We were lucky to catch up with Gen Li recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking risks is an essential part of achieving success, especially when it comes to pursuing your passion. As a young undergraduate student with no prior art-related background or knowledge, I faced a difficult decision during my senior year. Despite the job market favoring science majors, I decided to take a risk and follow my passion for visual effects.

Despite the challenges, I was determined to learn as much as possible about After Effects, 3Ds Max, and Maya. Without access to expensive equipment or formal training, I turned to online tutorials to teach myself the skills I needed. Despite not having the most powerful hardware, I persisted and learned one technique at a time, proving that passion and determination are the best teachers.

But the risks did not end there. The global pandemic of 2020 made things even more challenging, causing a significant decline in the U.S. employment rate, particularly in the VFX industry. With many CG veterans losing their jobs, it was even more difficult for entry-level artists like myself to find work. But I refused to give up and used every connection available to me to find a job before graduation.

My hard work and persistence paid off in the end. I landed a job at an ideal company that allowed me to create the visual effects that I had always dreamed of. This experience taught me that taking risks and pursuing your passion can lead to incredible opportunities, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

In conclusion, taking risks is a crucial part of achieving success in pursuing your passion. It requires determination, hard work, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But with the right mindset and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams. So take that risk, and see where it takes you.

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

Growing up in China, I always had a fascination with the world of computer graphics. But it wasn’t until I saw James Cameron’s “Avatar” on the big screen in 2009 that I knew I wanted to make visual effects my career. So, during my undergraduate years, I dedicated myself to learning everything there was to know about visual effects, and I did it all on my own.

After graduation, I landed my first job as a junior CG generalist at a local visual studio. It was a challenging start, as I was up against the rapidly evolving world of visual effects. But I was determined to hone my skills and make a name for myself in the industry.

After three years of working, I felt that I needed a change. I wanted to pursue my passion for creating movies and gain exposure to different cultures. That’s when I decided to enroll in the MFA program for Visual Effects at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2019. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and fellow artists from all over the world.

The courses were incredibly inspiring, and I was thrilled to be surrounded by like-minded people who shared my passion for visual effects. I mastered advanced techniques step by step and was exposed to new creative production ideas. It was a truly enriching experience.

After graduation, I landed a job as a VFX artist at FuseFX, a globally renowned VFX studio that specializes in TV series. It’s a dream come true to be able to work on such high-profile projects and collaborate with other talented artists. I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here, and I know that it was all worth it. Visual effects is not just a job for me; it’s a way of life.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I actually think they’re pretty cool.

First of all, NFTs allow artists to finally get paid for their digital creations. In the past, it was easy for people to copy and distribute digital art without compensating the artist. But with NFTs, artists can create unique, valuable digital pieces that can be bought and sold on the blockchain. It’s a way for artists to take control of their work and profit from it.

Plus, NFTs are creating a whole new market for digital art. People are starting to realize that digital art can be just as valuable and collectible as physical art. And with NFTs, there’s a sense of exclusivity and ownership that you just can’t get with a print or a poster. It’s like owning a rare baseball card or a vintage comic book.

Of course, there are still some issues with NFTs that need to be addressed, like the environmental impact of blockchain transactions. But overall, I think NFTs are a step forward for artists and the art world. It’s exciting to see technology creating new opportunities and possibilities for creativity. Who knows what kind of amazing digital art we’ll see in the future thanks to NFTs?

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

As a VFX artist, I believe society can do several things to best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. Firstly, it is crucial to recognize the value of art and creativity in our daily lives. Without the arts, we would not have movies, music, or any form of entertainment that we enjoy. Therefore, it is important to provide more funding and resources to support the arts and creatives.

Secondly, society can encourage and promote art education in schools and universities. This will not only help in nurturing young talents but also create more opportunities for them to develop their skills and creativity. It is essential to create an environment where aspiring artists can feel supported and motivated to pursue their dreams.

Thirdly, it is crucial to provide more job opportunities and resources for artists and creatives. The creative industry is highly competitive, and many talented artists struggle to find employment. Therefore, it is necessary to create more job opportunities and resources for artists, including funding, grants, and mentorship programs.

Lastly, society can help by promoting and consuming art made by local artists. It is essential to recognize and support local talents, as this can create a thriving creative ecosystem. By supporting local artists, we not only help them but also contribute to the growth of the creative industry as a whole.

In summary, society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by recognizing the value of art, promoting art education, providing more job opportunities and resources, and supporting local talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: genlifx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muji_lee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genli20
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/genli20
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lee1Richie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@genli25
• Other: https://vimeo.com/genli20

Image Credits
Gen Li