Meet Tingying Liao | Digital Lighting & Compositing Artist

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

Hi Tingying, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a digital artist working in the Film and Entertainment industry, I believe that the current work environment is significantly different from the past. Especially after the pandemic, our industry has started to implement remote working. Whether remote working contributes to a better work-life balance is subjective, and opinions may vary, but for me, it has had a positive impact. While the challenges of meeting client needs and coping with the pressure to meet deadlines persist, remote working provides greater flexibility in scheduling, and the time saved on commuting can be utilized more effectively. I find it helpful for my work-life balance, and I currently enjoy this working arrangement.

Overall, I believe our work culture is gradually progressing in a positive direction, and I hope to see this environment becoming even healthier, further improving everyone’s work-life balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Hi, I am Ting, a Digital Artist from Taiwan currently working in the Film and Entertainment industry, specializing in Lighting and Compositing. I have over 5 years of experience in animation TV series, live-action episodic, and feature films, works include “Star Wars Rebels”, “Where the Crawdads Sing”, “Renfield”, “Iron Claw” and “Imaginary” …etc.

My journey began much like many others. At a young age, I discovered my passion for art and began to pursue it in my own way. I believe that having clear goals allows me to invest in myself more precisely, bringing me closer to achieving my objectives. Here, I’d like to share a few pivotal moments that influenced my career path.

I initially studied Fine Art in college, and while I enjoyed traditional art, I felt that Digital Art was better suited to me. During an internship, a classmate introduced me to a 3D animation training course, which ultimately led me to embark on this path. For nearly three years, I worked in a Taiwanese animation studio as a lighting and compositing artist in the post-production department. I found great satisfaction in bringing clients’ concepts to life, and being part of the team creating 3D animations for the audience. That’s how my motivation started to study abroad.

During my time at SCAD pursuing Visual Effects MA, I experienced the differences in educational culture in the United States. I was delighted to make new friends and learn together. However, the outbreak of the pandemic brought about significant changes globally, affecting learning environments, job markets, and more, leading to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Yet, I got invited to SCAD Animation Studio’s animation production project “Bearly” as a senior light-comp artist during the difficult time, continuing to progress through remote work and learning. The pandemic altered many of my perspectives, even my outlook on life, making me realize that our lives can change overnight. Understanding living in the moment and planning for the future is the same important, I tried to seize opportunities and pursue my ideals here, as an international professional.

After that for my VFX career, I worked with different teams for multiple projects, using digital magic to meet client’s needs. For example, on “ Where the Crawdads Sing” I was working on the look development of the realistic CG moth, including lighting and compositing, and also creating arcade-style superhero battle effects on “Ultra Violet and Black Scorpion”. Blending blood assets and canvas material to make a silhouette scene look more convincible on “Renfield”. Integrating CG crowds on“Iron Claw”, or combining CG monster parts with practical actors on ” Imaginary” ….etc. And because of the outstanding performance on the project “ Home Team”, I was honored to receive a trophy of an internal award. Even though work sometimes involves overtime or repeated revisions, and there are often technical issues that need to be patiently overcome, seeing my works on the big screen and also my name in the credits gives me pride and joy, those moments are irreplaceable.

In this rapidly changing industry, it’s essential to stay up to date with new technologies and keep track of industry dynamics at all times. Despite encountering numerous uncertainties and setbacks in recent years, I hope that the film and entertainment industry can continue to improve amidst waves of challenges, consistently producing awe-inspiring works. I will also continue to refine my skills and persevere on my path in digital art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would like to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden, as I enjoy being around natural elements, especially after a whole week of work. The garden is well-organized, beautiful, and always has seasonal events. Ponce City Market is a great place to walk around and have a drink, it offers a variety of shopping options. If it’s a rainy day, Puttshack is a nice backup place for a round of putt-putt, the game design is super fun. Meet Fresh is a dessert place that sweet lovers and adventurous eaters should check out. They offer authentic Taiwanese exquisite desserts, such as Grass Jelly Bowls and Purple Rice Soups. Sushi Mito is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the city. I love their Bento collections, and seeing every ingredient elegantly placed in a box makes me so satisfied.

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?
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to my dearest parents and my younger sister. They have supported me through every setback, discussed solutions with me, and provided practical assistance whenever I needed it. Also, I appreciate my friend Felipe Amaya, who is always willing to share his valuable experiences and professional knowledge. Amy Rodrigue has been a tremendous help in my daily life, resembling a warm and caring elder sister for a foreigner like me. I am truly grateful. Thanks to Sharon Ye for being open to sharing both the big and small aspects of life, allowing me to express my feelings and learn new stuff. Lastly, a big thank you to those family and friends who have helped me but may not be mentioned here due to space constraints – you are truly wonderful!

Website: https://www.tingying-liao.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tingying-liao

Image Credits
With poster one; Special thanks to Amy Rodrigue for all the support!