Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Fang.
Hi Nora, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! My name is Chenyu Fang, but you may refer to me as Nora Fang. I hail from Hangzhou, China, a beautiful city that is a popular destination for tourists. I have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and have since pursued further education to expand my knowledge. To that end, I enrolled in the ITGM program at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to pursue a Master’s degree in UX design, which focuses on interactive design and game development. However, during my studies, I realized that UX design was not my true passion. As a result, I shifted my focus toward game development.
During that period, I embarked on studying 3D software, an entirely new domain for me. I had no prior experience and lacked even basic knowledge about software such as Maya. As a result, it was an incredibly challenging time for me. Many of my classmates possessed several years of relevant experience and produced exceptional work, and as a result, I had to invest significant time and effort to keep up with them.
As I delved deeper into 3D knowledge, I discovered that creating realistic artwork was a particular passion of mine. This realization prompted me to pursue a second Master’s degree in Visual Effects at SCAD, where I had the privilege of working alongside remarkable faculty members and making wonderful new friends.
I recently graduated in January and was fortunate enough to receive an offer as a CFX artist from SPIN VFX. I am currently located in the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta and thoroughly enjoying my work on a daily basis, which primarily involves filmmaking.
In addition to my work in the VFX industry, I am also an avid teddy bear enthusiast. I love collecting teddy bears and dressing them up in little clothes. You may also notice that teddy bears feature prominently in many of my personal projects. Their charm and whimsy never cease to bring joy to my life. I simply cannot resist their adorable charm and cuteness!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One point that was just mentioned is that starting from scratch to learn various software programs can be tiring and sometimes requires staying up late to keep up with others’ progress.
Additionally, arriving in an unfamiliar environment, a new country, and living independently can present some challenges. Because English is not my native language, I need to spend more time understanding the content of lectures in school and asking others many questions. As a foreigner, there are many limitations to finding a job in the US after graduation, and many companies may directly exclude foreign applicants, causing a great deal of stress.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist in the VFX industry, my role involves creating visual effects for film and television shows. It is always rewarding to see my work on the big screen. Specifically, my job title is CFX Artist, and I specialize in CG grooming and hair/cloth simulation. For instance, CFX Artists are responsible for creating effects such as Doctor Strange’s cloak and all the realistic animals in movies such as The Lion King. While I may not have personally worked on these particular projects, I am passionate about this field and always strive to contribute my best work to each project.
I would like to emphasize that the VFX industry is a challenging field, and while many students may find it fascinating, it requires significant time and effort to succeed in. Additionally, the compensation may not be as competitive as other industries such as the gaming industry, even though artists in both fields possess comparable skill sets. This is because for VFX industry, an artist’s salary is not directly correlated to the box office performance of the project they worked on. It is important to note that passion and a deep love for the craft are crucial factors for achieving success and fulfillment in this industry.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I hail from Hangzhou, China, a picturesque city that is a favored tourist destination. While there isn’t much to say about my childhood, I consider myself a typical Chinese girl who is blessed to have a family that loves me. I must admit that I am not particularly skilled in math, which has had a negative impact on my overall grades in several important exams. As a result, when I was in primary high school, my mother suggested that I focus on studying art-related subjects. This wise decision turned out to be a significant boon for me, as it helped me gain admission into a better high school and eventually a nice university. I am grateful for my mother’s insight and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chenyufangnora.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-fang-170633195/
