We were lucky to catch up with Liuyazi (Arya) Hou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Liuyazi (Arya), we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
For me, the most transformative form of self-care is allowing, giving space for whatever arises within me to move through, without judgment. Often, this takes the form of meditative presence or intuitive dance, which flows directly into my creative process. This practice not only nourishes my emotional well-being but also fuels authentic, original work, whether I’m sculpting personal pieces or crafting narratives for games.
A powerful example is my sculpture Story of the Transformation, born after two years of upheaval in both life and industry. It features six figures, each one a form of the same character, I named Annn, embodying stages of grief and metamorphosis: denial, losing mind, unbinding entanglement, searching, fabric weaving, and finally, ascension through integration.
The first version of Annn emerged in March 2024, on a day filled with loss. My flagship projects had been canceled, and my sense of identity collapsed. I was dancing to a piece called Find the Melody, until I felt the energy settle into my body. Then, without plans or references, I let the clay take shape. A figure formed: faceless, boxed in, yet still offering roses to the world.
By March 2025, Annn had a face. Through months of stillness and reflection, my personal art voice grew clearer than ever. For years, I’d prioritized technical skills to meet industry standards, building a strong resume but neglecting my inner world. I used to fear that my edgier, more personal taste might limit my opportunities, but I’ve learned that embracing my true voice is where my deepest creative power lives.
In June, my birthday month, I committed to closing that chapter of grief. I danced, sculpted, and let authenticity lead. I couldn’t name every stage, but the sculpture revealed what words couldn’t express.
When the sculpture was complete, I named her “安” (Annn), meaning tranquility. She now stands as a symbol of integration, moving forward with grace and confidence.
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?
I’m a Senior Concept Artist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry, specializing in creature, character design, and world-building for AAA, VR, console, and mobile titles. I’ve worked with companies like Meta, Ready At Dawn, and Tencent on projects such as Lone Echo II, Echo Combat, Legendary Game of Heroes, and Dragon Oath, supporting both Eastern and Western mainstream audiences, cultivating versatility in my designs.
Outside of games, I’m passionate about contemporary art and clay sculpting. My personal work explores bizarre, mystical, surreal, and fantastical themes, often inspired by lived experience, emotional states, and dance. I use movement to infuse my sculptures with dynamic energy and emotion. My works have been featured in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and exhibited at the Tokyo International Art Fair.
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?
Curiosity, openness, and resilience have been the most impactful qualities in my journey. They helped me discover my individuality, especially during uncertain times.
Everyone is shaped by life in different ways; we’re like seeds growing into very different plants. Some bloom quickly, others take years to become towering trees. Don’t compare your growth to others’. Instead, stay curious and open to exploring your unique path, and be resilient enough to keep going even when clarity hasn’t come yet. Trust that with time, patience, and presence, you’ll discover what kind of plant you truly are.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been self-acceptance. I used to judge myself harshly, but by practicing allowing, especially this past year, I’ve become more at peace with my choices and more fulfilled by the art I create. This shift brought greater flow and presence into my creative process, and I’ve come to love the freedom of simply discovering life as it unfolds.
One practice that’s helped me is spending time alone in a quiet room. I close my eyes, move freely, and make sounds, not to look professional, but to explore what’s alive in me. Is my body tense or loose? Is my voice soft, angry, or sad? These subtle discoveries express what words can’t, and they’ve become essential ingredients in my art.
I encourage others to try this; it’s a powerful way to connect with your inner truth and let it shape your creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.level2048.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level2048/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryahou
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
