457 - Feng Zhu - Concept Designer & Art Director

The Allan McKay Podcast

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries.

They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of creating compelling concept designs. Feng shares insights into the current state of the design industry, its challenges and opportunities, and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI.

The conversation also covers the importance of problem-solving skills in design, effective portfolio development strategies, and the business aspects of running a successful design studio. Feng offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and discusses the evolution of the industry over his 27-year career.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in concept design, the creative process behind blockbuster films and games, and the future of the design industry in an increasingly digital world.

Topics Covered

• Feng Zhu's background and career in the design industry
• The importance of problem-solving and thinking skills over technical skills
• Portfolio development and job application strategies
• The business side of the design industry
• Studio management and working with clients
• The impact of AI on the design industry
• The evolution of technology and its impact on design
• The difference between illustration and design
• The challenges of game development and studio closures
• Social media and its role in the industry

Highlights

• "We're actually business people. We're selling products. Some people forget that even though we're drawing, we're not artists, we're product sellers."
• "I'd rather have someone that has really good thought process than someone who renders really well, but has no ideas in their head."
• "If you're doing social media stuff, but your content is just for social media, but not for actual industry, then yeah, that's not that relevant in my opinion."
• "To get to that level [of AI replacing human designers], you have to cover new technology, something completely alien to us right now, to reach human level stuff."
• "What we need really is in here, the brain, the human brain, and that's something AI cannot replace."

Resources

• FCD School of Design (Feng Zhu's school)
• Design Cinema (YouTube channel - search for "FCD")
• CalArts
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
• Lucasfilm
• Duke Nukem Forever (game)
• Luc Besson (film director)
• Hugo Martin (Doom game director)