Meet Joonho Bang | CG Artist

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

Hi Joonho, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My journey into the world of visual effects and animation was initially sparked by a childhood dream of working at Pixar. Although I find myself in the advertising industry today, I’m passionately committed to this creative career path because it offers me the freedom to express myself artistically. What I find truly captivating about this field is that it’s not just about corporate work; it often feels like an ongoing art project shared with friends. Instead of confining myself to a single niche, I appreciate the countless opportunities this industry offers, such as venturing into emerging technologies like AR, VR, and the metaverse. It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that keeps me inspired and motivated.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hello, I’m Joonho Bang, and I currently work as an FX artist at The Mill, specializing in creating 3D effects simulations like fire, explosion, smoke, liquid, and destruction. Additionally, I enjoy enhancing 3D characters by adding character effects such as cloth and muscle simulations.

My childhood dream was to become a cartoonist, but due to family circumstances that didn’t favor a career in cartooning, I ended up pursuing IT as a practical path to employment. I joined an IT company, but a trip to the cinema to watch a Pixar animation sparked a deep desire to be a part of creating such magic on screen. This curiosity led me to explore the world of visual effects (VFX).

With the support of my friend, Yongho, already studying at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), I was able to build a portfolio and secure admission to SCAD. At his suggestion, I decided to delve into Houdini, a software optimized for physics-based simulations like liquid, fire, smoke, explosions, and destruction. Houdini is known for its complexity, often requiring a strong grasp of coding and physics principles. However, mastering Houdini provides endless creative possibilities.

These days, I’ve developed a keen interest in character design, allowing me to fulfill my childhood dream of creating cartoons. By crafting characters, incorporating animations, and adding my FX expertise, I’ve discovered the joy of bringing these characters to life. During my personal time, I often immerse myself in crafting 3D animations featuring monster creatures reminiscent of the animations I cherished in films like ‘Monsters, Inc.’ These moments of creativity bring me immense happiness as they allow me to realize my dream of storytelling through art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since relocating to New York, I’ve found myself captivated by the charm of Jersey City, where I currently reside. It offers a unique blend of tranquility, cleanliness, and an abundance of excellent dining options. One of the highlights of Jersey City is the breathtaking view of Manhattan from the Weehawken waterfront. Standing atop these cliffs, you can witness the entirety of Manhattan, a perspective that even Manhattanites seldom experience. It’s a sight to behold.

If my best friend were visiting, I’d start our week-long adventure by taking them to the renowned Eleazar Steakhouse. While it may be a cozy and unassuming spot, it’s home to some of the most delectable steaks you’ll find in the area, all at a price point that’s remarkably competitive, often less than half the cost of Manhattan’s upscale steakhouse alternatives.

Throughout the week, I’d ensure we explore Jersey City’s vibrant culinary scene, from quaint cafes to international cuisine. We’d also take leisurely strolls along the waterfront promenade, which offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. To experience a slice of local culture, we’d visit the Liberty Science Center, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences that cater to all ages.

As the sun sets, we’d venture into the bustling nightlife scene, savoring craft cocktails and live music at some of the city’s trendy bars. For a dose of art and culture, we’d explore Mana Contemporary, a dynamic cultural center housing galleries, studios, and exhibitions from emerging artists.

Jersey City’s unique blend of urban vibrancy and serene landscapes makes it an ideal destination to enjoy both the tranquility of the cliffs and the excitement of the city, all in one remarkable week-long adventure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several individuals I would like to express my gratitude to. Firstly, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my best friends and roommates, Juwon Lee and Yongho Kim. Yongho played a pivotal role in my journey into the world of 3D CG. Back when I was working at a Korean IT company and harboring doubts about my career path, it was Yongho who introduced me to the world of 3D CG. His encouragement gave me the courage to make a career change, and the portfolio we created together played a crucial role in my admission to SCAD and my subsequent employment at my current company.

Juwon, on the other hand, has been an unwavering source of support in my life in America. The prospect of working in a foreign country initially filled me with fear due to language barriers, loneliness, and the challenges of leaving behind friends and family. However, Juwon has been both a friend and a confidant, providing me with courage and companionship during these trying times. She has stood by my side through thick and thin, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Currently, we are collaborating on an art project called ‘FRIENZ,’ which is aimed at fostering creative collaborations with artists across various fields. Both Juwon and Yongho are incredibly dedicated and sincere individuals, and being in their company has pushed me to strive for continuous improvement. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact they’ve had on my personal and professional growth.

Website: https://www.joonhobang.com/

Instagram: @by_b.art

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

Other: Here is the character RnD instagram: @aka_b.art