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

Huining, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I am a game concept designer originally from China, currently residing in Los Angeles and working at Treyarch.

My design journey was inspired by a lifelong passion for drawing, coupled with a deep interest in films, games, and animation. Following the completion of my education in Fine Art in China, I chose to further hone my skills in concept design at ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles.

In 2017, I enrolled in ACCD’s Entertainment Design – Concept track, seizing the opportunity to intern at Infinity Ward and Raven Software during the semester, and actively participating in game development as a concept intern.

Over four years, I forged meaningful connections with like-minded peers and encountered influential teachers who shaped my artistic perspective. After graduating in late 2021, I joined Treyarch, where I continue to thrive as a game concept artist. Here, I am part of an exceptional concept design team, surrounded by coworkers with robust professional skills and extensive experience in game production, enriching my expertise.

Huining, 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 am currently an environment concept artist at Treyarch. My primary responsibility involves conceptualizing game scenes, encompassing atmospheric illustrations, scene props, set dressing, and graphic design. I specialize in creating atmospheric scenes, and carefully managing the tone and layout of the environments. Additionally, I possess the ability to rapidly sketch concepts, and beyond that, I excel in summarizing and controlling shapes, with experience in graphic design as well.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a foreigner, before coming to the United States for my studies, I pursued a broad major in Fine Arts at an art academy in China. Amidst the myriad of design disciplines, I experienced moments of uncertainty, exploring areas such as stage design, digital media, illustration, and more. However, my conviction in my passion for painting and design never wavered, leading me to diligently seek a suitable professional direction.

In the bustling landscape of the internet in 2012, I found myself deeply drawn to the field of game and film concept design, and instinctively gravitated towards it. A fortuitous internship opportunity at a film and television company exposed me to the actual process of concept design. In a short span of three months, I clarified my desired career path and hoped to delve deeper into this field with exposure to better resources and in-depth learning.

During this exploration, I discovered that Los Angeles was a thriving hub for entertainment design, a top gathering place for this industry. Upon graduating from my first school, I developed a yearning for Los Angeles and learned about a specialized art institution like ArtCenter College of Design. Overcoming various obstacles, including language tests, creating a completely new portfolio, and applying for scholarships, I proudly stepped into this school. Here, I have established profound connections after overcoming these challenges. My perseverance has paid off, and I have embarked on the career that I love here.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, I find the most profound rewards in the ethereal realms of imagination and romance. Even amidst the weariness of daily life, I uncover an abundance of beauty and poetry. Textures, shapes, and colors reveal themselves to me in vivid clarity, creating a symphony of sensations. In this surge of artistic inspiration, I experience the profound meaning of my existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://huiningshi.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huining1010/?hl=en
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/huining-shi-418432150