Meet Kaiya Harin Lee | 3D Texturing & Look dev Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaiya Harin Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaiya Harin, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Definitely my parents. I know they have always trusted me, and I understand that sending their only daughter overseas, 14 hours away from home, from a young age can’t have been an easy decision. I really want to make their choice worthwhile by being successful. They have always been my motivation and source of happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the 3D animated film pipeline, I’m responsible for the visual aspects, especially in making the appearances of characters and props more believable. Before I got into VFX, my favorite part of art was drawing and painting to bring ideas to life. I realized that the Texturing and Look Development position really matched what I enjoyed on the 2D side of art, so I chose this as my specialty.

I had an interview opportunity during my junior year, but unfortunately, the studio had to cancel their internship program. Still, the experience of being selected for an interview meant a lot to me and made me reflect on how to spend my final year as a student to be well-prepared for the job market. I believe the best way to overcome the challenges of job hunting is to keep working hard. My father always told me to work while others are sleeping, which rings true because the quality of your work reflects the time and effort you invest in it. I’m committed to pursuing this mindset until I find satisfaction in my position and job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not very familiar with the area I’m currently based in, so I would take my friend to one of my favorite cities: Sydney! I lived there for a bit, and I think it’s a place I’d love to end up. The city is full of diversity and delicious food.

If my best friend were to visit, I would first take them to Bondi Beach around sunset. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the view. After that, we’d hop on a bus to Circular Quay and walk up to the area filled with fantastic restaurants. One of my favorites is called “6 Head,” where they serve amazing quality steak and top-notch side dishes.

After our feast, we’d take a nice walk to the tram station and finish the day with a cup of gelato from “Messina.” I did this on my last visit to Sydney, and it was awesome! While this itinerary may sound touristy, it’s still one of the best ways to spend a few hours in the busy yet peaceful city area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been the foundation of my journey. They sacrificed so much to ensure I had opportunities to succeed, and their encouragement has always pushed me to strive for my best. From a young age, they instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. I am truly grateful for their support in whatever decisions I make. I feel incredibly lucky to have them in my life.

Additionally, I want to give a shoutout to my friends, who have been my support system. Pulling all-nighters at school and occasionally going out for warm food has been tough, but those moments have turned into some of the best memories of my life. I know I couldn’t have accomplished so much without the challenges we faced together!

Website: https://www.kaiyaharinanim.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiya-harin-lee/