By Honorary Reporter Abigail Tung from Canada

Emiko "Miko" Mendoza, a visual effects (VFX) artist based in Toronto, Canada, is known for creating stunning and photorealistic imagery in music videos and commercials, especially for Korean entertainment. 

Known as a VFX magician, he has collaborated with top K-pop acts like SEVENTEEN, aespa, NewJeans, IVE and NCT's MARK.

The following are excerpts from a June 15 interview with him via an online audio call.

How did you join the VFX industry?

While studying computer science at university, I filmed videos with friends. I befriended the Korean Canadian artists UPTOWN BOYBAND (now CLUB BOYBND) and made videos for them. They were my first industry connection.

While on vacation in Korea, I saw an Instagram post seeking urgent help for a project. I contacted the director and got connected to the production studio Ambience. After assisting Ambience with connecting them to other artists to do masking and 3D tracking, I offered my 3D skills for future projects. Months later, Ambience reached out and this got me started in the Korean industry.

Emiko Mendoza's VFX work is shown here on Stray Kids' 5-Star Concert VCR (Nanane Studio and JYP Entertainment)

What were your first Korean projects like?

My first was for a Sony headphones commercial. They needed snow moving around the models so I added the VFX. 

How do you achieve the director's vision through your VFX work?

Directors provide a reference board and I decide on the elements I want to create, ensuring that I enjoy the process. I often look for online references. For example, for SEVENTEEN’s “MAESTRO,” the directors wanted a cyberpunk theme. I was inspired by the visuals from my favorite movie Bladerunner 2049. I incorporated its visual tone as much as possible within the tight schedule.

Emiko Mendoza did the VFX work for the music video for SEVENTEEN's "Maestro." (SL8 Visual Lab and Pledis Entertainment)

How did you get to work with globally famous K-pop artists and companies?

Since establishing myself, I get project offers through Instagram or KakaoTalk often by word of mouth. My first major project with Ambience was crucial; before that, I mainly worked with Western artists. Gaining experience with the Korean industry has led to consistent offers over the past three years.

The second time I went to Korea, I was going there for a vacation so I told myself I would only work if I got a project for an artist like NewJeans. Coincidentally, a coworker called with a project for that group. I built a computer at an electronics store and turned my vacation into work.

Emiko Mendoza did VFX work for this NewJeans ad for Musina. (Aedia Studio and Musinsa)

What do you find most rewarding about VFX?

Simply enjoying the visuals and having fun doing what I want. Even if I had another career, I would've made visuals in my free time. And seeing the fanbase enjoy it is very rewarding. 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.