[FRAMED] Junior CG Artist, Subin Chae

If you could travel back in time, which film, TV series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?

Gravity (2013). I was deeply impressed when I watched Gravity, and it felt so vivid, almost like experiencing reality.

Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?

Pikachu! My energy is limitless.

What fictional world or place would you like to visit?

Pokémon. It would be awesome to meet countless characters.

Your career highlight to date:

The Lexus NX: Future Proof | Lexus (2023)
For the first time, I completed the hero asset from start to finish.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?

I thought I would end up in a scientific field, but my art-loving aunt discovered and encouraged my artistic talent. That’s how I confidently chose the path of art that had captured my heart since childhood. Though I started with fine art, my fascination with computer work eventually brought me here.

The DREAM project would entail:

Very intricate and complex large-scale assets.

How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?

I start by showing CG works, and I explain them with all my knowledge until their curiosity is completely satisfied.

Describe your career journey into the exciting world of VFX.

I started out because I simply loved art, so at first, the path ahead seemed unclear, like walking through fog. But with the guidance of truly great colleagues and supervisors who became my role models, I’ve walked this path up to now. Now, I feel like I’m at a point where I can lend a helping hand to someone else.

What does the day in the life of a Junior CG artist look like?

The daily routine varies each time. But usually, before I start, I try to catch up on all the updates, tasks and renders listed on Shotgun, even if they’re not my assets. I double-check my work, get feedback from the supervisor, and handle any pending tasks. Then, I make sure to prep tomorrow’s meeting presentation as best I can.

Framestore is, to you, in three words:

Dream, challenge, family

Best thing about your work environment?

Team members. I’ve been fortunate to have great seniors with exceptional talent and teaching abilities, along with warm-hearted colleagues, who have enhanced the quality of my life.

Framestore is great at:

Discovering talented individuals.

Favourite artform?

Pen drawing.

Favourite image?

Starry Night Over the Rhône by Vincent Van Gogh

What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?

I love Mindhunter (2017) so much that I’ve probably watched it dozens of times. I’m a fan of David Fincher’s movies, especially Zodiac (2007). I love the cold, but sophisticated realism in his films.

What is the last piece of art that inspired you?

Deadmau5 songs

How do you unlock your creativity?

When I listen to my favourite songs every day while taking a walk, I get a lot of inspiration in my mind.

From where do you seek inspiration?

Watching a lot of movies.

Who in the industry do you admire most and why?

James Cameron. I believe we could produce fantastic CG works thanks to his imagination.

Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received.

While showcasing my talents is important, teamwork within the company is paramount.

What tech/innovation could you not live without?

A computer. It’s a tool that makes all my dreams come true.

What tech/innovation deserves the hype?

AI. It can contribute significantly to many aspects of medicine.

What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?

An alternative artificial eye that can substitute for the human eye.

Subin Chae, you’ve been [FRAMED].