Interviewh with Junseong Yoon

Hello, my name is Jun-seong Yoon, and I completed the VFX course before joining CINEPIX in the Lighting & Rendering department.

It feels a little strange and embarrassing to be writing a portfolio review like this when I still have so much to learn.

I actually majored in the humanities, and I had never been interested in computers or anything related to them. I was basically a complete computer beginner. I am still not exactly good with computers, although I have gotten a little better. Sometimes, when I look at myself doing this kind of work, I still laugh to myself and think, “How did I end up doing this?”

There wasn't any particularly dramatic reason why I decided to pursue this career. It simply started with watching movies and thinking, “Could I do something that amazing too? I’d like to try it someday.” Since I was not good with computers, I originally thought this was a field that was completely out of my reach. Then I happened to discover SF Film School, and hearing that even beginners could learn gave me the courage to give it a try.

As expected, the learning curve was steep, especially for someone with no computer background. I was also older than many other students, so learning new things took me a little longer. Still, I never gave up, and that is how I was able to make it this far.

The first area I wanted to work in was mechanical modeling. However, there was almost no reference material available for the subject I had chosen, so I ran into difficulties right from the modeling stage. That experience made me realize just how important good reference material is. Eventually, I decided to scrap about a month’s worth of work and look for a new subject. That was when I chose a crocodile, since there was plenty of reference material available.

To be honest, I had a lot of concerns about choosing a crocodile. I wasn't very confident with organic modeling, and there were already some very high-quality crocodile portfolios out there. I was worried that my work would be compared to them. My portfolio isn't even finished yet, but I don't think I'll be surpassing those projects anytime soon. ^^;

Anyway, I originally wanted to create something with a calm, documentary-like feel, but now I'm not even sure if the project is heading in the direction I originally had in mind.

To briefly explain my workflow, I completed the basic modeling in Maya relatively quickly. For the texturing process, I used image references that I photographed myself. Sculpting took up the most time. I worked on each individual bump and detail one by one, and it ended up taking much longer than I had expected. On the other hand, because the subject was an organic character, the rigging process was relatively quick, and the work after sculpting progressed more smoothly than I had anticipated.

At the moment, I have almost finished the lighting and am just about to move on to rendering out the passes.

I think working in a workshop alongside people who are working on similar projects is much more helpful than working completely alone at home. We can motivate each other, and we can ask one another when we don't know how to do something. Having instructors nearby is also a huge advantage because I can ask questions right away instead of spending hours trying to figure everything out on my own. For someone like me, who had so much to learn, this environment was especially helpful.

I don't have any special tricks or techniques that I can claim as my own when it comes to making a portfolio. However, I do think I have a couple of strengths: attention to detail and persistence. Skill is obviously important, but I believe being thorough and having the determination to see things through are just as important in this field. Being consistent and disciplined enough to keep showing up and working regularly would also be a great advantage.

As for my future goals, saying that makes it sound much more impressive than it really is. I simply want to keep doing this job even as I get older. I started this career quite late and worked hard to learn everything, so I think I'd feel pretty frustrated if I gave it up after only doing it for a short time.

My goal is simply to keep doing this work, get married, have children, buy a home, and prepare for retirement. Is that really asking for too much? ^^

Anyway, I hope everyone creates great work and finds a job at the company and in the field they want. That's ultimately what we're all working toward, right? At least that's my goal for now! ^^

Finally, it feels a little embarrassing to thank someone in a portfolio review since this isn't exactly an awards speech, but I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Instructor Su-jin Lim for all the help and guidance. My portfolio isn't finished just yet, so I hope you'll continue to support me until the very end!~