NC

I am a 3D artist working at NC Vietnam Visual Studio (NCVVS). 3D artists are classified into the ones responsible for modeling, animation, and FX (special effects). Modeling is to create the bones for game visuals, while animation and FX build the soul and the face, respectively.

3D modelers would attract the users’ attention through creating backgrounds and characters, while 3D animators would add the sense of liveliness to games through applying movements to characters and backgrounds. 3D FX would then give a finishing touch to games through beautiful special effects. I am currently working as a modeler. In the project that I am working on, I am converting 2D concept images into 3D characters and backgrounds and arranging them in a three-dimensional way.

When watching the game from a player’s perspective, I tend to watch the game based on even higher standards. To improve the level of completeness in game art, I try not only to carry out the original duties that I am given, but also to actively present my opinions for other areas.

For instance, too much detail on a mobile screen could act against the original intention. I would give opinions to correct the original concept image, if too many colors are used in it. Also, in case either the motion or skill of a character is too mundane, I would propose more interesting movements.

Modeling is the most basic work where characters and backgrounds are created based on predefined concepts. Only after modeling is done, other processes including animation and FX may follow. Only if we can move to the next stage without making any mistake, we may work in an efficient manner without minimizing occurrence of feedback. To save people the hassle, I review my work thoroughly to check if there is any error.

Now I find myself looking for errors in game art while playing other games as well. This is close to a habit coming from my work.

I have always been playing games while growing up. Playing various games, I became seriously curious about how games that gave people joy were created. I was vying to play an even small role in game development and determined to devote myself in this industry while watching games’ cinematic films.

I studied graphic multimedia at college and learned about basic things in various areas related to computer generated imagery (CGI). Before joining NC, I worked in a local Vietnamese game publisher and participated in the entire process from game planning to launch.

The most rewarding part of my work as a 3D artist is the process itself to learn and acquire knowledge. While working in a local game producer, I had the first chance to participate in game production. It was a reckless attempt, but the experience in supervising 3D game art and generating results has long been the foundation of my work.

After joining NC, I focused on improving the quality of my art work. The level of art quality required in each project was high. To reach such a level, I worked through receiving multiple feedback. It also helped me to improve myself to the next level.

I am now focused on moving forward through collaboration. In the project that I am working on, the parts responsible for modeling, animation, and FX are closely related. Modeling is also done in a very different way compared to the past. Since I should make multiple considerations for overall arrangement based on camera angle, I try to generate satisfactory results through combining ideas of me and my colleagues and continuously looking for new ways.

People tend to reach conclusions based on their own perspective. The way players would perceive various content in a game would also be different. For a game to become enjoyable for many people, all potential directions of the game should be considered. Games could never be played in a unilateral way. We should do simulations while picturing a countless number of paths. It is better to have more people to consult with and more diverse opinions. We should listen to the opinions of many people, collect information, and be willing to accept diverse ideas.

I am currently serving as a bridge between the NCVVS management team and the staff under the title of Cultural Ambassador. I make efforts to quickly understand the issues of the staff and to deliver expectations and questions from the staff to the management team to address them. I assumed this role to help share the thoughts and difficulties of my fellow artists and to find solutions.

The Cultural Ambassador is far from just a fancy title; my role is to assist communication. I am simply a person that likes to talk with others. Since I talk to my colleagues frequently, it’s easier to understand what their concerns are. I share the thoughts of our members in a transparent and clear way, help communication so that the organization could head into a better direction.

If you think that you fall behind others, you need to improve your weakness through knowledge and experience. On the contrary, if you think that you excel in a certain area, you must let others know about your strength.

It is obvious that we could create better results when we share each other’s strengths with all team members. Most importantly, the void that you can never fill with your own strengths could only be filled through respecting and trusting the strengths of others.

Harmony is one of the basic conditions required for team work. The more you harmonize with others and the faster you adapt, the more you may contribute to the team. My goal is to stay humble, to ask questions and continuously learn new knowledge and culture from my peers.