Today we’d like to introduce you to Dian Yi.
Hi Dian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One of the most fulfilling experiences in my life has been the fusion of my personal interests with my academic journey and professional development. I’ve been an avid video game enthusiast since my early years, but it wasn’t merely about playing; I yearned to unravel the intricate tapestry of game development and understand how they impact players.
Driven by my deep curiosity, I chose to major in digital media technology at Xiamen University Malaysia for my bachelor’s degree. This program offered me a comprehensive and game-centric education, and in my senior year, I really broke into the game industry for the first time: I worked as a project management intern at NetEase Games for four months, and I had a better understanding of the pipeline and development process of game art. After completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Entertainment Technology at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This decision was motivated by my aspiration to dive into the American game industry and find my true career path. During my time there, I explored various facets of interactive media and eventually discovered my niche in 3D environment art. I was also lucky enough to secure my first position in the United States at one of EA studios – Respawn Entertainment as an environment art intern.
After obtaining my master’s degree, I joined ZeniMax Online Studios in Hunt Valley, Maryland, where I’m currently engaged in the development of an exciting yet-to-be-announced AAA game as a Technical Environment Artist. My journey has been a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and integrating them into one’s professional life.
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?
My journey into the game industry was a mix of challenges and triumphs. My undergraduate studies were rooted in engineering, equipping me with a strong foundation in game programming. However, I realized I lacked formal training in the artistic aspects, a gap I needed to bridge when I decided to shift gears at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Venturing into environment art was like starting from scratch. While I pursued art, I struggled with self-doubt, often feeling like I lagged behind peers with more experience. But I was determined to catch up. I put in the hours to grasp art theories and dedicated time to studying others’ artwork. Simultaneously, I improved my software skills through personal projects.
These efforts eventually paid off, reshaping my career path and helping me build a standout portfolio. My journey underscores the power of determination and the ability to adapt and learn, even in the face of challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I see myself as a passionate, self-driven, and inquisitive environment artist specializing in modeling, sculpting, texturing, and world-building for games. My work is about building up environmental storytelling and creating stunning game environments to enhance immersion for players.
In 2022, I completed my first job in the US at Respawn Entertainment, working on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which is a well-known and beloved AAA action game. I contributed to shippable environment art using Unreal Engine 4. Working along with art directors, level designers, etc. to develop game levels from blockouts to completion. I am so proud of what I’ve accomplished and learned from this project.
Now, my work content in ZeniMax Online Studios is biased towards the technical direction of environment art – I am mainly responsible for making some procedural modeling tools to help improve the efficiency of art asset production. It’s a great combination of my engineering background with my art skills – people who have both backgrounds are relatively rare these days. The game project I’m working on is still unannounced, but you can stay tuned.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Getting started is always the toughest part of any journey. When you’re determined to pursue your passion, the initial phase can feel bewildering and full of challenges. To those who are embarking on their own journeys, I’d like to offer some advice: start by cultivating the right mindset. Regardless of whether the path ahead seems clear or uncertain, stay true to your original intentions. Channel your passion into a driving force for progress, and set achievable short-term goals. These small victories pave the way for your ultimate triumph.
Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain self-confidence. Remember that everyone, even those with extensive experience, once started from scratch and honed their skills through continuous learning. When faced with setbacks, trust in your dedication and innate abilities. Importantly, don’t isolate yourself—embrace the wisdom of others and be open to learning. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on seemingly impossible challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth that extends far beyond your initial aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/dianyiecho
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/akumadian?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dian-yi-echo/
