Xiaoyu Zhu earned his bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Ohio in 2020. With no formal background in art, he has been self-teaching design and visual creation, continuously refining his skills. His passion for world-building led him to work as a UI/UX designer in the gaming industry for two years, focusing on crafting immersive digital experiences. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Visual Communication Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
I approach 3D modeling not as a tool for storytelling but as a way to externalize my inner thoughts. I use 3D as a means of expression, where most of my scenes hold no predefined meaning or narrative. My work leans toward a blend of light sci-fi aesthetics and the stark, monolithic presence of Soviet-era architecture. I am particularly drawn to strong visual contrasts that evoke silence and isolation, shaping dystopian yet mesmerizing landscapes. I continue to refine my artistic language and explore the boundaries of visual communication.