Navigating the Creative Seas: An Interview with CG Generalist Frida Ding

Q: Tell us about your background in animation and 3D modeling. 

I have established myself in the visual effects industry after graduating from the School of Visual Arts. My journey began with a referral to Molecule VFX, where I contributed to a live-action TV series. The initial experience paved the way for further opportunities, including a project with Nickelodeon Junior, where I created the music video.

Currently, I’m working at the Hopr Studios beyond project-specific contributions. I had the privilege of working on projects for major names including Google, Firebase, and Flutter. My tenure at the Hopr Studios has been a testament to my skills and versatility and also marked my ongoing commitment to excellence in the visual effects domain. 

Cabin – Frida Ding

Cabin – Frida Ding

Apes In The Finery – Frida Ding

Apes In The Finery – Frida Ding

Apes In The Finery – Frida Ding

Q: What prompted your venture into this industry? 

In the early stages of my journey, my fascination with the industry was ignited by the exceptional animations crafted by industry giants such as Disney and DreamWorks. Back then, I held onto the dream of joining a grand team. As I took my first steps into the industry, I discovered the distinct advantages of working within a more intimate team setting.

Within a smaller team dynamic, I uncovered the joy of focusing on specific elements. It gives more independence for my creativity to thrive compared to working on commercial projects. The latter often moved at a rapid pace which kept the artist constantly occupied with small but urgent tasks. The current environment has been instrumental in sharpening my skills and boosting my proficiency.

Within the studios where I work now, I am entrusted with tasks that contribute significantly to project visuals. The positive feedback from my colleagues serves as a gratifying confirmation of my passion for visual art — a passion that has been with me since childhood.

Pixel – Frida Ding

Pixel – Frida Ding

Q: What software and tools do you primarily use in your workflow, and what would you say is your strongest technical skill within CG production? 

As a CG generalist, I handle various aspects of the CG pipeline, including modeling, shading, texturing, lighting, and rendering. My strongest expertise lies in shading and texturing, where I transform plain geometry into visually compelling assets. I am proficient in the PBR workflow, and widely recognized for its ability to deliver realistic results. Additionally, I excel in creating stylized textures, often employed in high-profile animations and commercials for their visually appealing yet solid appearance.

I am also good at toon shading, a technique that lends a 2D aesthetic to 3D environments, ideal for creating striking animations or renders with high contrast. Currently, I am expanding my skills to include Real-time rendering, favored by major video game projects and cinematic productions for its efficiency in rendering and simulation.

Q: Can you share some highlights from your past artistic and work experiences?  

In October of last year, I participated in the development of Super Dash, a multiplatform game from Google. My role encompassed texturing the main platforms across three different environments, ensuring seamlessness for integration into the game. I also created several renders for promotional purposes before the game’s release. Furthermore, I contributed to the lighting design within the trailer, enhancing its visual appeal.

Super Dash – Frida Ding

There are also animations that I participated in. The following animations were showcased at the Firebase Summit 2022. This project spanned from June to September of that year. My responsibilities included the modeling and texturing of main characters and environments, making sure they transitioned seamlessly into the game.

Firebase Summit 2022 – Frida Ding

Firebase Summit 2022 – Frida Ding

Q: What most impressive project have you worked on as a CG Generalist?

One of the significant projects I contributed to was the I/O Flip game for Google I/O 2023, an AI card game developed using Flutter & Firebase. Alongside creating assets for the game, I also helped to craft an opening animation. My role involved designing and creating multiple outfits and props for the four main characters, each representing the coding software or the platforms. I ensured they were integrated into diverse environments to enhance visual richness. These renders were then utilized to generate numerous variations using AI. During the opening animation, I focused on designing outfits and props for the audience, along with adjusting environmental elements.

I/O Flip game – Frida Ding

I/O Flip game – Frida Ding

I/O Flip game – Frida Ding

Q: How do you approach balancing artistic creativity with technical proficiency in your work? 

As technology evolves at a rapid pace, so does the landscape of 3D software. In the ever-growing demand for better and better visual effects in projects, I must keep up with the latest developments. Learning and using these tools not only enhances my efficiency but also broadens the creative possibilities at my disposal. Despite mainly working with computers instead of traditional art media, I’m continually surprised by the unexpected outcomes they can generate.

My upcoming solo art exhibition will feature a selection of projects crafted using various 3D software platforms, each tailored for specific objectives and unique advantages. Through this showcase, I aim to highlight the boundless potential of CGI, demonstrating its ability to transcend boundaries and unlock new realms of creativity.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring CG artists? 

I’ve been utilizing computer software for artistic projects for quite some time. However, practicing my drawing and painting skills remains essential for enhancing my craft. It’s not just about the tools we use to create art; it’s about cultivating a keen eye for color values, mastering composition for effective framing, and grasping the fundamental principles of visual arts.

Arriety – Frida Ding

Arriety – Frida Ding