Meet concept artist from Montreal, Donglu Yu

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

It has been 12 years that I work as a concept artist for video games, the credit list includes: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed III, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Farcry 4.

During my free time, I have been teaching/lecturing on how to make concept art and I am also enjoying developing my personal bunny girl series illustrations.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Montreal has a strong French vibe, we enjoy good food, wine and coffee here. We focus on the quality of life over work. Montreal is also one of the biggest hubs of video game companies. The city is full of creative energy, thus a great place to be for artists.

Montreal has a strong French vibe, we enjoy good food, wine and coffee here. We focus on the quality of life over work. Montreal is also one of the biggest hubs of video game companies. The city is full of creative energy, thus a great place to be for artists.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The relaxing and peaceful lifestyle is what I like the most. The 6 months long winter is something that I am not a big fan of.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Inspired, passionate and fulfilling

How did you start your career in art?

Back in China, my grandfather was a famous calligrapher, he influenced me with his works at a very young age.

Back in China, my grandfather was a famous calligrapher, he influenced me with his works at a very young age.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes! I was lucky that my family fully supported me to be an artist instead of a doctor or engineer. I guess that both of my parents really appreciate art, so they were very happy to see me pursuing this path.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

Professionally, I have been lucky to work on some of the biggest franchises in the video game industry, so I am already very fulfilled in this regard. I wanted to focus more time and energy on my personal art that can echo emotionally with a much larger audience.

I wanted to focus more time and energy on my personal art that can echo emotionally with a much larger audience.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

My first choice would be Alberto Mielgo. His style deeply influenced mine. I love how dedicated and passionate that he is with his works.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

The biggest challenge is to always keep my art true to myself. In a work environment, we always have production and deadline constraints, that is why I have recently launched my Patreon, in order to share my personal illustrations with my fans who want to take a closer look on all the behind scenes of my artworks.

I have met many female figures in my life who inspired me deeply. They are CEOs, programmers, artists, HRs and in many other positions. They are strong, caring, dedicated and mostly, they approach their work with a different angle compared to their male colleagues.

How would you describe the women around you?

I have met many female figures in my life who inspired me deeply. They are CEOs, programmers, artists, HRs and in many other positions. They are strong, caring, dedicated and mostly, they approach their work with a different angle compared to their male colleagues.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Not any local artists specifically. The CG art community is pretty based on an international scale, because the digital artworks are mainly exposed on the internet instead of a local museum/gallery.

Keep working on the things that you enjoy the most. It is the passion that will lead you a long way ahead.

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Keep working on the things that you enjoy the most. It is the passion that will lead you a long way ahead.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Hip hop, Jazz soft music

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Any authentic Sichuan food restaurant

Chi Ngo asks: Where do you usually go to clear your head?

A walk in the woods

Vishakha Darbha asks: What is your biggest motivating factor?

Making illustrations that can express myself is always my number one motivation factor.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

Where do you get your inspiration?

Photos courtesy of Donglu Yu