Lora Tsakova, a student at ARC Academy – for the strong motivation to pursue your dreams

Lоrа is a first-year Concept Art student at ARC Academy. For herself, she says that drawing and playing video games have been her passion since she was very young. The idea of combining her two favorite hobbies and turning them into a sledgehammer charted her path to the Academy.

What inspires you and how did you get into the creative field?

Inspiration is all around me. Often in my surroundings – nature, architecture, people, animals (the world is full of unexpected wonders), other artists and their work, music, movies, video games and much more. What directed me to the creative field is my desire to create, my love of art and games, and the satisfaction of creating and improving with each passing day. 

How did you find ARC Academy?

I found out about ARC back in 2020 from my teacher at SU “Nikolay Katranov”, with whom the Academy partners. She knew I was interested in gaming and suggested I enroll in one of the online courses that was running at the time. It wasn’t long before I also attended an Open House where I decided that this was where I wanted to train after I graduated.

You won last year’s scholarship contest with Chibi Phoenix, what motivated you to enter?

I had set myself the goal of winning the competition and proving to myself that I was good enough to make drawing a profession. However, every single person sometimes has periods when they are insecure about themselves. The task for the competition was challenging enough to provoke my interest and desire to create a project that would bring me first place.

What preliminary preparation is needed to create a successful project to apply to a scholarship competition?

In my opinion, strong motivation and dedication are of great importance. The hours of work you put in to perfect yourself before applying, as well as the effort you put into building the project and meeting all the components of the assignment. I always give a little more than what is expected of me.

How do you dream of developing in the industry?

For me, success lies in improving myself, and my work and continuing to inspire myself every day. I dream of finding my place in the industry, where I will feel stable and surrounded by positive and motivated people, to create successful projects.

What advice would you give to someone wondering whether to apply for a pageant?

I would advise him not to waste time. What better way than to challenge yourself and let your imagination run wild? The tasks in the scholarship competitions organized by the Academy are always intriguing. Also, a new project to add to your portfolio is never superfluous.

If you are also chasing your dream and want to develop as a concept artist in the game industry, enter and win the scholarship competition organized in partnership with Chibi Phoenix. You have until February 18 (Sunday).