We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chaeri Park. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chaeri below.
Chaeri , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
From a young age, I knew my path was in creativity and artistry. Visiting art galleries and museums has been my favorite thing to do since the earliest days of my life. I would lose track of time in the immersive environment until the lights started to dim and the doors closed. Tate Modern was and still is one of my family’s favorite spots. Given my parents’ backgrounds in design, it’s no surprise that we find inspiration in its walls.
During my time in preschool in the UK, I encountered a transformative experience that has stayed with me ever since. The moment I stepped into the Turbine Hall, I was struck by the play of light, color, and space, which created an immersive environment that sparked my imagination. I was captivated by the breathtaking installations created by artist Olafur Eliasson, The Weather Project 2003. The hall was filled in a soft haze of smoke, illuminated by a warm, golden sunset light. People were lying down, fully immersing themselves in the artwork. I could feel the sense of connection and shared experience, embracing the emotions that surrounded us.
Eliasson’s ability to blend natural elements with contemporary art made a lasting impression on me, inspiring a deep appreciation for creativity and the power of artistic expression. This visit enriched my understanding of art and instilled a sense of wonder that has shaped my perspective ever since—art is a tool to create immersive experiences that resonate with others.
The following week in preschool, we were given a set of fruits on the table and asked to create drawings using acrylic paint. My parents received an unexpected call from the school. They went to the school, slightly concerned that my language barrier or behavior prompted their call. However, the teachers showed them my drawing skills, praising my talent and encouraging me to pursue my passion for art. They were amazed by how I captured the reflection and the rays of light on the bottom part of the apple! My parents still cherish that apple drawing, even with the cracked paints, preserving it as a testament to my artistic beginnings.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Chaeri Park, I am a multidisciplinary designer currently based in New York City and originally from Seoul, Korea. My background in industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design opened my eyes to a world of creativity across various mediums, including CAD software. My enthusiasm for emerging technologies and creating the unseen has prompted me to dive into 3D design industry.
Upon completing my studies, I relocated to New York, where I commenced my professional journey as a CGI artist. Over the past several years, I have experienced significant opportunities for growth in my field. Today, I proudly co-lead Alden Automotives as the Creative UX Director, working alongside the talented Brooks Lane, our Creative Visual Director.
About Alden Automotive
Alden Automotive, a division of Alden Studios, is a creative design bureau focused on CGI development in the automotive industry. Acting as an extension of your team, we specialize in delivering cutting-edge CGI solutions designed to push the boundaries of realism and innovation in the automotive space.
Our Expertise in the Automotive World
At Alden Automotive, we’re committed to driving the evolution of how automotive brands visualize, market, and innovate their products. Our team specializes in complex digital modeling, crafting highly detailed 3D assets replicating every nuance of real-world vehicles—from intricate stitching on seats to lifelike surface textures. This attention to detail allows us to create photorealistic renderings and animations that bring vehicles to life, blurring the line between computer-generated and real-world visuals.
We focus on building solutions that integrate seamlessly into an automotive company’s workflow. Whether it’s transforming physical prototypes into digital twins, designing conceptual assets for marketing campaigns, or creating virtual experiences that showcase future concepts, our work empowers brands to innovate their pipelines with CGI at the core.
Driving Innovation Through CGI
Our expertise isn’t limited to photorealism. We help automotive companies drive innovation by implementing CGI as a powerful tool across their design, development, and marketing processes. From conceptual renderings that ignite imagination to marketing assets that captivate audiences, our solutions are designed to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency at every stage.
For example, our productivity platform enables clients to organize, track, and download all assets developed during the creative process. This centralized system ensures seamless management of complex design projects and empowers teams to scale their operations effortlessly.
What Sets Us Apart in the Automotive Space
What truly sets Alden Automotive apart is our dedication to using innovative technologies to create real-world solutions in the automotive industry. We don’t just create visuals; we create experiences that connect with audiences and drive results. Our ability to balance artistry with cutting-edge technology allows us to solve complex design challenges and provide innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of automotive brands.
