Regain the enthusiasm for "rediscovering the pleasure of sketching" - integrity guidelines for game artistry that everyone should heed.
Breaking into the Game Art Industry: Insights from Chenrui ZENG, Lead Environment Artist of AFK Arena
Chenrui ZENG, the lead environment artist for AFK Arena, shares some valuable advice for anyone aspiring to enter the competitive world of game art. In an interview, ZENG emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and reconnecting with the joy of drawing.
To maintain creativity and sharpen instincts, ZENG recommends regular, unpressured sketching. He suggests focusing on capturing striking landscapes or fleeting moments without striving for social media validation. By removing performance pressure, artists can rediscover the passion for creating, thus setting a solid foundation for their careers.
ZENG's work is influenced by various sources, including Art Nouveau and Tim Burton. He advises aspiring artists to reverse-engineer their admired art styles to develop their own unique approach. This involves replicating a style convincingly, then experimenting with modifications to alter moods and create original pieces.
Drawing daily is another crucial aspect for artists, as it becomes a habit and gradually refines their instincts and attitudes. ZENG encourages artists to embrace new challenges and opportunities as learning experiences, fostering personal and professional growth.
Networking and community engagement are also essential in the game art industry. ZENG actively participates in interviews and social media platforms, sharing insights and experiences that benefit his career.
Lilith Games, the developer of AFK Arena, and drawing tablet brand XPPen have collaborated to launch a global art contest called Monsters Gone Wild. This contest invites artists to reimagine the game's iconic characters and creatures, with XPPen offering prizes, including their renowned drawing tablets like the Magic Note Pad. For more details about the contest and inspiration, visit Lilith Games' official website.
- Chenrui ZENG, the lead artist of AFK Arena, stresses the significance of consistent drawing for artists aiming to break into the game art industry.
- In his career, ZENG has found inspiration in various art styles, such as Art Nouveau and those of Tim Burton.
- To foster creativity, ZENG suggests artists sketch regularly, focusing on capturing compelling landscapes or fleeting moments without seeking social media recognition.
- By daily drawing, artists can build a strong foundation, develop their instincts, and enhance their attitudes, as ZENG suggests.
- In the game art industry, networking and community engagement are crucial, and ZENG actively participates in interviews and social media platforms to share insights.
- An exciting opportunity for artists comes in the form of the Monsters Gone Wild art contest, a collaboration between Lilith Games and drawing tablet brand XPPen.
- This global contest invites artists to reimagine the game's iconic characters and creatures, with the chance to win prizes, including XPPen's renowned Magic Note Pad, by visiting Lilith Games' official website.
