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David Meng

Creature Designer and Sculptor, Weta

David Meng graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2000, with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art, and took Dick Smith's Advanced Professional Make-up Course shortly after. Interested in bizarre, funny and grotesque things from a young age, David had a natural leaning towards working as a creature/character designer in the film industry. David started his career working as a designer/sculptor for various effects houses in LA. In 2004 he was invited to join Weta Workshop in New Zealand, just in time to work on King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia. He spent the next few years working on many of Weta's other projects, most notably District 9. On District 9, David served as Lead Creature Designer for the movie's Prawns. Other films David has worked on include: Alien Vs. Predator, Black Sheep, Under The Mountain, and The Hobbit. Most recently David worked as part of the concept team that designed the Kaijus for Pacific Rim. His main contribution to the film was the design of the Leatherback Kaiju. David's work has been published in various art-of books and been exhibited at both CoproGallery and The Hive, as well as the Dowse gallery in New Zealand, and also in Shanghai. His work has been included in the internationally renowned publication Spectrum five times (including this year's upcoming edition), and has so far won two Silver awards and one Gold.

  • "We have been very fortunate to work with a large number of extraordinary creatives in our career here at Weta Workshop. David Meng is one such person possessing of extraordinary creative talent, conceptual thinking ability and superb draughtsmanship - although at his heart David is a fine art sculptor, inventing unique and dark original characters from his ever abundant mind."

    - Richard Taylor
    Co-founder and Creative Director of Weta Workshop

  • "Don't let David Meng's youthful appearance fool you - I watched him sculpt for two months in NZ and was blown away by his brilliance. Whether it's his flawless technique, his boundless imagination or his commitment to professionalism, this man will teach you everything and more about sculpting. What you hold in your hand is the product of a Master."

    - Wayne Barlowe
    Concept Artist

  • "In this industry where it can become easy to borrow from other artists, Dave Meng has the capacity for genuine original concepts and unique designs. I would recommend his tutorials to anyone who wants to learn a fresh take on the craft."

    - Jamie Beswarick
    Lead Designer/Sculptor, Weta Workshop

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