Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Wang.
Hi Ruby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Ruby Wang. I am a Taiwanese Concept Artist working in storytelling medias, including Animation, Games, Virtual Reality, and Augmented reality. My job is to develop both visual and creative concepts to address the various needs of my clients. My daily responsibilities include creating concept art for characters, props, environments, and color scripts while implementing innovative design concepts to meet the financial and timeline constraints of a project. Sometimes being an art director, I provided art direction to the art team and worked closely with the production team in order to clarify design issues and work within the project’s limits.
I always like to tell stories. When I was little, I would draw stories on papers and present it to my sister every weekend as a “Little Theater.” (pretty much like doing storyboards in Animation ) My sister loved it and that was what motivated me to become a storyteller now. As I grew and learned more, I knew there were many ways to do storytelling. And one of the ways that fascinated me the most was animated feature films and, more specifically the Concept Art. I enjoyed imagining what a potential film would look like in the end and also be able to dig deep into all the design language and character development. That’s why I came to the US to be surrounded by all the amazing artists for me to learn from and be part of this big industry.
And of course, speaking a second language – English – is one of my biggest challenges while learning and working with a team. Communication is very important when working with other people. In our industry teamwork is more important than anything. Sometimes it’s hard for me to express a certain feeling with my limited vocabulary. But what I can do is to keep practicing and maybe one day they will not be my concern anymore.
I studied at Academy of Art in San Francisco, majored in Visual Development. I learned as much as I can in school. Before I graduated, I got an internship from an animation studio called Tonko House. I worked on a 2D animated series called PIG: The Dam Keeper Poem. After my internship, I got hired by Flight School Studio in Dallas as a concept artist. We do VR, AR, and animation. My recent art directing project is called Lutaw ( recently awarded 2021 Webby Awards in the category of Best VR Video).
Outside my work, I try to practice as much as I can. The projects I recently participate on including Erick Oh’s personal animation short OPERA (2021 Oscar nomination) and some Untitled/NDA animation films and shorts. I always feel like I need to practice more. Our industry is very competitive, it’s really hard to be seen. But I just love working with a team and telling a meaningful stories that will touch people’s heart. I think that’s the magic of art and stories. I learned that there are lots of things in life you cannot express in words. For example some complicated emotions, the feeling of time, and even some unspoken languages we all experienced but didn’t really pay attention to. Through stories we create a platform to document those feelings.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My second language (English) for sure! Endless feelings of not being good enough to stay and work in the US. (feeling that I need to prove more or have to really be outstanding.) Because of above in comes with huge imposter syndrome. Obtaining an outstanding work visa is a constant battle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My job as a Concept Artist is to find a visual style that is appealing in design but also fits my clients budget and project’s technical limits. I design concept paintings, characters, environments, props, color keys, and shading packets for feature animations, animated shorts, VR, and AR.
As the primary concept designer, at Flight School Studio I am responsible for the look and style of many of the projects that come through the studio. While some studios have an established style that clients can come to them for, Flight School positions itself as a studio capable of achieving various styles while maintaining a high level of quality, and it is up to me to ensure that quality and achieve the unique identity of every project. When establishing the art direction of a project, it is important to create something that is not only appealing for the client and our studio, but also something that can be achieved within the technical and budgetary limitations of a project. Along with establishing the look of projects, I also play a key role in the pitching process to win work and draw clients to our studio.
Lutaw is my recent project working at Flight School Studio as art director. The film is directed by Samantha Quick and produced by Michaela Holland. And we recently won 2021 Webby Awards in the category of Best VR Video. As an art director on Lutaw, my job is to find a visual style that is appealing in design but also fits our budget and technical limits. Our director Samantha Quick did research in the Philippines to make my designs be as authentic as possible to the local culture. After we found the look, the team and I had discussion about possible render techniques to best interpret my style. Other than creating concept arts and color keys for the film, I gave notes to the model and lighting and also helped do matte paintings to complete the world. We took a lot of time reviewing the process and making sure the overall style and the appeal is consistent. Lutaw help spread awareness of The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, and that’s something I find very fulfilling and meaningful when working on the project. I have other projects I worked on that are also very meaningful and inspiring. I hope I get to share them once they were released. 🙂
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My sister has always been my biggest supporter since we were kids. If she didn’t enjoyed the stories I created, maybe I will not be here pursuing my dream. And also my families who never questioned my goal and interest. They understand how happy and serious I am working on things I love, and support me no matter what.
Although I don’t have a family in the US, I made friends who were like families in school. We all worked at different places now, but we support each other no matter what. And it’s a good feeling to have friends around you who support and love you always. My boyfriend is also one of my biggest supporter in my journey, he understands me and my work. He is the safe place I can go to and be vulnerable with.
And to be honest people at the workplace and from my freelance jobs have been helping me a ton too! Especially with my English speaking skill and learning about American culture references. In my office, I have a wall full with movies my coworker recommended, and some new vocabularies people taught me. I think I’ve improved fast working by with them!
Contact Info:
- Website: rubywang.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubywangart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rubywangart
Image Credits
All art works made by Ruby Wang and owned by Flight School Studio
