Interview: Lola Yiting Zhang
Luca Curci talks with Lola Yiting Zhang, honourable mention of ITSLIQUID International Contest – 16th edition

Lola Yiting Zhang is a concept artist in the gaming industry known for her unique artistic voice.Currently with Sucker Punch Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment, her innovative designs are integral to AAA game projects, including the renowned Halo franchise along with many other unannounced titles. Collaborating with industry leaders like Sony, Microsoft, and Netease, Lola melds creativity and technology in her distinct creations. These designs have not only garnered her multiple accolades but also led to her recognition as an industry expert at art events, workshops, and educational institutions. Beyond her creative pursuits, Lola is a dedicated mentor, actively sharing her knowledge at industry events and art colleges.

Luca Curci – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
Lola Yiting Zhang – When I paint, my thoughts are immersed in the exploration of both the familiar and the unknown. I see painting as a journey of discovery where each stroke and color choice serves as a step towards uncovering hidden layers of meaning and emotion. My mind navigates through a blend of structured research and spontaneous creativity, allowing the artwork to evolve organically.

Music is an integral part of my process, as it helps to transform my mindset into the setting I’m designing. Depending on the nature of the project, I might listen to classical music to evoke tranquility and introspection or more dynamic soundtracks to inspire energy and movement. This auditory environment helps me connect emotionally with the piece, ensuring that my artistic vision aligns with the intended mood and atmosphere.

My ritual begins with thorough research and the creation of mood boards to gather inspiration and reference points. I delve into the geological, cultural, and environmental contexts relevant to my subject, which informs the foundational elements of my design. This phase is followed by an intuitive exploration, where I allow my curiosity and immediate inspirations to guide my work. I find joy in the uncertainty and spontaneity of this process, where initial abstract sketches gradually take form and meaning.

LC – What is the trigger that leads you to paint?
LYZ – The trigger for my artistic process is usually an intense curiosity or fascination with a particular element of nature or a conceptual idea. This spark can come from various sources, each providing a unique impetus for creation. Often, a visual stimulus acts as the initial catalyst. This could be an intricate pattern found in a leaf, the vibrant colors of an exotic insect, or the stark contrast of light and shadow in a landscape. These visual encounters ignite a desire to explore and reinterpret the natural elements in my own artistic language. For example, stumbling upon a vividly colored frog with its unique texture might inspire me to blend its natural features into a fantastical character design. Here, I apply my A+B design technique, where I use the familiar element (ingredient A) of the frog’s recognizable form and combine it with innovative twists (ingredient B) to create something fresh and unique. This method allows me to transform familiar elements into creations that are both deeply intriguing and thought-provoking, captivating and engaging the audience.

At other times, the trigger might be a revelation or a conceptual idea that I feel compelled to express visually. This could stem from a sudden insight into a complex narrative I wish to convey or a deep-seated emotion that I need to externalize through my art. These conceptual triggers push me to delve deeper into my creative process, seeking to communicate abstract ideas in a tangible form.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
LYZ – In the future, I intend to explore new dimensions of design thinking and innovation, pushing the boundaries of design methodology and the limits of imagination. My focus will be on blending natural elements with imaginative twists, constantly evolving my approach to design. This involves merging universally recognized components with unexpected innovations, allowing me to create designs that are both fresh and relatable. My goal is to transcend traditional design frameworks by integrating sophisticated problem-solving with a deep connection to nature. By infusing my work with emotional narratives and nuanced expressions, and leveraging the latest technologies to break the limits of design, I aim to create multi-layered impacts that engage and resonate with audiences.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
LYZ – One unrealized project that I have always dreamed of pursuing is a film that serves as the ultimate form of my artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and design. My goal with this film is to explore the depths of human emotion, the untamed, wild, and raw creative power of nature, and unrestrained imagination, all while challenging traditional design frameworks. It’s a project that embodies my artistic vision and aims to set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation in the industry, inspiring audiences to see the world through a new lens.

LC – What are the three hashtags essential to define your poetics that you could not give up?
LYZ – Curiosity, Creativity, and Nature Curiosity is the driving force that propels me to explore and understand the world around me. It fuels my desire to delve into the unknown and uncover the hidden nuances of our surroundings. Creativity, on the other hand, is my means of expression. It allows me to transform my curiosity into tangible forms, crafting unique and meaningful pieces that reflect my inner visions. Nature is the foundation of my work, the root from which all my inspirations stem. It serves as the endless wellspring of ideas and motifs, grounding my creations in the organic and the universal. These elements are intricately connected, forming the core of my artistic journey.