Meet Jingjing Fang | Unreal Engine artist/ Virtual world builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jingjing Fang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jingjing, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career as a creative artist because I realized early on that traditional design work, despite my six years of professional education, didn’t fully allow me to express my creative potential. During my undergraduate studies, I often felt out of place compared to my peers, as my work focused not only on aesthetics but also on humanistic and socially responsible design. However, when I entered the workforce, the market downturn and industrialized company models didn’t offer a platform for me to apply these skills. Even though I had a stable full-time job, I constantly felt that my unique talents weren’t being put to use.

What ultimately led me to switch careers was my proficiency with rendering software—skills I had honed in design work. This became a stepping stone for me to transition into the arts, where I could not only use my strengths but also incorporate my design experience. I found fulfillment in being able to focus on my creative abilities, even though the career path wasn’t as stable as my previous work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Jingjing Fang, a 2022 graduate of UCLA’s M.S.AUD program, and I am currently working as an Unreal Engine Artist and 3D artist in the VFX industry. I specialize in creating beautiful 3D environments in Unreal Engine for real-time virtual production and cinematic animations for games, advertisements, and architectural visualization, using various software like Cinema 4D, Maya, and Substance.

My art spans a range of styles to suit different needs, from fantasy and horror to mysticism and rich natural landscapes. With a unique blend of lighting, camera work, textures, and storytelling, I draw from years of design experience and a deeply refined aesthetic sense. While I keep in mind both popular and client preferences, I always infuse my work with my own distinct style. Many of my pieces have a dreamlike quality, inspired by the surreal worlds I encounter in my own dreams. I often sketch out these concepts as soon as I wake up, developing them through concept art to bring limitless ideas to life, showcasing the fusion of imagination with technical expertise.

I hope my art can ignite inspiration in others and bring them joy—something I see as an artist’s responsibility. In my recent solo exhibition in Los Angeles, I created interactive works to engage viewers as fully as possible, staying true to the heart of an artist.

My journey hasn’t been easy. Working as a freelancer comes with the pressure of unstable income, especially after I left the design industry. There was a challenging gap period where I took on small freelance design jobs to make ends meet. I also significantly ramped up my networking, reaching out to about 1,000 people in a month. Each message was personalized based on the recipient’s profile rather than a generic introduction. Though time-consuming, this approach helped me connect with more collaborators and individuals, which was invaluable for my personal brand.

Once my freelance work stabilized, I continued to network and maintained genuine friendships with people I’d connected with along the way. These relationships later became a tremendous source of support for my exhibitions and my personal life. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that flexibility in networking is essential to adapt to fluctuating income. I also discovered that this field requires full dedication and steady effort rather than an overly aggressive approach. Success comes from continually creating and persisting through the challenges, knowing that with time, the hard work will pay off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I recommend for friends visiting Los Angeles is the Getty Center and Getty Villa. Both locations feature impressive art collections, and the architecture, designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier, is truly remarkable. Perched at the top of a hill, the Getty Center offers a stunning panoramic view of the city—a must-see for any visitor.

For food, I suggest checking out Simpang Asia in Culver City. This cozy spot blends Asian and Western flavors in a unique menu that’s sure to please any palate.

Los Angeles is a city of boundless possibilities, where creativity and dreams flourish at every turn. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking inspiration and excitement.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful to my partner, Xiting Chen, who has been a tremendous support in my daily life. Thanks to her help, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to my creative projects. She’s also my first audience, offering valuable feedback and suggestions that help shape my work.

I also deeply appreciate my professors from HFUT and UCLA. Natasha Sandmeier. During university, they guided me through my questions without stifling my creative independence. This support was invaluable in helping me build my own artistic system and nurture my self-learning process.

In Los Angeles, I owe special thanks to Cao Han, my mentor in VFX art. He taught me so much about the VFX industry and AI-related topics. He’s not only a teacher but also a friend who has founded his own company, Retina Imagework, which specializes in a specific field within VFX.

Website: https://fangjingjingart.com

Instagram: jingjing_Zqer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingjing-fang-b1938822a/

Youtube: @fangjingjing4060

Image Credits
4c GALLERY, and Lecan Li