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

Heesoo, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Before answering, I think we should reflect on the definition of happiness. While it may vary from person to person, I believe happiness is momentary. We tend to think we’ll be happy once we reach a certain point, but in reality, happiness is not a sustained state, but rather a fleeting moment when our hearts feel warm and ignited.

I became a 3D artist due to my inclination towards visual work and creation. From a young age, I loved sculptures in museums the most and found joy in drawing. Working on various 2D, 3D, and video projects brings me great happiness. The process of materializing ideas into finished pieces is enjoyable, and I feel a sense of achievement from the final results.

However, such happiness is transient, and most of the time, like others, my life consists of ordinary and repetitive routines. There are many dull moments of sitting in the studio, repeating similar tasks as I persistently work towards the next piece. Sometimes, I have to make efforts not to lose my creative drive. Occasionally, seeing other artists’ exceptional works makes me wonder if an ordinary person like myself can create something appealing.

Ultimately, I believe that what matters most, whether you’re an artist or an ordinary person, is living your life to the fullest – that very act is beautiful and valuable in itself. Even if I were an office worker, I would cherish perseverance and diligence while creating small, happy moments. Understanding and accepting myself as I am also seems important for happiness. There’s the ‘me’ as others see me, and the ‘me’ as I see myself. While different versions of ‘me’ coexist, I strive to integrate them into a cohesive self-identity without significant discrepancies.

We all differ in our individual inclinations and values. But in the end, each of us is finding happiness in our own way. Living true to ourselves while giving our all – that journey itself seems most important.

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.

Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Hee Soo Chae, a 3D artist who also goes by the name Eva. Originally, I majored in fine arts and illustration, but during a visit to LA in 2019, I had the chance to meet local 3D artists and see their work in person, which instantly captivated me with the allure of 3D art. That experience led me to transition my career into the 3D art field.

Currently, I’m working at GIANTSTEP Studios located in Glendale, LA. My strength lies in producing detailed 3D works based on my background in 2D art. Recently, as a personal project, I took on recreating the lead character Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games as a 3D character, referencing the actress Jennifer Lawrence. I put in a tremendous amount of effort to accurately depict the anatomical details and nuanced facial expressions. This project gave me an immense sense of accomplishment and pride.

Going forward, my goal is to continue creating high-caliber 3D artworks that combine technical proficiency with artistic sensibilities. I plan to explore not just realistic representations, but also delve into abstract, fantastical, and romantic styles across various genres. Through my work, I aspire to become a 3D artist who conveys positive messages and values.

Although there is still much room for growth, I will persistently hone my skills with passion. I hope potential audiences can find meaningful experiences through my artistic creations. I appreciate your continued interest and encouragement.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

From a young age, I enjoyed sculpture and drawing, though my upbringing was ordinary with no artistic background. Until high school, I followed a typical liberal arts path, seeing art as a lofty, difficult realm requiring specialized knowledge – contemporary art especially seemed impenetrable. However, over time I adopted a more relaxed view of art. I realized diverse creative works, including museums, are all around us in daily life. You needn’t comprehend a piece fully or know the artist’s intention to appreciate it. An artist’s original intention is difficult to convey entirely, with words inevitably diluting some emotion or inspiration. This limitation paradoxically allows art’s possibility.
I liken my work to coffee: I strive for a particular flavor I envision, but each taster will experience it differently – some find it bitter, others want more sugar, some wish to savor endlessly. I don’t present a definitive experience, but offer my conception of the finest “taste.” To do so, I continually study techniques and explore areas I lack. Yet viewers will feel and interpret the work in their own ways. I find this interplay intriguing, recreating fresh perspectives and inspiration for both the works and myself.
Art can seem daunting, but with an open spirit, one can undoubtedly find personal enjoyment in various works – like savoring a cup of coffee, viewing art receptively allows you to appreciate flavors suited to you.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Though I am still in the midst of my creative journey, looking back, I have had a longing to “create something wonderful” since childhood. It was not a clear goal or mission, but this small desire allowed me to experience various creative activities. In elementary school, my goal was to draw like those who were skilled at it and the manga artists I admired. In middle and high school, I immersed myself in novel writing, and found it enjoyable to adapt those stories into video or images, so I would make short films with friends.
In college, while majoring in fine arts, I unexpectedly fell in love with the works of brilliant illustrators and aspired to follow that path. During my study abroad, an aptitude test revealed my strengths in computer skills and spatial perception, leading me to take 3D classes. It was through this process that I became fascinated with the 3D world and eventually pursued a career as a 3D generalist. It seems I naturally gravitated towards fields I excelled at and had genuine interest in.
This journey has not been entirely smooth. In fact, I always felt my creativity was lacking. I likely chose safer paths. Even now, when I see the vibrant and perceptive works of other artists, I have those self-doubts. However, I also believe I have my own path. As time goes by and I accumulate more skills, capabilities, and experiences, I expect to produce fresh, innovative outputs.
We encounter countless artistic moments in life – beautiful sunsets, cherished films, beloved music – moments that embody beauty in various forms. As a creator, I aim to craft remarkable works that provide someone with an experience akin to art in their life.

Contact Info:

• Website: nowplayingevaddd.artstation.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/nowplaying.eva3d/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l990l020?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nowplayingevaddd/

Image Credits
3D <Jennifer Lawrence: The Hunger Games> Personal project 3D <The Tunnel Weasel> The original illustration is by Hyun Lee, Art Instructor, Ex Concept Artist at Blizzard, Diablo IV This project is carried out with twelve other modelers in “2021 Balchagi Character Art Contest” 2D OFF Exhibition, KSOF, Brooklyn, NY, 2018. 04