Meet Vidhi Bansal | Real Time 3D Visualizer and World Builder- Aspiring Art Director

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

Hi Vidhi, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your journey so far?
I think summoning the courage to pivot from conventional architectural practice to pursue my passion was the most daunting decision in my path. It entailed leaving the comfort of home and a stable career to venture to a foreign land, aiming to establish myself in an industry known for its unforgiving nature. Moreover, competing with seasoned industry experts who had dedicated years to honing their craft was undeniably intimidating.

The initial months post-graduation were marked by stress and uncertainty. I reached out to every potential employer in the field, tirelessly advocating for myself, yet received minimal responses and battled constant self-doubt due to the relentless rejections. Earlier this year, the entertainment industry was hit by strikes, significantly impacting my work prospects. The job pool shrunk to a mere fraction of its usual size, leaving me with the sense of starting anew and broadening my network beyond the entertainment sector. This transition brought along a fresh wave of self-doubt and turmoil.

However, despite these formidable challenges, I firmly believe that every hardship has been a worthwhile part of my journey. I have had the pleasure of working with some exceptionally talented creatives and designers, and the exposure has meant the world to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a real-time 3D artist, which means that I specialize in the art of crafting and directing immersive worlds using real-time game engines, with a particular focus on Unreal Engine. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of designing captivating worlds for entertainment productions collaborating with renowned brands such as FIFA, Tommy Hilfiger, Red Bull, Usher, and many more. Additionally, I’ve lent my creative expertise to the realm of animations and motion graphics, contributing my talents to projects for respected names like Marvel Snap, Grounded, Xbox, and Samsung.

I moved to the US to pursue a course in animation technology and video graphics, colloquially termed “Fiction and Entertainment’ from SCI-Arc. While pursuing my masters, I met the most exceptional people and was mentored by some brilliant creatives. I built a network within the industry and this led me to gain some invaluable exposure to build a portfolio tailored for the industry.

Switching from a regular architecture job to follow my passion was a big, scary move. I had to leave my comfy life and dive into a tough industry in a foreign place. I was up against pros who had been at it for years – pretty intimidating, to be honest.

Right after graduation, I was super stressed and unsure. I tried hard to get a job, but I got few responses, and it really messed with my self-confidence. Then, earlier this year, the entertainment industry went through some rough times, making my job hunt even harder.

Despite all these challenges, I truly think every tough moment has been worth it. I’ve had the chance to work with some incredibly talented folks, and it’s been an amazing experience.

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.
I’d kick off by immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Arts District and the adjacent Little Tokyo in DTLA. The Arts District is a creative hub where inspiration blooms on every street corner. Don’t miss the hidden speakeasies and bars, such as well-kept secrets waiting to be uncovered. For a caffeine fix, The Bread Lounge and Zinc cafes are absolute must-visits!

Craving a bowl of mouthwatering ramen? Look no further than Rakkan Ramen, one of my all-time favorites. And, while you’re in the neighborhood, explore the captivating galleries and unique boutiques like Hauser and Wirth, Venus Over, and Night Gallery.

During my time in Los Feliz, just a stone’s throw from Silverlake, I reveled in the neighborhood’s rich culture. Vintage stores, art studios, and ceramics workshops make for a perfect day of creative exploration. When it comes to coffee, Los Feliz takes the crown, and I have a soft spot for a charming little place called Maru Coffee up on Vermont Avenue.

But the artistic adventure doesn’t end there. Los Angeles offers a wealth of exciting spots to mingle with fellow creatives. Pay a visit to LACMA, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Gallery Row in DTLA, and explore galleries like MAMA and Vellum LA. The city teems with day events designed for networking and creative exchanges, ensuring there’s always an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I still have a few roadblocks I would like to cross before I can term my journey a complete success, but there have definitely been multiple mentors backing my journey so far. I would love to dedicate this shout out first to my family, especially my mom, dad and sister. They have been so supportive of all of my career decisions so far- I couldn’t have summoned the courage to get here if it weren’t for them. I would also love to shout out to my faculty and mentors at SCI-Arc’s Fiction and Entertainment course which paved the way for my entry into this industry, equipping me with the appropriate skillset and acumen necessary to brave the daunting industry.

Website: www.vidhibansal.com

Instagram: vid_hi_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vidhibansal21

Other: Artstation- www.artstation.com/vidhibansal21