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Between Two Turrets - Come chat with illustrator Suke! [COMPLETE]

RiotA Small Man··20 votes·77,372 views


Welcome to the latest installment of Between Two Turrets, a Q&A series through which we connect you with various Rioters to chat about League, life, and anything in between. You can expect a new Q&A every two weeks or so, with Rioters from all over jumping in to spend some time with you on the Boards. You can also check out past installments!

This week, we’ve got Senior Concept Artist (dabbling in splashes and various other forms of illustration) Ke “hugehugesword” Su (aka Suke)!

NOTE - Things will be a bit different for this installment, as English is a second language for Suke. Myself and a couple other publishing types will be helping Suke identify questions and compose his answers. All sentiment will be Suke's; we'll simply polish a bit for clarity where necessary. Keep in mind that responses may be a bit shorter or take a bit longer due to these additional steps - thanks for your patience and understanding!

We want this feature to be a place for players to hang out with Rioters from all over the company, regardless of factors that might prevent them from more regularly chatting with you all on the Boards or other places online. Suke's worked with Riot's art department for almost five years and is super enthusiastic about getting to know players better, so we're very pleased to have him as a guest today.

My name is Ke Su, but I'm Chinese so I like people to call me Suke as its closer to the Chinese pronunciation of my name lol.

I'm an illustrator who works primarily on posters and splash arts. In the past I mostly created team fights for key art, from Season 2 key art to the 2016 preseason key art. I've worked with Riot for 5 years, but I was working remotely in China for the first two years. Before that, I was a concept artist and sculptor. I was a big fan of the original DotA mod years and years ago, and actually did two pieces of login screen art for it. Riot Games found me in 2011, and asked if I would be interested in doing art for League of Legends. I must admit, at first I was suspicious! As a big fan of the DotA mod so I wasn't sure I would enjoy League, but I decided to at least do some research and try the game out. As you can probably guess, I really enjoyed it haha. I actually felt tons of love and passion from it that made me want to be part of making the champions look cooler.



My first big project was the Katarina group image you see above, which was a great experience. After two years working remotely, I moved to Riot HQ in the US and became an in-house artist. This was an awesome move because it allowed me to work on a greater variety of League art, such as the base splashes for Ezreal, Kayle,etc.

Recently, I started to work on publishing my art more - you can check it out here. It's mostly composed of Arcade promo art, Project team fights, and the Lunar revel 2016 key art. Hopefully there will be more in the future!

I'm passionate about creating cool/serious/intense battle scenes, and I love choosing the coolest champions to build them up. But when I play League, I prefer a relaxing game with funny-looking and tanky champions such as Dr.Mundo, Volibear, and Udyr (only April Fools skin). These champions are tanky and fast, so its easy to go in, take some damage, and run out without dying too fast,and its no pressure even if I do die. I'm silver btw :D

229 Comments

RiotCuring13 votes

Can confirm that Suke is an amazing artist, I sit as close as possible to him so I can absorb some of his left-over art talent juice. Also he loves to slap the rest of art team with Definitely Not Udyr in our internal games, which makes him an even more valuable asset to Riot Games.

r4ndomkill4 votes

mmmmm... talent juice.

(sry my first image posted other than my avater)

Riothugehugesword7 votes

haha right

The Small Dog2 votes

I didn't really how sexy this segment was. "between two turrets" "talent juice"

anacondazz6 votes

FIRST YAY ;D

Riothugehugesword9 votes

[slayer-jinx-catface]

xX1SaVaGe3Xx2 votes

Just Wanted to Say Hello! I really like league skins, any interesting ultimate ekko designs? I would really like to see him given a legacy or ultimate skin! ultimate would be awesome! but in the end academy doesn't have any visual effects besides being boring and I really love ekko as he is my main champ, and I know you cant just make a skin because a player, but hey just thought id take time to ask the concept artist if he can design anything cool for ekko that riot might consider, please include a different color ghost rather then blue or gold in his current skin!

NicePresent3 votes

Could you make chroma packs for the project skins, Because it would be really cool to make the laser things on their armor different colors. Just imagine a project yasuo with green lines. PLEASE make this.

