We recently connected with Joonho Bang and have shared our conversation below.

Joonho, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been drawn to creative pursuits, but it wasn’t until I was a bit older that I realized I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally. As a child, I struggled to find my footing in many areas and often felt like I was lagging behind my peers. However, I always found solace in cartoons, animations, and drawing. Art was the one area where I felt confident and competent.

Despite my love of drawing, I initially had doubts about pursuing a career in art. I wasn’t sure if I could make a living with my artistic skills, and my parents were skeptical about the viability of such a career path. However, I continued to hone my craft and was fortunate enough to be recognized for my talents in several art contests.
It was during high school that things started to shift for me. My art teacher noticed my abilities and encouraged me to consider pursuing an art education at the college level. This was the first time I really began to seriously consider a career in the arts. I realized that I could combine my passion with my skills to create something truly meaningful, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Joonho, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Joonho Bang, and I am a FX Artist at The Mill. Our studio comprises award-winning VFX artists and creative technologists with decades of experience in the advertising and brand experience industries. The VFX studio’s work involves creating realistic visual effects in a 3D environment for film, episodic features, and advertisements. As an FX Artist, I specialize in creating dynamics such as flames, smoke, fluids, and explosions, etc.

To excel in my role, I must have a combination of technical and artistic skills. I possess a technical background such as dynamics, mathematics, and programming. At the same time, I must also be creative and artistic, as it is my responsibility to ensure that the effects we create look even more stunning than what we see in the real world.

One of the most important missions of a FX Artist is to create a realistic look, which is why we often refer to real-life references such as clouds in the sky, smoke from factory chimneys, and the movement of raindrops. These details help us to create a more authentic and believable environment for viewers.
In terms of my own art and creative works, I enjoy exploring different styles and mediums. I draw inspiration from various sources such as nature, pop culture, and my personal experiences. My focus is on creating pieces that not only look visually appealing but also convey a meaningful message to the audience. Ultimately, my goal is to continue to develop my skills as an FX Artist while also exploring new avenues for creative expression.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing the final result of my work. In my role as a FX Artist, it can take several months to refine an advertisement and see it released to the public. When I finally see the finished product on TV or online, it is incredibly satisfying to know that I played a part in creating something that people will see and remember.

In addition to this, I value the fact that my skills as an artist are entirely my own. Unlike some other professions where success is tied to a specific company or community, I can take my skills with me wherever I go and earn recognition and a stable income based solely on my abilities. This level of independence and autonomy is a unique and valuable aspect of being an artist.

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

I had a significant career pivot when I decided to leave my job in the IT industry and pursue a career in professional artistry. At the time, I was working in the intellectual property business and although it was a stable job, I couldn’t see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I knew that I wanted to do something that I loved and was passionate about, even if it meant taking a risk and starting over.

I made the decision to leave my job and spent a year and a half studying VFX before applying to Savannah College of Art and Design. During my studies, I had the opportunity to interview with The Mill, and was fortunate enough to be offered a position as an FX Artist after graduation from Savannah College of Art and Design.

While it was a challenging decision to leave a stable career path, I have no regrets. Pursuing a career in the arts has allowed me to do what I love every day and has opened up many new and exciting opportunities. I hope my story inspires other young people to follow their passions and pursue their dreams, and to also consider whether they can see themselves doing their current job for the rest of their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joonhobang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_b.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joonhobang/