We recently connected with Ryan Boyuan Shi and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan Boyuan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I always wanted to be a science student without any specific reason. But everything changed when the first iPhone came out. I was amazed by how innovative it was, and it inspired me to pursue a creative path. So, I started exploring different creative fields like product and transportation design. After a while, I found my true passion in concept art, especially for games. Creating unique and imaginative worlds through visual storytelling really caught my interest, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Ryan! I’ve been a video game enthusiast for as long as I can remember. After high school, I decided to pursue a career in design. I dabbled in product design and transportation design for a while, but my passion for video games led me to work in the gaming industry.
I taught myself about video game art for a year or two and then applied to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Luckily, after graduation, I landed a full-time job as a concept artist.
As a concept artist, my main role is to visualize ideas, both my own and others’. I collaborate closely with various departments to ensure that our game turns out to be the best it can be. Though creating a game comes with limitations and challenges, overcoming them as a team is what makes me adore the game industry. Every bit of progress feels incredibly rewarding.
When it comes to creating art, I don’t just stick to 2D painting. I have experience using various tools like 3D software and VR, which allows me to go beyond static images and create animations to better visualize ideas. It’s an exciting way to work on game development.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist, I find immense satisfaction in the rewards of my creations. Working as a concept artist in the gaming industry is like playing a game itself. When I receive a request, I dive in, giving my all to make it look just right and feasible. It’s incredibly fulfilling when, in the end, I manage to create something that solves a problem or fulfills a vision.
The best part of this journey is that it’s a collective effort. The entire team comes together, combining their skills and ideas to bring the game to life. It’s the collaborative spirit that truly makes this profession special and enjoyable.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best thing society can do is to respect and empathize with the frustrations faced by artists during this AI-driven era. While I have no issues with people experimenting with AI and recognizing its technological potential, I believe it’s essential for them to gain an understanding of how generative AI functions. By doing so, people can develop a greater appreciation for the challenges that artists and art students are currently encountering while pursuing their passions.
The integration of AI into various creative fields has undoubtedly brought new opportunities, but it has also posed significant challenges for artists. By acknowledging these difficulties and showing support, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive environment for artists to thrive. Education and awareness about the implications of AI on the arts will play a crucial role in ensuring that artists’ unique contributions are valued and preserved in this rapidly evolving AI age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/ryanshi
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanshiart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-boyuan-shi-8a0421206/