Meet Wenjie Wu | CG Artist

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

Hi Wenjie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a very young age, I was fascinated by computers and technology. My curiosity led me to explore various computer-related activities, and at the age of 8, I stumbled upon Adobe Photoshop. Initially, I thought it was a video game and couldn’t help but play around with it. This early exposure sparked my interest in digital art and creativity.
My true passion for computer graphics (CG) ignited when I watched Disney’s film “Tangled.” The film’s stunning realism, convincing textures, and gorgeous lighting left a profound impact on me. I was moved by how those tiny details contributed to a believable and enchanting story. It was at that moment I realized the immense potential of CG in storytelling and visual arts.
My love for CG only deepened when I joined art school and began learning it as my profession. The experience of blending art and technology was exhilarating. I found immense joy in the “chemical reaction” between creative expression and technical skill, which solidified my decision to pursue a career in this dynamic and fantastic field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a tapestry of magical elements, dramatic light, vibrant colors, and whimsical atmospheres. What sets my work apart is its intricate blend of artistic and technical complexity, meticulously crafted to evoke deep emotions and transport viewers to fantastical realms.
One of my proudest achievements is the animated short film “RenaiDance,” which I created at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Leading the CG part of this collaborative project and watching it come to life was an enriching experience.
My journey began with a love for exploring different software at a very young age. This passion was further refined during my internship at Disney, which shaped my artistic goals towards storytelling and creating emotionally engaging work. Art school was pivotal, teaching me how to merge art with technology seamlessly.
The path to where I am today was filled with challenges, from technical hurdles to moments of self-doubt. Overcoming these obstacles required persistence, continuous learning, and the support of mentors. I immersed myself in tutorials to continually improve my skills, explored the world to train my eyes to see and feel life’s sparkling moments, and connected with other artists to learn from their stories. These experiences taught me the invaluable lessons of resilience and passion.
I want the world to know that my brand is built on dedication and the joy of creation. My story is about pursuing a dream, facing challenges head-on, and celebrating the beauty of life through art.

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?
If my best friend were visiting, I would start by taking them to the Huntington Library. This place is a treasure trove of inspiration with its beautifully designed gardens and diverse cultural exhibits. Walking through the various themed gardens allows us to explore the beauty of different cultures and find peace in the lush surroundings.

Next, we’d embark on a trip to national parks like Zion and Sequoia. The views from the mountaintops in these parks are surreal and awe-inspiring. Standing at the peaks, surrounded by nature’s grandeur, offers a sense of peace and perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my dad. When I was in primary school, he bought me a tutorial book on Macromedia Flash. That book was my first introduction to the world of animation made with computers. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating animated stories and set me on the path to discovering my passion for CG animation.
I also want to mention all the Disney and Pixar animated features I watched during high school. These films not only fueled my passion for CG but also had a significant impact on my personal growth. The heartfelt stories and beautifully crafted animations helped shape my character, making me a stronger and more thoughtful person. Additionally, these films taught me to recognize and appreciate the beauty of life, which continues to inspire my work.

Website: https://www.wenjie.art/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenjie-wu-a0a54b185/

Image Credits
Wenjie Wu