Can an accountant really teach himself to become an award-winning 3D digital designer? Yes, Joe Lo does. He is not only a digital designer, but also a digital artist. He has created a number of digital artworks from scratch and presented them aesthetically with his beautiful digital art technique.
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, few stories are as compelling as Joe Lo’s, a former accountant who transformed his life to become an award-winning 3D digital artist. Joe’s career journey is nothing short of inspirational. It is a testament to the power of passion, diligence, and persistence. His commitment to mastering the complexities of digital art has not only earned him industry recognition but also positioned him as a rising entrepreneur in the digital art space.
The allure of digital art
Digital art is a form of artistic expression that utilises digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process. Unlike traditional art forms, where artists rely on tangible tools like brushes and canvases, digital artists work with pixels, vectors, and a vast array of software tools. This modern medium requires a deep understanding of colour theory, composition, visual storytelling, 3D modelling, texturing, rendering, and even coding. For many, mastering these diverse skills might seem daunting, but for Joe Lo, it was a challenge that he embraced wholeheartedly.
A self-taught artist with a passion for learning
Joe’s foray into digital art is particularly inspiring because he is entirely self-taught. While many digital artists follow a formal educational path, Joe took a different route, learning through online tutorials, experimenting with software, and immersing himself in the digital art community. His commitment to sharing knowledge is evident in his active YouTube channel, where he generously shares tips and techniques with aspiring artists. Joe’s openness to collaboration and mutual improvement sets him apart in an industry where competition is often fierce.
The unlikely path from accounting to art
Before Joe became a digital artist, he worked as an accountant. The analytical and meticulous nature of accounting is a stark contrast to the fluid and expressive nature of art. Yet, Joe’s ability to switch careers so successfully speaks to his adaptability and determination. His success in the digital art world is a result of years of perseverance, learning, and a relentless pursuit of his passion.
Collaboration with Reallusion and beyond
One of Joe’s significant achievements came in 2020 when he participated in a 3D character design competition hosted by Reallusion and ArtStation. His work not only won the grand prize but also opened doors to further collaboration with Reallusion, a leading company in the digital art industry. Joe was invited to become one of their featured developers and later transitioned into a commercial partner. This partnership allowed Joe to showcase his work on a larger platform, expanding his creative horizons and establishing his professional influence in the industry.
The drive behind Joe’s digital art
When asked about his motivation to enter the world of 3D digital art, Joe recalls his fascination with 3D design from a young age. He was particularly captivated by video games like “Final Fantasy”, where intricate character designs and immersive worlds sparked his imagination. This early love for gaming and virtual worlds fuelled his desire to create his own digital realms that are the places filled with adventure, love, and peace. Joe’s vision was clear. He wanted to use his skills to craft worlds where people could escape reality and explore new dimensions of storytelling.
Joe’s dedication to his craft is evident in his continuous learning process. For instance, mastering ZBrush, a digital sculpting tool, was no easy feat. Yet, through persistent practice and study, particularly in human anatomy, Joe honed his ability to create lifelike and detailed characters. His work in 3D digital art extends beyond personal projects, as his creations have been used in various games and films, adding to his sense of accomplishment and the impact of his artistry.
Concept, colour and light
In Joe’s opinion, the most critical aspect of 3D digital design is the concept. A strong concept, formed through extensive research and integration of different references, is the foundation of any successful design. Joe emphasises the importance of details in making characters and scenes come alive, particularly in character design, where the shape language and colour palette must align with the character’s backstory and emotional depth.
Colour and lighting also play crucial roles in Joe’s work. For instance, to convey the healing power of a character, he might use soft greens and blues to evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. In contrast, vibrant reds and oranges are used to portray characters full of energy and vigor. Joe’s ability to manipulate light and shadow adds another layer of realism and emotion to his work, making his characters not just visually striking but also narratively compelling.
One of Joe’s standout projects is his “Evil Queen” character, a blend of ancient mythology and modern elements. The character’s sharp, menacing design, complete with horns and dark wings, is enhanced by cool lighting that underscores her mysterious and intimidating presence. The detailed scars on her face and shoulders, combined with ornate jewelry and battle armor, depict a ruler who is both ruthless and regal—a powerful and multifaceted antagonist brought to life through Joe’s skillful use of 3D design elements.
Versatility in digital art styles
3D digital art is incredibly versatile, encompassing a wide range of styles beyond just the sci-fi and modern themes commonly associated with the medium. Joe’s work reflects this diversity, as he explores various artistic expressions from hyper-realism to abstract art. Whether creating characters for video games, models for architectural visualisation, or conceptual art for films, Joe’s ability to adapt his style to different genres and projects is one of his greatest strengths.
Expanding the 3D applications
While 3D digital art is well-known in the realms of video games and movies, its applications extend far beyond these industries. Joe highlights the potential of 3D digital art in architecture, where realistic models can help designers and clients visualise spaces before construction begins. In medicine, 3D models are used for surgical planning and training, and when combined with 3D printing, they can create personalized implants and prosthetics.
Education and training are also areas where 3D digital art shines, providing interactive models for subjects like molecular structures or geological formations. The fashion industry, too, benefits from 3D digital design, allowing designers to create virtual prototypes and conduct fittings on digital models, reducing waste and speeding up the design process.
In advertising, 3D digital art creates compelling visual content, from product renders to fully animated commercials. As virtual events and online exhibitions become more popular, 3D digital art also plays a crucial role in creating immersive digital experiences. Joe’s vision for the future of 3D digital art includes expanding its use in these innovative areas, bringing the benefits of digital visualisation to a broader audience.
On the path to digital art entrepreneur
Looking ahead, Joe is determined to continue growing his digital art business. He plans to expand his 3D game asset sales, collaborate with more industry partners, and explore new markets for his digital creations. His entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by a deep-seated belief in the power of art to transform industries, inspire creativity, and bring joy to people’s lives.
Joe Lo’s journey from accountant to digital artist is more than just a career change. It inspires a variety of people who want to make change in their career. It is a story of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
Note: Joe Lo was interviewed on 8 August 2024. The photos were provided by Joe Lo.
