Meet Tingwei Liu | Outsourcing Artist

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

Hi TINGWEI, why did you pursue a creative career?
During the first 22 years of my life, I primarily studied as a science/engineering student, a path considered stable and correct in my country. Working hard and following the rules, you can secure a career that is respected by society and guarantees a stable income. However, beyond my academic pursuits, I have always been passionate about creative activities such as drawing and graphic design. Engaging in these activities not only improves my skills but also brings me joy, especially when others appreciate what I create. Moreover, creative work helps me focus and provides a sense of fulfillment that I value more than the monetary rewards of a conventional job.

Additionally, I am a huge fan of Japanese anime, especially manga. Titles like “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball” deeply impress me with their authors’ creativity and skill. Sometimes, I find myself wishing, “I wish I could create interesting stories like these.” Initially, I believed that creative work was reserved for geniuses. However, as I grew older and watched series like “BAKUMAN” and “Shirobako,” my perspective changed. These series convinced me that anyone can achieve their dreams and that with the right effort, strong confidence, and a bit of luck, anyone can become a creator and find their own niche.

In essence, I am driven by my own desires. I yearn to live a life filled with intrigue and to witness a diverse array of sights within the creative industry. By crafting compelling stories and content, and immersing myself in the flow of creativity, I aspire to forge connections with the world and interact with a variety of individuals. This profound motivation is why I am pursuing this path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the first 23 years of my life, I lived primarily as a science student; my undergraduate major was in transportation engineering. Despite this, I have always harbored a deep fascination with the gaming industry, particularly game art.

In 2003, I got my first computer. My cousin brought over “Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos,” introducing me to the allure of video games. I was amazed by the world of gaming and curious about the kind of genius it took to create such works.

In 2012, I was admitted to one of the best high schools in my hometown and got a brand-new computer equipped with a GTX570. That summer, I was engrossed in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” acclaimed as the best game in the world.

After university, I initially planned to continue my studies in the United States, but the pandemic hindered those plans. Unwilling to give up on my dream of studying art, I switched to learning Japanese, preparing to apply to art schools in Japan. Unfortunately, the pandemic also impacted my Japanese language exams, preventing me from proceeding as planned. After several setbacks, I resolved to devote myself entirely to game art, determined to pursue it no matter what. Starting from scratch, I gathered information on social media, sought advice from industry veterans, and committed countless hours to learning game art. After completing my portfolio, I attended industry expos like GDC and Lightbox, seeking networking opportunities to increase my chances of success.

On May 10, 2024, I achieved the goal I had set for myself, becoming one of the “geniuses” I admired and receiving an offer from Bethesda Game Studios, thus beginning the career I had dreamed of since childhood.

I believe that luck is a necessary element for success. Along the way, I was incredibly fortunate to meet various people who helped me immensely. My love for comics, animation, and soccer shaped me, reinforcing my belief that with intense desire and correct effort, anything is possible. I am profoundly grateful for this, especially for the support of my parents and brother, who enabled me to pursue and fulfill my childhood dreams.

I am convinced that luck can be found through strategy and effort. To seize every bit of luck in life, one needs a strong desire to drive their actions. Whether it’s entering a AAA game company, excelling in illustration, 3D character creation, or game design, it is essential to continually improve one’s skills and aesthetics, manage personal IP effectively, establish social connections, and persistently strive for success.

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?
During my grad school days, San Francisco became my sanctuary, particularly Reyes Point, a quiet spot ideal for escaping the hustle. When my friend visits, I plan to share this retreat with him.

We’ll start our day early, leaving the city behind for the serene views of the coast. The drive itself will transition from urban scenes to the calming blues of the ocean and lush landscapes. The salty breeze through our windows will hint at the peaceful experience ahead.

Once there, we’ll walk along the coastal path, finding a spot on the rocks to relax. Surrounded by the sound of crashing waves and the scent of seawater, we’ll enjoy the simplicity of being in nature, free from daily stresses and comparisons.

As the day ends, we’ll watch the sunset, feeling our worries dissolve into the scenic view. This visit to Reyes Point will not only show my friend a different side of San Francisco but also deepen our bond in a setting that’s a rare break from life’s chaos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, I want to give a shoutout to my parents and younger brother. My parents have supported me unconditionally, providing both emotional love and financial support. Without their nurturing, correct guidance, and selfless dedication, I could never have achieved my childhood dream job.

The mentors who have greatly helped me reach this position and this interview include Crazy JN, Zhelong Xu, Johnny Xiao, and Simon Lee. Crazy JN opened my eyes to the possibilities and space for artistic creation using 3D, establishing my interest in 3D and helping me master the fundamental software.
Zhelong Xu and Johnny Xiao further helped me level up, significantly enhancing my understanding of art and aesthetics, as well as the standards needed in the gaming industry, shaping my good eye.
Simon Lee helped me from a spiritual perspective to rediscover what I want and the kind of artist I aspire to be. He shifted my focus from solely technical aspects to a desire to create works that truly move people.

At Bethesda Game Studios, my colleagues Martin, Jessica, Scott, and Ennissa have trusted and given me opportunities, making me one of the employees at the best game studio in the world, for which I am forever grateful.

Lastly, the manga series One Piece and Bakuman have touched me deeply and never fail to reignite my motivation and resolve to achieve my dreams whenever I feel lost.

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

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltw406/

Image Credits
Tingwei Liu