Meet Snowy Zhang | Concept Artist

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

Hi Snowy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Throughout my journey in studying art, I encountered numerous obstacles. One pivotal aspect that I found crucial for an artist is being immersed in a diverse environment and culture. This exposure pushed me far beyond my comfort zone, leading me to reassess every aspect of my artistic knowledge. Let me clarify that this doesn’t mean artists should adopt a specific culture, but rather, it’s a transformative process that grants us the freedom to choose.

During my upbringing as an art major, I often found myself struggling to strike a balance between mastering fundamental skills and fostering creativity. There were instances when I felt trapped in a rigid mindset, where I aimed to depict everything “correctly” according to predetermined norms. Studying abroad exposed me to vastly different artistic standards, leaving me feeling lost and tempted to abandon my past knowledge in order to fit in.

Although this phase was undoubtedly painful, it turned out to be a valuable experience. It provided me with an opportunity to step back and practically examine my identity as an artist, having experienced both sides of the spectrum. This introspection enabled me to discern what I truly needed and set me on the right path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a concept artist, my passion lies in creating stylized line art featuring characters with vibrant colors and captivating graphics. I particularly enjoy incorporating intriguing and functional props into my character designs. Two designs that hold a special place in my heart are the “Union Cosmonaut” and “KGB Police” characters, both part of my “Immigration” project centered around Soviet space fantasy. These designs have brought me immense satisfaction, showcasing the fusion of artistry and imagination that drives my work.

During my time at Art Center College of Design, mastering the skills of concept art proved to be a challenging endeavor. The multitude of different styles and aspects left me feeling perplexed, leading me to attempt learning a bit from every available source. However, through this journey, I eventually gained a valuable insight – in concept art, the essence lies in the thought behind the design, and problem-solving skills are the crucial elements that set artists apart from the rest. Understanding this fundamental concept has been a pivotal turning point in my artistic growth and has shaped the way I approach and excel in the world of concept art.

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.
LA truly is a magical city, perfectly nestled between urban life and the wonders of nature. This year, my passion for camping has flourished, and I must admit that LA offers an ideal setting for campers with its breathtaking mountain views, serene lakes, and lush forests, all within a short 1-2 hour drive. One of my absolute favorite places to escape to is Table Mountain, where nature’s beauty is simply unparalleled.

Returning to city life, Pasadena holds a special place in my heart. Over the past 6 years, I’ve witnessed Pasadena evolve into an even lovelier city. The addition of modern stores, delightful restaurants, cozy boba shops, and even places for high tea has made it a delightful destination. The culinary scene, especially the fantastic Asian food, is a must-try. Moreover, the renovated Central Park has further elevated the city’s charm, leaving me with nothing more to desire from this enchanting place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have my mother, Dongmei Duan, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my artistic journey. A former school teacher in Qingdao, she set aside her own dreams of becoming a writer to dedicate her life to me. When I expressed my desire to study art, she never doubted me and went to great lengths to find the best teachers and lessons in the gigantic city, driving me to each class regardless of distance or cost.

Despite the disapproval and disrespect people encountered for pursuing art in our society, my mother remained steadfast in her belief in me. She even allowed me to study abroad, selflessly staying behind in our empty house alone while I pursued my passion. Her love and dedication have been the bedrock of my achievements, and I am forever grateful to her for making my dreams a reality.

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 works done for Apex, please credit: Art Director: Hafid Roserie Hard Surface lead: Stephen Chang Character lead: Brett Marting