Joyce Jiao was born in Xi’an, a historic city in northwestern China renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The family relocated to Shenzhen, where Joyce was raised by her mother—a strong, resilient woman who travelled extensively to explore the world. During this time, Joyce was deeply influenced by the historical sites she visited across the globe, which also cultivated her interest in art history and architecture design.
Joyce began her college studies at York University in Toronto, where she double-majored in Art History and Visual Arts. She later transferred to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to focus on Architectural Design, where she ultimately discovered her true passion for cinematic spatial design and CGI technologies. Seeking to deepen her skills in digital art with a focus on 3D environment design, Joyce chose to attend Gnomon—School of Visual Effects, a prestigious institution in Entertainment. She honed her technical abilities and artistic vision there, preparing herself to create immersive, story-driven environments.
Now based in Seattle, Joyce is a CG artist and illustrator whose work bridges fine art and cutting-edge digital design. Her portfolio showcases a masterful command of cinematic spatial design, immersive environments, and a unique surrealist aesthetic. Influenced by her architecture and visual arts background, Joyce’s creations resonate with dreamlike atmospheres, often exploring themes of cultural heritage, memory, and the interplay between light and shadow. Recognized for her technical precision and artistic vision, she has gained acclaim on global platforms like Adobe Substance 3D and The Rookies, demonstrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of real-time environment art and digital preservation.
Award-Winning Works that Redefine Digital Storytelling
Joyce’s work has garnered acclaim and international recognition, including awards from the MUSE Creative Awards, Vega Digital Awards, and the 2024 Davey Awards for World-Building Design. Her pieces are known for their meticulous detail and captivating narratives, creating environments that blend realism with dreamlike surrealism. One notable work, “Spring Breeze Inside the Celtic Ruins,” won Platinum at the MUSE Creative Awards for its breathtaking depiction of an ancient, mystical ruin reclaimed by nature. In this piece, Joyce’s mastery of lighting, texture, and ambient detail transports viewers into a serene, almost sacred space, blending forgotten history with ethereal natural elements.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Jiao
In “Spring Breeze Inside the Celtic Ruins,” Joyce Jiao crafted an environment that transports viewers to a mystical, ancient world. This project draws on her dedication to preserving cultural heritage through digital art, capturing the ancient Celtic-styled remains’ timeless beauty and haunting atmosphere. The scene, an intricate blend of natural elements and historic architecture, explores themes of memory, reverence, and the passage of time.
With this project, Joyce aimed to create a serene yet mysterious setting that allows viewers to feel as though they’re walking through forgotten ruins surrounded by lush, misty greenery. Using real-time 3D techniques, she meticulously crafted weathered stonework, scattered moss, and ambient light to bring the environment to life. The use of lighting plays a crucial role in the project, casting soft rays and shadows that evoke an ethereal, almost sacred quality, as though nature itself is reclaiming the site.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Jiao
Flooded Library, Midsummer Day
This work was selected to be featured on Adobe Substance 3D’s official livestream, spotlighting her technical mastery and her unique vision. The piece, part of Adobe’s 2023 Fall Community Showcase (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyZgu1SCdE&t=555s), was created to evoke both a sense of mystery and a tranquil, surreal atmosphere. “Flooded Library, Midsummer Day” draws from Joyce’s deep interest in naturalism and her theme of a “dream of gold,” creating an environment that feels otherworldly yet inviting. Her goal was to craft an immersive scene, highlighting the power of digital tools in creating detailed, lifelike textures that enhance visual storytelling.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Jiao
Se Son Rose Fioriranno
Joyce Jiao’s “Se Son Rose Fioriranno” is a compelling digital artwork celebrating feminine resilience and transformation. Translating to “If They Are Roses, They Will Bloom,” the piece metaphorically portrays the strength and grace of women overcoming adversity. Through the delicate intertwining of rose petals with classical architectural forms, the work symbolizes the harmony between natural growth and women’s lasting influence in history.
This artwork earned Joyce both the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards in Student Conceptual Design and the prestigious Vega Digital Award. Praised for its technical excellence and poetic narrative, “Se Son Rose Fioriranno” powerfully conveys the essence of feminine empowerment—affirming that, like roses, women will flourish despite any challenges they may face.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
