Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joon Ho Bang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joon Ho, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I’ve built my confidence and self-esteem by putting a lot of time into my personal projects. Even though these pursuits may not bring in immediate cash or be a big financial investment, I see them as crucial for self-realization. They help me figure out what I enjoy and the kind of person I want to become. The process of taking my own ideas from start to finish, all with my own hands, has been a major confidence booster for me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hey, I’m Joonho Bang. I currently work as an FX artist at The Mill. My primary focus revolves around 3D CG, specializing in crafting various CG effects like smoke, fire, explosions, liquid dynamics, and destruction. I also find joy in 3D character modeling, adding character effects such as cloth, muscle dynamics, and simulations. It’s a field I’m passionate about, and I love bringing visual elements to life through my work.
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, I believe three key aspects played a significant role. Firstly, understanding the data you’ve gathered is crucial. Your interests from a young age often shape your skills in our industry. For instance, those who grew up immersed in classic movies may have a unique perspective on film directing, while animation enthusiasts gain insights into character design and animation directing.
Secondly, being a versatile generalist is highly valued. While specializing in VFX is beneficial, there’s a growing demand for individuals who can handle various tasks. If you’re studying animation, it’s great to focus, but don’t limit yourself. Animators can explore beyond animation, and FX artists should delve into the entire process—from modeling to animation, lighting, and post-compositing.
Lastly, mastering essential tools is crucial for a CG artist. Tools like Maya, ZBrush, C4D, Houdini, Nuke, and various renderers are commonly used in U.S. studios. Even if these aren’t your primary tools, understanding their basic workflows enhances teamwork. This preparation goes a long way in a collaborative environment.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I’m currently grappling with the multitude of aspirations I have as a CG artist. Balancing proficiency in character modeling, FX art, design, and branding is a challenge. While my ambitions are high, time is limited, and there’s a considerable amount to learn. It can be frustrating to see my skills progressing at a slower pace than I’d like.
Someone once compared skill growth to stairs, with periods of stagnation followed by sudden leaps. Right now, it feels like I’m in a bit of a downturn. However, I’m trying to view this phase as an investment in my skills. The key is to approach it with the mindset that every moment contributes to my growth. Despite the challenges, I find solace in the fact that I genuinely enjoy this profession. I love what I do, and that’s what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joonhobang.com/
- Instagram: @aka_b.art (https://www.instagram.com/aka_b.art/), @by_b.art (https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joonhobang/
