We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jude (Jongwook) Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jude (Jongwook), so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose has always been to turn what I love into my profession. Recognizing that a significant portion of my life would be spent working, I understood that genuine happiness arises from engaging in activities I love and can fully immerse myself in. Consequently, I decided to pursue creation—a passion I’ve harbored since childhood. However, pinpointing exactly what to create was challenging and required rediscovery.
Through my previous jobs as a fashion designer, an online store entrepreneur, a sales assistant, and a game designer, I discovered that what I thought I could enjoy didn’t always sustain my passion over time for these jobs. Now, working as a 3D environment artist, I find immense joy in this job, because I’ve come to realize that I can continue to love what I do and maintain passion for this role.
Reflecting on my journey so far, it’s been about discovering what I truly love and finding ways to grow through it. This process has constantly posed the question: can I continue to evolve and thrive in what I love?
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, my name is Jude(Jongwook) Lee. I’m a 3D environment artist for video games at Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts.
An environment artist primarily creates all the background objects visible around characters in a game. I help players become more immersed in the game by making the terrain, buildings, and props fit the game’s concept. My job is also to convey storytelling with all the assets mentioned above and create spaces and paths for gameplay.
I think storytelling as an environment artist is both fun and difficult. It is an area that expresses 3D space, atmosphere, and mood, not through text or explanation, so artistic skills are needed.
In addition, optimization techniques are essential because game development includes interactive elements, unlike movies and dramas. Therefore, my work covers both artistic and technical aspects. Lastly, I believe that environment artists provide users with a virtual playground that does not exist in real life. I feel proud seeing players running around, playing in the environments I created.
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?
As a 3D artist, the most impactful aspect of my journey has been my tendency not to easily be satisfied with the results of my work. Throughout my experience, even when I initially thought I had completed a project perfectly, I often found room for improvement. For example, haven’t you experienced looking at a piece of work the next day that you thought was complete, only to find aspects of it unsatisfactory?
Secondly, I’ve learned not to fear receiving feedback. During my student years, I noticed many artists who were uncomfortable with critiques. However, stepping away from your repetitive creations and embracing perspectives that others offer is crucial. It helps me elevate my work to the next level and fosters personal growth.
Lastly, it’s about going beyond just seeing a lot of good artwork and instead, analyzing and applying it. As the saying goes, “You can see as much as you know.” Understanding requires not only extensive observation but also analyzing why something appears appealing and studying it. This process is crucial for internalizing it as one’s own.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents tended to be conservative and strict. They didn’t readily buy me things I wanted, but they were supportive when it came to what I wanted to learn and the books I wanted to read. Under their support, I had various experiences from a young age. For instance, I explored music, sports, arts and crafts, performances, and different cultures. These early experiences seem to have made me open to new challenges today. Furthermore, I believe these childhood experiences are helping me maintain my creativity now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://judelee.artstation.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jude.lee.737
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-lee-jongwook-8332aa181/
Image Credits
Jude (Jongwook) Lee
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