We were lucky to catch up with Gen Li recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gen, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Navigating the turbulent waters of the creative industry, I’ve learned that burnout is a formidable adversary. In my role as a senior FX artist, I’ve discovered the art of balancing my workload, carefully tending to time management, and preserving a work-life equilibrium. It’s about embracing the chaos of the VFX world while ensuring I don’t lose myself in it. Chatting with fellow creatives, harnessing the power of passion projects, and even occasionally rebelling against work emails during my precious off-hours have all been part of my journey. Burnout is like a sneaky monster lurking in the shadows, and recognizing its lurking signs early and tackling it head-on is the secret to a long and vibrant career in this exhilarating, albeit demanding, field of visual effects.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Gen is currently a VFX Artist working at FuseFX New York, and he has been in feature film/TV series post-production for more than five years. He was born and raised in China, where he developed a passion for art and technology from an early age. This passion led him to pursue a career in visual effects. He earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which provided him with a solid foundation in the technical and artistic aspects of visual effects. Over the years, He has had the privilege of contributing his skills and expertise to several well-known American TV shows. Notable projects include “The Changeling,” “American Horror Story,” and “The Diplomat.” He also had a chance working with Turn10 Studios partnered with Microsoft creating their latest iconic racing game “Forza Motorsports”. His skills are in various areas of visual effects, including compositing, 3D rendering, FX simulation, and lighting in real-time game engines.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey as a seasoned FX sorcerer, I’ve conjured up three mystical qualities that have been my most potent spells: the art of technical wizardry, a cauldron of creativity and problem-solving potions, and the gift of fluent communication and collaboration incantations. For fledgling magicians just starting their quest, I’d offer a few magical scrolls of wisdom. Keep your crystal ball of curiosity polished, as it’s the key to unlocking your true potential. Connect with other enchanters through mystical gatherings and wizardly mentors who can reveal the hidden paths in this enchanted forest. Maintain a grimoire, a portfolio of your most enchanting work, filled with spells that dazzle and captivate. Never shy away from the spellbinding critiques that help you grow, and seek guidance from the wise elders of the art. Persist in your quest, for the journey is like an epic adventure, with each challenge bringing you closer to mastery. As the sands of time shift, always keep your spellbook updated with the latest incantations, and let your passion be the fire that fuels your magical journey through the realms of visual effects. Remember, the magical journey is as enchanting as the destination!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
As a senior FX artist in the ever-evolving world of feature films and TV series, one of the top challenges I currently face is a writer’s strike affecting the entertainment industry. To adapt to this situation, I’ve been actively participating in internal creative discussions and brainstorming sessions with my team. We’re exploring alternative narratives and visual effects approaches to ensure that the projects continue to progress even amidst the strike. Additionally, I’m using this period to engage in personal creative projects and experiment with new techniques and styles. While the strike presents a unique obstacle, it’s also an opportunity for us to flex our creative muscles, think outside the box, and develop innovative solutions to keep our projects on track.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://genlifx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muji_lee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genli20
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/genli20
Image Credits
Gen Li
