For more than a decade, Feng Zhu has contributed to some of the highest profiled projects in the entertainment industry. Founding his own design company, Feng Zhu Design, his clients include Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Sony, Activision, Industrial Light and Magic, NCSoft, Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm, Bay Films, Epic Games, and many other top studios and directors.  His recent projects include the just released Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and the upcoming blockbuster, Transformers. His extensive experience in both video game and feature film design makes him one of the most sought after designer in the world. In addition, Feng has produced his own line of training DVDs and teaching materials. He has also spoken at many conferences around the world, from Asia, to Europe, to Canada.  

In mid-2006, together with his business partner and friend Gage Galinger, Feng Zhu founded Possibility Space, Inc. PSI's goal is to develop original entertainment IP and games aimed at the world-wide market. Their first title, Warrior Epic, is slated for a Q4 2007 release.

What made you want to become a concept artist?

Growing up watching movies and playing video games, I knew this was the world I wanted to be in. I was influenced from a very young age by these movies and games, and they stayed with me throughout my career. Once I found out that you can actually make a living by drawing and designing, there was no turning back

What was your journey like?

I knew that, even during Jr. High school, what I wanted to do in the future. However, at that time, there was very little information regarding the entertainment design field. All movies were released on VHS, and there was no such thing as "behind the scenes;" --something you see often now on DVDs. There were just no real way to find out about this industry.

So I decided to pursue something I thought was close to design, which was Architecture, at UC Berkeley. After spending about a year there, I started to understand the steps it took to get into entertainment design. Around this time, I also found out about Art Center, one of the premier design schools in the world. I quickly made my decision and transferred to this school. From this point on, it was pretty straight forward. Art Center preps you well for the working world. However, this school was extremely difficult, and I had to work 24/7 to get a good portfolio cranked out.

I found my first job right away, working for EA/Origin in Austin, Texas. From there, I joined several other game studios, eventually going into films. I worked hard in all these studios, and built up a pretty good resume. This allowed me to pursue a very open career path. These days, I'm running my own international game studio, based in both the US and in China, called Possibility Space.

What inspires you as an artist?

The world around me. There are so many interesting designs in nature and in our history. I love to travel and visit different parts of the world. It's one thing to see a picture of the Eiffel tower; but to experience it in real life is something that will stay with you forever. These memories all serve to inspire me. Of course I also watch a ton of movies, read magazines, and play video games. All visuals, be it words in a book, or an insect crawling around in my studio, all give my brain creative sparks.

Inspiration is one of those things that are constantly around you.    

Who were some of your role models?

My role models are those people who set out with a tough goal and accomplish them well. There are so many accomplished designers in our industry that set the bar for the rest of us. They served as big role models, especially when I was starting out in the biz. This list includes designers such as Syd Mead and John Johnston. These days, since I'm more of a manager now, I find role models in people who can stand up to tough challenges and face them head on. I know this sounds like "how to be a CEO 101," but it's so true. There are so many problems you face in everyday life, and if you have the guts to face and solve them, then you have my respect. I don't like people who run away from problems. Test pilots, mountain climbers, doctors working in villages trying to help sick children, etc....they are all such good role models for me.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career in concept art?

The best advice is: there are no shortcuts. It's a tough road ahead for someone starting out, and unless they work their butt off, and give it all they got, they will not make it. I've taught and given lectures for many years, and the number one question is always: "how do become the best and make the most money in the shortest amount of time?"  Anyone asking this question will not make it or is not in the right mind set. There are no magical formulas, or special pens you have to use; there is only hard work. Be humble, stay focused, and just do it.

Any advice on how parents can nurture a young aspiring artist?

Give them creative freedom and inspiration. My parents raised me very well. They took me to many museums (I still remember my trip to the Washington D.C aerospace museum); went visiting different parts of the country (grand canyon, Yosemite, the Red Woods, etc), and best of all, they allowed me to play a ton of video games – on the grounds that my grades remained all straight As.

Encourage them to read books and magazines. Basically, fill their brain with visuals. They will later use these stored memories in their professional field.

Where can we find out more about your work?

You can see my online portfolio at www.fengzhudesign.com    You can also check out my game company at www.possibilityspace.com 

KidsChannel Editor, Jessi Thind is a private Tae Kwon Do instructor in Montreal and a freelance script consultant for a film and game consulting firm that helps writers, game designers and studio executives evaluate and shape their ideas. He also produces games including the latest and extremely popular, Tissok The Shoemaker, a widely played chocolate themed game for children. Play his games on KidsChannel.ca or to find out more visit
www.tissok.com