Whether crafting marketing materials, developing conceptual assets to visualize future products, or optimizing pipelines with virtual prototyping, we bring a deep understanding of the automotive world and a passion for innovation to every project.
Why Work With Alden Automotive
At Alden Automotive, we are at the forefront of the intersection of automotive design and CGI technology. Our work is committed to precision, creativity, and pushing boundaries. For brands looking to elevate their visual storytelling, streamline workflows, or bring new concepts to life, we provide the tools, expertise, and solutions to make it happen.
Whether you need photoreal marketing content or conceptual solutions to visualize the future, Alden Automotive is your partner in transforming the way automotive brands create and innovate. Let us help you redefine what’s possible.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or a creative is the exhilarating moment when fragmented ideas within my mind converge to form a cohesive whole that others can see and feel.
I believe that many creatives might relate to this feeling, who understand the complexity of this journey. My thoughts often meander along a non-linear path, originating from a single spark and branching out in infinite directions. Sometimes, these branches diverge so dramatically from the initial idea that they appear disconnected and chaotic. Yet, the true beauty lies in gathering these numerous dots, thoughtfully connecting them into lines and weaving them into a unified surface. Finally, assembling into a fully realized, three-dimensional concept.
The journey of fully developing these ideas resembles the profound experience of nurturing a child.—sometimes presenting challenges that test my patience and creativity. Yet, watching them develop, evolve, and find their place in the world as they resonate with society and captivate audiences brings me an indescribable sense of joy and fulfillment. It is a profound experience to see these concepts take shape and witness the moments when they interact with the public, hearing various voices from them. Every stage of their growth, from conception to realization, is a transformative journey that enriches my life in countless inspiring ways.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want people to find joy in the everyday. I hope people discover and enjoy special moments in their daily lives, much like the extraordinary experiences we cherish during travel. You know how even the most minor things seem fascinating and exciting when you are away from home? But we tend to overlook those moments in our familiar surroundings or grow desensitized to them.
I aim to create those moments—whether in digital or physical spaces—through designs that bring small joys, even if only briefly. When small joys accumulate, they can turn into significant memories over time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I explored the professional world of 3D design and modeling, which intrigued me as someone with an industrial design background. Initially, I felt a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction knowing that my creations were capped to the digital realm, existing only on screens without the tangible touch and presence of physical objects. The pandemic restrictions intensified this feeling, as working on hands-on projects that I cherished became inaccessible.
However, my perspective shifted dramatically as I delved deeper into the 3D industry. I began to appreciate the unique advantages that digital creation offered. Suddenly, I realized the lack of physical constraints was a powerful opportunity. I could bring my ideas to life without the restrictions of materials, space, or traditional manufacturing processes. Every concept I envisioned had the potential to be shared and accessed globally by anyone with a device.
This newfound appreciation for the limitless nature of digital design opened up a world of creativity for me. I could experiment freely, iterate rapidly, and connect with a diverse audience eager to engage with my work. Knowing that my creations could cross borders and reach people in ways I had never imagined was liberating. Consequently, I became more passionate about my journey in the 3D industry and the incredible possibilities it presented.
As a larger goal, I aspire to become a designer who seamlessly bridges the digital and physical experience. I want to thoughtfully intertwine the infinite possibilities digital experiences offer with tactile interactions, transcending the limitations of a singular focus. By crafting immersive, multiple-sensory experiences, I aim to design solutions that resonate on multiple levels, leaving a lasting impact and enriching everyday life. Engaging interactions evoke deeper emotional connections and inspire users to explore innovative ways of interacting with their environments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aldenauto.nyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldenautomotive
- Other: Personal
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cherry___on__topWebsite:
https://www.chaeripark.com
Image Credits
All Render Credit
https://www.instagram.com/aldenautomotive
https://www.instagram.com/brookslane
https://www.instagram.com/cherry___on__top
All Image Credit
https://www.instagram.com/vii13xiii