Meet Candice Chou | CG Generalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candice Chou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candice, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Throughout my educational journey, I found myself continually drawn to artistic expression. The act of drawing never failed to captivate me, and the positive feedback I received from various individuals across different age groups—be it my parents, classmates, teachers, or even strangers—encouraged me to further explore my talents. As my drawings began to adorn not only my study books but also the class bulletin board, I found myself assuming roles such as arts and academics officer, entrusted by both teachers and peers to infuse creativity into various projects. The recognition our class received, along with the awards won, reinforced my belief in my creative abilities.

This conviction led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in communication design, recognizing that my passion lay in creative endeavors rather than conventional academic pursuits. Throughout my college years, I delved into a plethora of creative projects encompassing graphic design, motion design, and animation. Each project served as a canvas for me to experiment with diverse artistic ideas and techniques.

However, it was a particular advertisement produced by the Pokémon company that left an indelible impact on me. Witnessing the seamless integration of Pokémon characters into real-life scenarios, with CGI technology making the impossible seem achievable, sparked a newfound aspiration within me. I became determined to harness advanced techniques and pursue a Master’s degree in animation and visual effects abroad. My goal is to contribute to the creation of awe-inspiring artworks, pushing the boundaries of imagination and technology to produce captivating visual experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art primarily revolves around modeling, texturing, and look development. The pivotal moment when I recognized my proficiency in look development was when I received numerous compliments from esteemed individuals within the field. Moreover, my passion for digital art has always driven me to breathe life into my imagination through 3D models. Take, for instance, the project ‘Japanese Tabletop BBQ,’ where I aimed to create both new and used versions of the same model. While the model remained consistent, it was the texturing process that infused the narrative into the piece, which I found particularly exhilarating.

I believe that my key differentiator lies in my ability to find joy in the creative process. This enjoyment has propelled me forward professionally to where I am today. However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been instances where mastering a particular skill seemed effortless, only for me to realize that retention could be fleeting without consistent practice. To counter this, I’ve adopted a regimen of frequent review, ensuring that I revisit learned skills for at least six months to maintain proficiency. Additionally, I’ve embraced a mindset of continuous learning, always seeking out new techniques and tools. This adaptability has proven crucial, as advancements in software often introduce methods to enhance both the quality and efficiency of my artwork.

As graduation approaches, my aspiration is for my name to be synonymous with look development expertise. I hope that when individuals seek assistance in this area, they will readily think of me and be eager to collaborate on their projects.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Taiwanese myself, showcasing Atlanta to my visiting friend becomes a personal endeavor, blending my cultural roots with the city’s dynamic offerings. I would ensure they experience not only the vibrant atmosphere but also the flavors of home. We’d begin our days at a cozy Taiwanese bread store like “Taipei Bakery,” indulging in the comforting aroma of freshly baked pastries, a taste reminiscent of Taiwan. Later, we’d venture to “Taipei Cafe,” a haven for authentic Taiwanese cuisine, where dishes like beef noodle soup and bubble tea would transport us back to the streets of Taipei. These culinary adventures would serve as highlights amidst our exploration of Atlanta’s attractions, parks, and cultural landmarks. From downtown’s bustling energy to the tranquility of Piedmont Park, every step would be accompanied by the flavors of Taiwan. As we navigate the streets, my friend would discover that Atlanta’s culinary landscape mirrors its cultural diversity, with each meal offering a glimpse into my heritage. Together, we’d create lasting memories of our time together, where the tastes of Taiwan meet the vibrant tapestry of Atlanta’s offerings, a fusion of cultures and flavors that celebrate both my roots and the city I call home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the realm of Asian perceptions, pursuing a career in art and design often carries the stereotype of an unstable future and low income. Despite this, my parents generously invested in my education, supporting my decision to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to pursue a Master’s degree in Animation and Visual Effects. Their unwavering belief in me laid the foundation for my pursuit of this passion.

At SCAD, I was surrounded by a community of talented classmates and professors who pushed me to excel beyond my undergraduate achievements. Amidst my studies, one person stands out for profoundly influencing my future trajectory. Despite focusing on Animation during my undergraduate program, I realized that the pipeline I had learned was outdated. To catch up with the course schedule, I extensively utilized the academic resources hub, scheduling around five appointments per week to refine my projects with assistance from peer tutors.

During this time, I encountered Lorena Da Silva, whose expertise and teaching style left a lasting impression on me. Lorena, now a Surfacing Trainee at Dreamworks Animation, not only strengthened my fundamental knowledge of CG but also ignited my passion for look development. Though she may not have been aware, I secretly regarded her as my mentor. Today, I find myself in a similar role as a peer tutor at SCAD, assisting other students—a journey I never imagined possible.

These individuals, from my supportive parents to my inspiring peers and mentors like Lorena, have shaped my path and contributed immeasurably to my growth. I am forever grateful for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential.

Website: https://candicechou.com/

Instagram: candice.chouvfx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsinpingchou/

Image Credits
Feature Photo by Hsieh, Hsing-Chia