Meet Xiaorui Zhong | 3D artist

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

Hi xiaorui, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One of the key habits that helped me succeed as an artist is maintaining a strong sense of ambition—sustaining a long-lasting passion for artistic creation. Early in my career and during my student years, I was constantly producing personal work and refining my artistic style. However, as I became more established in the industry and took on greater responsibilities, I noticed that many artists gradually stop developing their personal style. To counter this, I made it a habit to dedicate time to personal art, even during busy periods. For instance, when I created the artwork linked here https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xDw2WY. I was working long hours at my job and often came home exhausted. Living in Seattle, where daylight is scarce during certain seasons, added to the challenge. Still, I committed to spending at least two hours each day on personal projects, recognizing that skipping even one day could weaken my discipline. This consistency has been crucial in maintaining my creative momentum.
Another habit that has greatly contributed to my growth is keen observation. As an artist, drawing inspiration from the real world is invaluable. When working on a dragon design inspired by Western mythology, I made a point to study real reptiles, particularly lizards, instead of relying solely on online image libraries. I often visited a friend who owned a pet gecko, observing its anatomy and movement firsthand. This practice helped refine my sculpting and ensured that my interpretation of the creature felt grounded in reality. With the increasing presence of AI-generated images in reference databases, the ability to observe and document the real world has become even more important. To strengthen this habit, I always carry a sketchbook, allowing me to capture interesting details from my surroundings. This not only enriches my artistic practice but also ensures that my references are authentic and uniquely personal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a 3D Artist specializing in creating high-quality digital sculptures. I have contributed to the development of several award-winning AAA games such as Halo Infinite, Forza Motorsport, and Phantom Blade Zero. I was tasked with creating environment art for these games. This is a particularly important aspect of a video game’s development as it affects how characters are placed in the scene so that the intended narrative is properly relayed.
My artwork adds realism and depth to these videogames, further contributing to the story development and gameplay interactivity, and thereby directly affecting how the players experience the world inhabited by the characters.
In addition to working on a highly acclaimed video games, I also create my own personal projects that have been recognized with prestigious industry awards such as a Premier Artist Prize and a Persona Art Honours by Contemporary Art Station. Additionally, my work has been exhibited at high profile events and venues and viewed by a vast audience. My work was chosen to be featured at the prestigious Red Dot Miami art fair, and I was one of only 10 artists selected to be featured at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) Showcase. Furthermore, I presented by work at the renowned Lightbox Expo and was selected by the organization’s Advisory Council as an expert panelist on “Silhouette, Structure, and Lighting: 3A Game Environment Art.”
I am extremely proud of the impact I have made on the successful video game productions I have worked on, as well as the recognition I have received from prestigious institutions in the art industry. Having these organizations honor and seek out my work is an incredible achievement that I have worked extremely hard for.
As I mentioned earlier, breaking into this industry and becoming a professional is not an easy journey. The biggest challenge is dedicating enough time to practice and, more importantly, exploring my own artistic style. Perhaps contrary to what outsiders might think, mastering techniques and skills is not the most critical aspect of an artist’s career. In my opinion, understanding oneself is far more important—and takes even more time.
In today’s information-rich era, it’s incredibly easy to find tutorials online or learn skills by imitating others. However, the downside is that beginners often become reliant on their instructors’ aesthetics, adopting mainstream preferences without truly questioning their own artistic vision. Many end up thinking, “Oh, this is what I want; this is my style.” But in reality, developing a personal style requires time and experimentation.
It’s crucial to explore different themes and approaches when creating personal work. Failing multiple times is not something to be ashamed of. As I said, this field demands both time and patience. Keep asking yourself: What do I truly think? What do I really want to express?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love animals, and I have a fluffy little buddy at home (check out the pic!). There’s just something about round, fuzzy animals that I find absolutely adorable. That’s why I’d love to visit the **Los Angeles Zoo** and **Aquarium of the Pacific** with my friends—it sounds like the perfect way to spend a day!

Morning at the Zoo
We’d start our day with breakfast at **The Trails Café**, a cozy spot near the zoo known for its avocado toast and homemade pastries. After fueling up, we’d head straight to the zoo.

Once inside, our first stop would be some of the zoo’s most iconic animals—**snow leopards, koalas, and giraffes**. I especially love koalas; watching them hug tree trunks is just the cutest thing ever. Of course, we wouldn’t skip the **Reptile House**, where we’d check out all kinds of fascinating snakes, lizards, and turtles. I’m also really looking forward to visiting the **Gorilla Reserve**—I find it so interesting to see how intelligent and social these amazing creatures are.

Lunchtime
By midday, we’d grab lunch at **Reggie’s Bistro** inside the zoo. Their signature burgers and fresh fruit salads sound like a great pick. But if we want something more casual, we could pack some sandwiches and fresh fruit and enjoy a picnic in one of the zoo’s outdoor areas.

Afternoon Adventures
After lunch, we’d stop by the **Children’s Zoo**, where we could feed and pet small animals like goats and bunnies—nothing beats interacting with animals up close! Then, we’d check out the **Elephants of Asia** exhibit. If we’re lucky, we might even catch the keepers giving the elephants a bath, which would be such a cool experience.

A Separate Day for the Aquarium
I’d actually recommend setting aside an entire day just for the **Aquarium of the Pacific**—it’s worth it! We’d get to see **massive jellyfish, colorful tropical fish, and, of course, the adorable sea otters** (I love them because they’re so fluffy! and they use their little hands to hold food to eat). The sea lion and penguin feeding sessions would also be a must-see.

And if you’re an artist like me, I highly recommend bringing a sketchbook. Watching marine life up close is so inspiring, and doing some quick sketches of these beautiful creatures would make the visit even more special.

Ending the Day by the Ocean
After an amazing day, we’d wrap things up with a delicious seafood dinner by the **Santa Monica Pier**. **The Albright** is a great spot—its grilled lobster and fish & chips are a must-try! We’d sit by the ocean, feel the breeze, and watch the sunset slowly dip into the water—a perfect way to end a fun and unforgettable trip.

This zoo + aquarium adventure wouldn’t just be about enjoying cute animals—it’d also be a great way to learn more about different species and their habitats. I can’t wait to have this experience with my friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to thank my family for their support and encouragement in pursuing my education and choosing a profession I love. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to complete my 4 years college.

I also want to express my gratitude to my first3D modeling professor, Martin, whom I met in my sophomore year. He gave me a great start in this field. When I first began studying 3D modeling, I had no idea that I might actually be good at it. I lacked confidence, and as an international student in my second year in the U.S. my English wasn’t great yet. I often struggled to understand lectures, which made learning even more challenging.

But Martin was a dedicated and responsible professor. He was always willing to stay after class to answer my questions and encouraged me to take on challenging projects that pushed my limits. That kind of support is incredibly important for a beginner.

Throughout my career, many people have influenced me at key moments—whether it was when I was just entering the industry or when I was adjusting to a new company. Their impact has been profound because they taught me how to help and support others in the industry. They showed me the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where people lift each other up—because that’s how great work is created. Now that I’ve become a team leader, I want to carry these values forward and share them with my colleagues.

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

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