Ghoulmeleon5 votes

Why isn't there a French maid sion yet?

Riothugehugesword4 votes

That would be a high fantasy skin!

kuralpha4 votes

Yo Suke, your art pieces are amazing/fabulous/outrageous! How do you like life in the United States? Is there a significant difference between working in China and working in the United States?

Riothugehugesword5 votes

Yes for sure, I like it here a lot! Especially the California sunshine you know :D

I worked in China for a couple years, but I haven't worked in other companies in the US so i can't quite compare Chinese companies to all US companies. BUT, I do feel there is a significant difference between Riot Games and the work environment I've been in. Riot has a really strong feedback culture and big space to do what you're interested in. As an artist who is willing to improve and wants to make player friendly art, this is the perfect place.

I found that is easy to send/get feedback here, and people don`t have too much concern about seniority. For example a rioter on our internal website can leave a comment for any art work, even if they're a young artist or even not an artist. That also means artwork got more visibility from people around the company, and artists get more varied reactions from people in different disciplines. It's so easy to get suggestions and inspiration.

I also like the soft benefits here. I can have a good amount of free time that let's me take classes. There are also several art communities for artists to join: concept art, illustration, motion graphic, etc. These are great for an artist who wants to learn, as I believe all artist pretty much just want to be able to talk to and learn from other badass artists.

kuralpha2 votes

Suke you're so cool ^ teach me how to be like you [zombie-nunu-hearts]

Ichabod Kong3 votes

Oh cool! What was your favorite piece of art to draw for the game?

Riothugehugesword22 votes

I had a lot of fun when I was working on Arcade promo art. That was the first time I tried to make art not too close to the in-game model, and to even make the characters younger in order to help the mood. Ultimately I wanted something that felt pretty fun and playful.

ArcticSirius3 votes

I currently have that as my laptop's background! I really enjoy your art style and think you're an amazing artist. As for my question, who are some people you look up to? Can be anyone from anywhere, throughout history or even the present. From the famous to the amataur artist that no one's discovered yet or even a co-worker! Just who are some people you look up to?

Riothugehugesword6 votes

Have to say I have tons of artists on my list. Many artists' style are far from mine, but I still get inspiration from them. My first fantasy-art work copy is this study copy of Frank Frazetta, made in 2004. He inspired me a lot and helped me to love creating fantasy warriors. After that I started to play WOW, and the artist Wei Wang's art gave me a lot of passion. His fav artist is Brom, so I then found Brom. I'm always trying to get more inspiration from different artists, regardless of style, to get different techniques/tips.

For example, when I was working on the Katarina group art(in the OP), Katarina's necklace wass hard to make. I went to check a video of Jason Chan to better understand how to draw it in an effective way. When I was working on lighting research I went to check Dave Rapoza's art to see how he design extreme lighting.

Anyway grabbing anything helpful for you is the best way to get better, being humble is always right!

Stinkyman122 votes

oh man!! I've loved Frank Frazetta's work since i was a kid, read a ton of Conan comics. (he did a lot of the covers) it's nice to see someone else that likes his work too.

Onodera Kosaki3 votes

I love that one a lot, it made them seem so playful and cute which fit the arcade style perfectly. Followed you on dA, keep up the good work!

Kei1433 votes

1. Which pieces of splash were your recent creations? Scratch this, I just went to your posted link and saw your arts. They are awsome. 2. What do you think of the Chinese splash arts being merged with the existing arts? 3. Time it takes to make a splash? 4. Process of making a splash ? 5. What do you think of the "Riot Dash" pop up? 6. Share an office joke with us? 7. The craziest thing you've drawn? 8. Any crazy concepts that were thrown away that you can share? 9. How often do you play the game? 10. If you do play the game, how is the player base / skill level between the chinese servers and NA? 11. How did you actually get picked up while you were in china?

Riothugehugesword5 votes
  1. Mecha Zero Sion login screen with Sion vs Malphite. Hopefully we can release a hi-res version soon!
  2. It shows League is very global right now, so I like it (you will also find some of my really old work there).
  3. It depends, sometimes I have a lot of passion for a specific thing but it might take a long time to figure out the specifics. Team fight pieces usually take around 4-6 weeks.

