Interview with Jiyeon Oh

At first, I was told that it was important to choose the field I wanted to pursue before creating my portfolio. Since I was still unsure at the time, I initially decided to focus on compositing and began developing my portfolio concept around it. However, I eventually realized that what I actually wanted to pursue was matte painting rather than compositing, so I reorganized my portfolio around matte painting.

I wanted to show that matte painting can be used to create a variety of moods and that it can also involve basic modeling. For the first scene, I created a bright, beautiful, fantasy-like atmosphere and included elements that demonstrated my modeling skills. For the second scene, I wanted to create a contrasting dark and destroyed atmosphere. I also added still images toward the end of the portfolio to demonstrate period-specific environment work and the drawing skills that are essential for matte painting.

When I first started working, I began with modeling and texturing. Since these were new areas for me, I went through a lot of trial and error, which took quite some time. However, as I gradually became more familiar with the workflow, I was able to work much more efficiently.

After that, I conducted research and worked on the 2D elements. I then brought the 2D artwork into Maya to create the necessary models and render cameras. I brought the results into Nuke for projection, combined the models and render passes, and completed the project with compositing and final color correction in Nuke.

Many people who completed their projects before me emphasized the importance of deciding which field you want to pursue, and I believe they were absolutely right. It is important to choose an area that you genuinely enjoy, are interested in, and believe you can have fun working in.

You should then create a storyboard that clearly demonstrates the tools and artistic skills most important to that field. I also believe it is important to continuously revise your work, receive feedback from many people, and be willing to accept and incorporate that feedback in order to bring the project to its best possible result.

It is natural to become ambitious when creating your first portfolio storyboard. However, I think it is also important to make a realistic plan based on what you are actually capable of handling. Otherwise, the excitement you initially had may eventually disappear, and you may become exhausted by the project. It is also a good idea to select only your strongest work when putting together your final portfolio.

Looking back, it feels as though the past two years with SF Film have passed by in an instant. First, I joined and met the classmates I would learn alongside, then learned the various tools, eventually started creating my portfolio, completed it, and finally reached the point of applying to companies with my finished portfolio.

I think I was able to make it this far by helping and supporting my classmates along the way. We shared what we knew whenever someone got stuck and pointed out anything that seemed strange or needed improvement. And I probably asked the instructors countless questions, whether or not they found me annoying. ^^

I believe it is important for new students to get along with their classmates and create an environment where everyone can grow together. If there is something you don't know, ask the instructors as much as you can. Pay close attention during classes, and try creating as many things as possible on your own, even if they are just small experiments.

I often regretted not reviewing the lessons at home or trying to create more projects on my own before starting my portfolio. Because I had to learn many things through trial and error, my production speed was quite slow in the beginning. In many ways, this was a place where I learned and discovered even more than I had during my two years of classes.

After moving to Gangnam, I was able to work in a more comfortable environment where I could focus better.

At the same time, seeing the people I had originally been working with gradually finish their portfolios and leave, while new people continued to join every month, motivated me to work even harder. I often found myself thinking, “I should finish mine quickly and move on too!” ^^