Meet Zora Fu | Environment Artist

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

Hi Zora, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that risk inspires change, and it is important to take risks if we hope to gain different experiences and perspectives in life. I used to be afraid of taking risks and lacking control. However, deciding to study in the United States three years ago, granted me the opportunity to gain new knowledge, make new friends, experience and exchange cultures, and see new sights. This has all affected me, my works, my career path, and even my overall thoughts and life goals. I think it is important to enjoy the thrill of risk and experience the gifts of the unknown.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an environment artist who focuses on game art, which includes real-time environments, cinematic renders, and virtual production workflows, all brought together in Unreal Engine. My skills include modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, set dressing, compositing and look development. One of the things that I am most proud of has been receiving the Finalist and Draft Selection rewards in The Rookies Awards of 2023. My entry received over 4,500 views on their website and was even shared by the contest holders on Instagram. I also received an “A” rank for the quality of my submission. My work has also been chosen to be displayed at the Gnomon 2023 Student Gallery and 2023 Student Reel.

Before my success at Gnomon, back in Taiwan, my graduation project received the 3D Animation Merit Award in the 2020 Vision Get Wild Awards and also received multiple nominations. My work was also nominated in the 2021 Bahamut ACG 3D Animation Competition. Furthermore, I was invited to present my work in Taiwan’s original animation concert, and to be interviewed by INCG Media. In addition, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for Kadokawa’s Taiwanese subsidiary.

One of the things that sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to face challenges in order to achieve my artistic goals. Even if a problem takes time and energy, I will analyze it and find the most efficient and suitable way to solve it.

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?
Firstly, I would definitely take my friends to visit my school. Gnomon is an excellent visual effects school. The teachers and students are very friendly, creative, and inspiring. Secondly, for those who are visiting Hollywood for the first time, I suggest you come and see the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Wax Museum, etc. I also recommend visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to view the beautiful work, experience the atmosphere of Pasadena, visit famous schools such as USC, UCLA, and Caltech, taste the food in Koreatown, shop at Century City Mall, The Grove shopping center, and malls in Beverly Hills, and come to Santa Monica Beach to experience the seaside atmosphere. I would also recommend visiting the Last book store in DownTown Los Angeles, check out the Angels Flight Railway, walk around the famous food court in the Grand Central Market, take photos at The Broad, and explore the atmosphere of Thai Town and Japan Town. Los Angeles will definitely provide a rich experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think my mother deserves the most credit. My mother always supported me unconditionally while I pursued my dreams and allowed me to devote my time and energy to the things that I thought were important on the path that I chose. I owe everything, including this interview, to my mother. She gave me the courage to pursue success, while also encouraging me to create happy memories and experience the small beauties in life. Her teachings are precious to me.

Website: https://www.zoraskyfu.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zoraaart