We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Snowy Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Snowy , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Becoming a professional concept artist has been a dream come true, and the reality has far exceeded my expectations. Collaborating with other incredibly talented artists to create amazing images and designs has been a truly rewarding experience. The shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been surprisingly convenient and comfortable, allowing for greater flexibility in my work routine.
Sometimes, I find myself wondering what life would be like if I pursued a regular job and kept art solely as a hobby. However, I realize that my true passion lies in art, and I might not thrive in a traditional work setting due to my limitations in test performance, paperwork, and writing. The idea of finding happiness on a farm surrounded by animals is intriguing, and I plan to explore this possibility in the future.
For now, I’m content with the fulfillment and joy that being a concept artist brings to my life, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and self-expression.
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.
Currently, I’m living my dream as a character concept artist at Respawn Entertainment, contributing to the popular live surface game, Apex Legends. This exciting battle royale-hero shooter game challenges multiple players to compete in one round, with only one team emerging victorious. Every three months, the game receives exciting updates with fresh content, including new skins and legends.
In my role, I gather inspiration and ideas based on specific themes for designing new skins for the game’s legends or characters. I would produce the design with many rounds of sketches and fixes before it became perfect. Working closely with a team of talented concept artists, we each bring to life a unique skin for one of the game’s legendary characters. Once the concept stage is complete, our designs are handed over to the 3D team and rigging team, who will work their magic to make our vision a reality within the game.
It’s an exhilarating journey, collaborating with skilled professionals from various disciplines to craft a gaming experience that captivates players and keeps them coming back for more adventures in Apex Legends. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute my creativity and passion to such an exciting and dynamic project.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
As a creative person, I often receive comments implying that I was born with an abundance of talent and a vivid imagination, making creativity feel effortless for me. Despite this statement being true or not, I must emphasize that this mindset can discourage those who haven’t explored their creative side or who don’t consider themselves naturally talented. It’s like placing a daunting barrier of “born talent” in front of people who wish to explore their creative potential. I firmly believe that creativity is like a muscle that can be nurtured and strengthened over time.
Many individuals simply need guidance on how to tap into their creativity and where to start. There are methods and techniques that can help unlock the creative potential within everyone. It’s essential to recognize that great stories, art, or any creative work often stem from a small seed of creativity and a substantial amount of dedicated, grounded effort.
To anyone hesitant to explore their creative side, I encourage you to give it a try. Remember that creativity is a skill that can be learned and honed with practice and patience. Don’t be discouraged by the idea of innate talent; instead, embrace the notion that creativity is a journey of growth and discovery. With the right mindset and willingness to learn, you can surprise yourself with the creative wonders you are capable of creating. So, go ahead and take that leap of creativity – you may uncover a whole new world of self-expression and fulfillment.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The power of finding a mentor is often overlooked by many, but it has been a significant factor contributing to my success. Having a mentor is different from taking a class in an organization, as a mentor can provide personalized guidance, support, and advice tailored specifically to your needs. In a large class setting, instructors can only give general feedback, but they might not fully understand your unique aspirations and career goals.
To find a mentor, you can connect with an artist whose work or style resonates with you personally. Reach out and ask if they would be willing to mentor you as a student. You will be surprised by how artists really welcome this type of requests. Regardless, this process can lead to valuable connections and even friendships with artists you admire.
The close guidance and personal attention from a mentor can make a profound impact on your growth as an artist. So, I encourage others to explore the possibility of finding a mentor and experiencing the transformative power of this special relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/snowy_zhang
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowwweee_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snowy-zhang/
Image Credits
for all the Apex work: Art Director: Hafid Roserie Hard Surface lead: Stephen Chang Character lead: Brett Marting