Meet Ryckie Bian

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryckie Bian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryckie, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I believe my work ethic stems from two main sources. The first is my upbringing. My parents, though they work in ordinary professions unrelated to art, have always approached their work with a strong sense of responsibility and dedication. Their commitment to doing their best, no matter the field, has had a profound impact on me and taught me the value of hard work and integrity.

The second influence comes from the artists I admire. Many of them have not only developed distinct personal styles but have also remained true to their vision, regardless of external pressures. I find this incredibly inspiring. I believe that to create impactful work, it’s essential to cultivate a unique voice and maintain the confidence to stay true to oneself. These principles have become a cornerstone of my approach to both art and life.

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?

I’m currently a student at ArtCenter College of Design (ACCD), majoring in Concept Art. My field of study involves creating visual designs for films, games, and animations. In terms of my career goals, I aspire to work in visual development for feature animation.

I’ve always been deeply inspired by animated films with imaginative and fantastical storytelling—they’ve been a significant part of my life since childhood. These films have not only entertained me but also shaped my creative perspective. Now, I hope to contribute to the creation of such works, aiming to inspire the next generation in the same way.

What draws me to animation, as opposed to live-action films or games, is its incredible flexibility as a medium. Animation allows for a broader range of artistic styles and experimentation, giving artists like me the freedom to explore and push creative boundaries. This innovation potential is what excites me most about pursuing a career in visual development for animation.

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?

First and foremost, the ability to teach oneself is crucial. Unlike some other disciplines, art doesn’t always come with step-by-step guidance from a teacher. A lot of the time, you have to figure things out on your own—experimenting, practicing, and learning through trial and error. Self-motivation and a proactive approach to learning are vital for growth.

Secondly, attention to detail is incredibly important. Being observant and capturing small, everyday moments can often spark inspiration for future projects. For example, the idea for my current graduation project came from a simple moment when I was taking food out of the fridge. Those little details in life can become the foundation for something much bigger.

Lastly, patience is necessary. Art is not something that yields immediate results; it requires consistent effort and time to see progress. It’s easy to feel discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away, but giving up too soon means you might miss the breakthrough you’ve been working toward. Persistence and a long-term mindset are what ultimately lead to growth and success in this field.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Currently, my biggest challenge is finding a job. The industry is going through a tough phase due to the impact of AI, among other factors. Many well-known studios have been laying off a significant number of employees, which has made it extremely difficult for recent graduates like me to secure positions.

On top of that, my artistic style isn’t particularly commercial, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While I’m proud of my unique approach, I realize it might not align perfectly with what some studios are looking for right now. This has been a source of concern for me, but I’m trying to stay proactive by continuing to refine my skills, expand my portfolio, and explore opportunities that value individuality and creativity. It’s a challenging time, but I’m determined to push through and find a path that allows me to grow as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rbian.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryckie_bian/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryckie-bian-ba6817244/
• Other: https://www.artstation.com/twentylll

Image Credits

made by Ryckie Bian