Meet Liuyazi (Arya) hou

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liuyazi (Arya) hou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liuyazi (Arya), career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Art is a profound language that communicates beyond words. My ultimate goal is to become a versatile creative translator, using art to craft immersive experiences, express personal truths and connect with the community. While I currently focus on sculpting and painting, I aspire to incorporate movement, music, and even scents into my work. My aim is to share healing energy through my creations, give different perspectives in life, inspiring audiences to process emotions and feel seen and understood. In the gaming industry, where I currently work, I’d like to lead a team in creating immersive worlds rich with storytelling moments. These worlds would inspire empathy, bring positivity, and remind people of their shared humanity through deeply emotional and transformative experiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Senior Concept Artist with a decade of experience in the gaming industry, having worked with leading companies like Meta’s Ready At Dawn Studio, Tencent, and others on AAA VR, console, and mobile games. My versatility spans hard surface and organic design, specializing in creatures, characters, and storytelling. Reaching this point wasn’t easy, moving from China to the U.S. to pursue opportunities meant stepping out of my comfort zone. I faced challenges like mastering hard-surface sci-fi design and overcoming language barriers. These experiences taught me resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of flexibility. Beyond the gaming industry, my art delves into human emotion. My dynamic clay sculptures are inspired by meditative dance and music, capturing fleeting, delicate moments with spontaneity and originality, crafted without visual references. I aim to create art that resonates deeply with audiences, and connects the creative with the human experience. Recently, I’ve begun painting over my sculptures, exploring a vibrant yet tranquil, warmth in what I call “illuminated darkness.”
Through both my industry work and personal projects, I aim to create art that resonates emotionally with audiences, inviting them to process emotions, find connections, and explore the human experience. My story reflects a journey of growth, blending technical expertise with deeply personal expression, my goal is to bring healing and inspiration through the worlds I help build and the art I create.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite places in the area are William R. Mason Regional Park, Bell View Trail, and Crystal Cove Trails. These peaceful, quiet spaces bring me clarity and inspiration. If a best friend visits, we’d explore hiking spots, whale watching, go paddling, or camping. For meals, I’d take them to Hacienda Heights or Rowland Heights for authentic Chinese food. If we’re lucky to catch the bioluminescent waves, a nighttime beach visit would be great.

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?
My deepest gratitude goes to Simon Lee, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped my artistic journey. His discipline, insights, and passion for art pushed me to overcome limitations and refine my craft. Simon is the best art teacher I’ve ever had, offering not just technical guidance but genuine compassion and support. When I started his class, I was struggling with depression and self-doubt. His belief in my potential reminded me of the importance of perseverance and reignited my passion for art. His impact on both my artistry and mindset is something I will always carry with me.

Website: https://www.level2048.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level2048/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arya-hou-076b79140

Other: artstation: https://level2048.artstation.com/