Sorry I don't have time right to answer all of these right now, need to save some time for others :)

ImRoosevelt3 votes

I saw you created the PROJECT: Zed art. Do you enjoy making more futuristic stuff or more fantasy-like artworks? :D

Riothugehugesword6 votes

Just to clarify, the project ZED is made by a different atist. I combined all other characters together as a panorama.

Riothugehugesword7 votes

Oh, I like fantasy-like artworks better. but in my fav art folder, there are tons of Sci-fi stuff as well:)

mercenarykat3 votes

I've actually been following you on deviantArt for a while and it's an honor to actually be able to talk with you!

As an aspiring visual development artist I have a few questions:

  • What is Riot's concept/design process like?

  • What is your process like when doing digital paintings/concept art/etc?

  • Do you have any tips for artists who want to get into the video game industry?

Riothugehugesword6 votes

  1. We have different groups, with concept artists focused on making early concepts for champion skin/new champion. Then character artists make models for it. During that time splash artist work on the splash art. But all the artists are involved to improve/polish the stuff to make it cooler.

  2. I mainly do it in 3 steps. First of all I'll get as much inspiration as I can, often by talking to the concept artist who did original design. Then I'll do other research to hopefully get some cool ideas. Then I'll create a couple thumbnails to show the team during review meetings, and we'll talk about which one is the best. Then we lock it down and render it to done! Beside that, I'll always be on the lookout for new inspiration.

  3. Yeah I have couple thoughts. First of all, it's good to find out where your passion is. If you want to be a MOBA concept artist it would be great if you are a MOBA player. You do not need to be hard core but that would help you to get inspiration and passion, for example if you love some particular champion a lot. You can then have a feeling of "I can do something for it to make it more my taste," then you start to do some changes for it, and that's the first step! It's all about passion. Second, you want to always see how other artists do it, to learn really specific things you want to know in order to improve. I believe everyone has different parts to improve, so you should always be learning. The last one is to try to finish a work on your own. Maybe it won't be perfect but it's good experiences to get a good start into the industry.

KungFuPandaKO3 votes

What was the funniest moment you had working at riot games?

Riothugehugesword5 votes

A lot, but I can only remember one thing at the moment, it was the first day. I was so happy that everything looks awesome, but I could only say some simple word: nice, good, nice to meet you, etc. a Sr. manager with couple rioters asked me very friendly: how do you feel riot? I said: good enough.(I was trying to say good, couldn`t be better)

Solidair32 votes

You like to play tanky champs, but which champs do you like the designs of the most? do you like big tanky guys, dainty supports? What's your aesthetic?

Riothugehugesword6 votes

Big weapon champions or tanky champions. I love riven a lot! If she was tanky I'd play her more, but every time I use riven I get tons of pressure from other lanes haha.

Nikutsune2 votes

I absolutely adore your work, your rendition of Ezreal is by far my most favorite. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Also thanks for the sick smiting pantheon splash with the butt shot. [slayer-pantheon-thumbs]

My question is: Is there any one Champion you love drawing above everyone else? Just a personal favorite who's fun to draw?

Thermo Gizmo2 votes

I'm so glad to meet the master behind all these gorgeous artworks! Btw, what does VU stand for?

I've been on League for two years now. My brothers and friends got me into it and I'm so hooked. What captivating elements of League got you to finally join the Riot team?

(By the way, this is my first comment on any League community chat!!)

Thermo Gizmo1 votes

Plus, I'm in love with the 2016 Pre-Season key art. You inspire a seedling artist like myself!!

Riothugehugesword4 votes

Thanks, and welcome to the community!

Riothugehugesword2 votes

Riven, she is so cool. If I had to I'd do fan art for her :D

Ringo Biyori2 votes

What's your favourite thing to do when you get stuck and are having troubles trying to get something right?

Riothugehugesword5 votes

Play games

Jabalor1 votes

I loved you work specially in the Vi vs Jinx art So heres my question What was the direction you went for that piece? you made look Vi as a real badass there! Any interesting tidbit for that one?

