Meet Zhaochen Wu | Concept Artist

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

Hi Zhaochen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up in an art-loving family, my passion for art and creativity was deeply ingrained. From a very young age, I was exposed to the enchanting world of art through vividly illustrated books, which ignited my imagination and fueled my desire to create my own stories. Recognizing my artistic inclination, my mother gifted me my first set of crayons, and I immersed myself in drawing on any available surface.

However, it was when I watched The Lord of The Rings that I immediately felt drawn to the beautiful world that was so believable and alive. This work has been the most influential in my life and has inspired me to create such worlds with my own hands.

Motivated by this passion, I pursued an artistic or creative career. This journey, shaped by influential experiences and a supportive family, has allowed me to express my creativity and share my unique narratives with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an environment concept artist, my role involves creating immersive and authentic environment design for gameplay and storytelling. I focus on building lived-in spaces that evoke emotion. I particularly enjoy constructing fictional cultures, considering their environment, resources, technology, and beliefs. Additionally, I have a passion for graphic design, incorporating elements like magic sigils, clan symbols, and storytelling murals to enhance believability.

However, my journey hasn’t been without challenges. When I was younger, I often felt like an outsider among my classmates due to my world-building passion, leading to occasional loneliness. However, since entering college, I’ve connected with like-minded individuals who share my interests. Now, I have the joy of engaging in conversations about the worlds we’ve created, fulfilling a long-held dream.

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 would say that Griffith Observatory is a must-see attraction. It is a beautiful planetarium where you can witness the wonders of the night sky. There are also exciting shows you can enjoy throughout the day. Additionally, the observatory has an impressive collection of space and science-related exhibits that are both educational and fascinating.

As a book lover, I’d like to recommend The Last Bookstore. Being California’s largest bookstore for both used and new books and records, it’s a literal paradise for book and music enthusiasts. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest. Moreover, there are beautiful decorations made entirely of books that add to the unique ambiance.

Little Tokyo is also a great place to explore for food and drinks. There are some unique Japanese book and model stores that are worth checking out. Additionally, celebration events are held from time to time in this area, so be sure not to miss out on those.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alongside my supportive parents and friends, I want to give a special shoutout to my mentor, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my path. When I faced uncertainty about my future, he encouraged me to pursue my current goals wholeheartedly and push my limits. He also instilled in me the value of finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday life, a belief that still guides me today. I am grateful for his wisdom and encouragement, which have had a profound impact on my journey.

Website: https://vincentwuart.com

Instagram: @vincent_zhaochenwu

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