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

Alright, Hao thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Starting my creative work earlier is crucial for me as it unlocks my true self. It’s like finding a key that opens a door to a world where I feel free to be who I am without judgment. I have always felt drawn to the arts, and expressing myself through film, game design, and comic art has always been my greatest passion. For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the power of storytelling, the beauty of visual design, and the limitless possibilities of creativity.

Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that made pursuing a career in the arts seem impossible. My parents’ financial troubles meant that they were more focused on securing a stable future for me than encouraging my passion for the arts. They believed that I should pursue a more “practical” career path, and they pressured me to study finance or business. As a result, I faced many arguments with them about my future, and it often felt like I was fighting a losing battle.

However, I refused to give up on my dream. I persisted, and eventually, I managed to convince my parents to support me. It was a long and difficult journey, but I knew deep down that it was the right path for me. Finally, I could pursue my passion for the arts and start working on my creative projects.

For me, starting my creative work sooner is crucial. It’s an opportunity to unlock my full potential, to create art that truly reflects who I am, and to make a positive impact on the world around me. It’s a chance to share my unique perspective, to tell stories that inspire and entertain, and to connect with people who share my passion. And it’s a way to prove to myself and to others that the arts are not just a “hobby” or a “distraction” – they are a legitimate and valuable career path that deserves to be taken seriously.

In conclusion, I wish to start my creative work as soon as possible. I am determined to pursue my passion for the arts, and I believe that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, I can achieve my dreams.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Upon graduating from Art Center College of Design with a degree in Entertainment Design, my passion for art and design was reinforced and set me on an exciting career path. During my college years, I took on freelance work to both build my skills and gain experience working with clients. In my final year, I applied for an internship at Activision Blizzard, and to my delight, I was offered the position of a concept art intern for Call of Duty. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of game development and further refine my skills as a concept artist.

As a concept artist, I was entrusted with the creation of both pre-production and production art for the game project. My clients typically required keyframes during the pre-production phase to provide an overall atmosphere of the mission. In the production phase, my tasks ranged from designing specific characters, environments, and props to ensuring that they met the client’s requirements. To ensure that the project was on track, I always took the time to gather references and clarify the details of the brief before starting any work. In cases where clients requested changes midway through the project, I accommodated their requests while striving to present my work in the best possible light.

My workflow involves a combination of 2D painting skills and 3D workflow, which I believe is essential for creating high-quality concept art. While 3D enables me to efficiently address lighting and form, my art foundation remains at the core of my ability to present my aesthetic style to people.

Although my work takes up most of my time, I still devote time to polish my skills and broaden my art horizons. My ultimate aspiration is to direct an indie game or animation, and I am committed to achieving this goal by seeking new ways to enhance my skills and gain the experience necessary to make it a reality. The entertainment industry has been an exciting and fulfilling field, and I am eager to see where my career takes me next.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Art, in all its forms, has been my solace during the darkest moments of my life when I felt broken and unable to face the next day. For me, art is not merely a form of entertainment for the audience or a medium of expression for the artist. It is a refuge where the human mind can seek refuge from the cruelty and emptiness of the real world.
I want to create something that not only transports people to a world of escape but also empowers them with the courage to confront the harsh reality and stand strong to fight another day.
I have been given this courage by art before. And one day, I hope I can be the one that passes this courage to another people.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot 2 years before graduation and focus on creating a portfolio that showcases my work skill as a concept artist in the video game industry. After grinding on my portfolio, I landed a freelance and intern opportunity, which helped me get into the industry. I now have a full-time job in the creative field, which supports me in continuing my experimental projects. As a member of the creative community, I’ve found myself caught up in the pursuit of perfection, often becoming fixated on the tiniest details of my work. However, I’ve come to realize that this approach is counterproductive. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to separate personal passion from the practical demands of the business world. While striving for excellence is important, obsessing over perfection can be a hindrance. In the video game industry, where deadlines are tight and projects are complex, clients value artists who can deliver fast, efficient solutions. Instead of spending a huge time polishing and pushing pixels, what I should do is act as a solution-oriented artist to help build the whole complex project better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haooding.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hao900_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hao-ding-9ba503200/