but with the guidance of my supervisor, John Nelson, I earned the company’s trust and successfully delivered the project.

Most recently, I’ve embarked on a new chapter by joining The Mill LA, the company that initially ignited my interest in the blend of creativity and technology. The team here serves as an enduring wellspring of career inspiration, and it has been a profoundly humbling experience to learn from and collaborate with such immensely talented individuals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to express myself, by bringing unique visions to life, and share them with the world. It’s about using creativity and skills to inspire, provoke emotions, and connect with others on a deep and meaningful level. Additionally, the satisfaction of seeing your work appreciated, whether through recognition, financial compensation, or the simple joy it brings to others, is immensely gratifying. Ultimately, being an artist or creative allows myself to leave a lasting impact, contribute to culture and society, and fulfill a deep sense of personal fulfillment.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve been deeply influenced by various artists that have played a significant role in shaping my career path. Initially, I followed online figures like Bobby Chiu from Schoolism and Imaginism Studios, Dice Tsutsumi from Tonko House, and Chris Oatley from The Oatley Academy Of Visual Storytelling. Their insights not only kept me motivated and optimistic but also grounded me in the realities of the industry, both its challenges and rewards.

More recently, I found inspiration in the work of Roger Deakins, a renowned cinematographer known for his exceptional contributions to films like “1917.” Listening to his podcast, Team Deakins, I gained valuable insights into the intricate workings of cinematography before it even reaches the VFX production stage. I was so captivated by his expertise that I joined his forum, where he interacts with enthusiasts and addresses cinematography-related queries from his movies. This experience has provided me with a deeper understanding of the industry, a perspective not commonly explored by many artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://briannl.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_lesiangi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannl/
• Other: https://www.artstation.com/briannl

Image Credits
BottleCap – Psyop Aldi UK – Psyop MassEffect – EA / Psyop Star Trek:Picard – Paramount / Crafty Apes Mayfair Witches – AMC / Crafty Apes Westworld – HBO / Crafty Apes The Continental – Peacock / Crafty Apes DWB – Critical Mass / The Mill