Riothugehugesword5 votes

Yeah, that's one of my favorite pieces! Funnily enough, Vi and Jinx weren't actually in the original design of composition. It was a promotional banner for the League youtube channel( that's why it is really long), so was supposed to be team fight. I did it similarly to how I have before, doing some cool composition for that shape, and it was going very well.

The result surprised me though, since I took tons of time to make Rengar as cool as I wanted him to be and did a lot of research to make Rengar's ultimate believable. Still, most player talk about Vi vs Jinx in the piece, which is cool to see.

When Jinx came out, her personality and the relationship with Vi attracted me a lot, and I like their joint background. So as a player, I really wanted to add them to that piece. Even though there was already some other cool stuff happening, I just replaced it and added them, lol.

Talacain1 votes

Have u ever used anime charters for ideas for concepts? If so good one be Melodious be a fun one from Seven Deadly Sins or may be a sup that's able to form in to a weapon.. Idk wish I had your talent well done.

Riothugehugesword3 votes

I'm not working on champion skin design, but I do love seeing anime style like with Star guardian Lux! What you think of her?

Wannabe Doom Bot1 votes

I love your work! I was wondering, do you think it's particularly difficult to become a concept artist for Riot Games, or a concept artist in general? And did you attend a school or classes to learn or are you self taught?

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! I followed you on deviantArt and can't wait to see more of your amazing work!

Riothugehugesword4 votes

I dont think becoming a concept artist is that difficult, but it needs time to practice many works, also its always good to keep eye on good design. I learnt a lot of traditional art from my father, but Im self taught on concept design. When I found some awesome design Id try to use it my way( dont copy directly, it doesnt help you improvement ), that`s how i learn.

iTsundere1 votes

Hi Suke,

Aspiring Rioter here.

Im an art student at CSUF and was curious as to how the art team in Riot works. What kind of teams and positions are there? Any advice for a student trying to work for Riot even if he doesnt end up on the art team?

Riothugehugesword3 votes

There are many teams, but they all work together on things like champions or skins. Basically, each team has skin/champion concept artists who create the early concept, character artists who works on the 3D model and polish the concept, and illustrators who works on splash art. Each artist is also free to contribute to or give advice on other parts of the project - there's a lot of freedom.

My advice for young artists is try to find what you like more of and focus on it, dig into it more, and make it much cooler when you show off your portfolio. Of course it's not always easy to find the core of your talent, but it could be really fun as well. Maybe experiment with some fan art to start?

AmberRam1 votes

Hello! I'm already a big fan, having watched you on DeviantART, and I'd like to ask a question, aspiring artist to a professional. How did you start out? Or how would you recommend starting out to those trying to get where you've gotten now? Would you have any tips or helpful advice to give to artists trying to succeed in their craft?

Anyway, thanks! Keep doin you. [slayer-pantheon-thumbs]

Riothugehugesword4 votes

This is a really good question, it reminds me old days. I was in sculpture department in academy. so I never thought i would become an CG artist, but i like video games a lot, that inspired me to make fan art. and then making fan art,designing new stuff for my favorite character became my new passion. so for CG, I think I`m more like a self-taught artist. of course sculpture practice helped me a lot on foundation knowledge.

Sigfried1 votes

Any future project to update all the classic splash arts?

Yorick item 3070 Warwick item 3070 Kennen item 3070 Rammus item 3070

These are just the really old ones that are left untouched :(

...Thanks!

Zastie1 votes

I might be too late and/or this may have been asked already but..

How do you approach human figure poses at the first stage of your drawings? Do you look up references or are you able to just jump into drawing it immediately? Do you have any tips for learning to draw human figures in poses more effectively?

Riothugehugesword4 votes

Great question!

The first stage is to create a narrative for the character, so then I get a clear idea on how to design the character`s pose. I think this is more important than just making a cool pose.

I practiced a lot in school, the more you practice the less you will need to use reference.

My biggest tip is to do live drawings to help you draw human figures more effectively. There are many way to do this, you can go on various live drawing websites or even draw in a coffee shop.

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