Meet Rui huang

We recently connected with Rui Huang and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rui, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

This is a great question, as I often run into this issue when I’m aiming to make each new project better than the last. Sometimes, thinking about new concepts can leave me stuck. When this happens, I have a few go-to strategies to get the creative juices flowing again.
First off, I like to break down my big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes everything feel less overwhelming and helps me see my progress more clearly.
I also find that changing up my surroundings can do wonders for my creativity. Whether it’s a trip to a museum or just a different setting, a new environment can spark all kinds of ideas. I draw inspiration from everything—master’s oil paintings, sculptures, installations, or even architecture.
Lastly, chatting with friends and bouncing ideas around can be super helpful. Everyone sees things differently, and getting a fresh perspective can lead to those “aha” moments that push my designs to the next level.
These strategies help me break through creative blocks and ensure that my next work is always a step up from the last.

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?

My name is Rui Huang, and I am a digital artist specializing in animation, games, and commercials. I began my career as an environment concept artist in the gaming industry before expanding my focus to 3D design at BUCK. Established in 2004, BUCK is a globally recognized leader in the design industry, celebrated for its innovative approach and exceptional craftsmanship.
During my tenure at BUCK, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous commercial projects for prestigious clients such as Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, Airbnb, and FedEx, among others. For me, the most exhilarating aspect of being a 3D artist is the opportunity to transform 2D concept designs into the three-dimensional world. The process of adding realistic texturing and lighting not only brings the characters to life in a more tangible way but also enhances their presence in a seemingly real world. Achieving this level of detail and realism using my 3D skills always provides me with a profound sense of accomplishment.

In my downtime, I also dive into other creative projects like projection mapping and indie game development. Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-profile event hosted by USC Visions & Voices. I created animated projections that set the scene for the opening of the event, which were displayed during live performances by a concert pianist. The event was a huge success, and it was thrilling to see my work enhance such a dynamic setting.
Beyond projection mapping, developing meaningful and visually stunning games is another passion of mine. Along with my team at Funky Dango, we focus on creating thought-provoking games that challenge and engage players. Our previous game, “There You Are,” has garnered international acclaim, winning awards at prestigious events like the 2022 Games for Change Festival. This recognition has bolstered our excitement for our next project, “Lori,” a VR experience currently in development. “Lori” promises not only a unique visual design but also immersive storytelling and effective interactivity, shaping what we believe will be a memorable gaming experience.

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?

For me, the key qualities that make the biggest impact are a solid foundation in fine arts, boundless imagination and creativity, and a diverse skill set in both 2D and 3D design.
For those just starting out, I recommend first discovering what you truly love. Take time to explore and experiment with various skills and areas of knowledge. Once you find your passion, dedicate as much time as possible to honing your skills. Mastery takes time, practice, and a deep understanding of the fundamentals of each skill or area you pursue.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, my teammate and I are actively seeking collaborators for our game project, which we’re developing in our downtime. My teammate, a highly talented game designer from Naughty Dog, brings experience from a leading video game developer known for acclaimed series like “Crash Bandicoot,” “Uncharted,” and “The Last of Us.” We are looking for skilled 3D animators, modelers, and composers who are passionate about creating thought-provoking games in their spare time. If you’re interested in joining a team where great artistry leads to great works, please get in touch with us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ruihuangart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruihuang1126/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rui-huang-81a41315a/
• Twitter: @ruihuangdesign