Meet Joyce (Jiao) Jiao | CG Environment Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joyce (Jiao) Jiao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joyce (Jiao), any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
To put it simply, deciding whether to keep going or to give up involves some deep thinking. I believe if you really want your dreams to come true, you’ve got to keep pushing forward. A good question to ask yourself is: Are you happy with what you’re doing right now? Is it worth it to keep going or not? Let me share a bit about my own story. Since the start of 2023, things have been tough in our industry. A lot of people have lost their jobs, including many fresh out of school and talented artists like me who are struggling to find work. But here’s the thing – even with all these challenges, artists haven’t stopped creating. They’re not giving up because they love what they do. For us, making art is more than just a job; it’s our life.
This shows how important it is to keep going if you love what you do, no matter how hard things get. It’s all about following your passion and not giving up, even when times are tough.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing I’ve personally always been proud of in my art is my capacity to control a certain topic or notion. My proficiency in transforming textual intentions into vivid visual narratives defines my work as an environment or visual artist—a title I’ve confidently embraced. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey, earning me several international accolades over recent years. My creations are now featured on leading 3D educational platforms, including Adobe Substance 3D and the Rookies. The path of artistic growth is challenging, necessitating not only the ability to surpass previous accomplishments but also a commitment to continual improvement. I believe the essence of this challenge lies in understanding how to effectively push one’s limits. Recognizing the most effective strategies for self-challenge is, in my view, the crucial pathway to success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favourite activities has always been discovering the unique local cafes scattered throughout Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like starting the day by taking a friend to my favourite coffee spot in the neighbourhood. It’s an experience I wholeheartedly recommend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a big shout-out to the school that played a huge role in shaping me into the dedicated artist I am today: Gnomon – School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation. Back in 2020, fresh out of my initial fine arts education, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of my next steps. That’s when I discovered Gnomon. Known as one of North America’s premier institutions for CG education, it seemed like the perfect place to take my skills to the next level. And I was right.
Gnomon isn’t just a school; it’s a community where passionate instructors, who are also pioneers in the entertainment industry, are eager to share their vast knowledge. They’re not just teachers; they’re problem-solvers who genuinely care about helping students grow. My time at Gnomon was transformative, equipping me with not just the technical skills, but also the confidence to forge my path in the art world.

Website: https://www.artstation.com/joycejiao

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdieball/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-jiao-004711183/