Interview with Australia artist-Johnny Rampant (English Version)
發表時間:Tue Dec 16 12:40:41 CST 2014
--- Chinese Version ---
Interview with Australia artist-Johnny Rampant
===Interview from: Kung-Long int Co.Ltd ( Please indicate the source )===
Hi guys, I’m Johnny Rampant CG concept and character artist from Brisbane Australia. |
I’m still pretty new to the industry but have done bits and pieces of work around the indie circuit, a bit of stuff for IAnimate and an Aussie Sci-fi feature film.
I started mucking around with 3D back in 2006 where I was working as an illustrator and independent artist, but have only really been serious for the past 2 years or so.
I’m self-taught if there is such a thing, thanks to the help of the amazing CG online community, and now loving every minute of the life of a 3D artist.
My background is in traditional arts but I’ve now been working exclusively in digital modeling for the past 2 years.
Depending on the job, I’ll usually work in with the Art Director to finalise concepts.
From there I'll produce rough ZBrush sculpts for approval and once we’re happy I’ll crunch them down to whatever poly limit, and bake out textures before the nail biting handover.
Nearly all my works are produced in ZBrush to start with.
I tend to gravitate towards fantasy genre and so the bulk of the designs are organic forms that require little work done in other programs until the post sculpt stage where I retopo in Topogun and/or Maya.
I first got into 3D work back in 2006 but as an artist I found the tools available a bit counter intuitive and so returned to traditional works.
However with some of the amazing new features ZBrush has brought to the industry lately such as dynamesh and zremesh its just such an amazing program, I really don’t think I’d be doing 3D if it wasn’t for the invention of dynamesh!
I’m very happy to be back full time digital sculpting nowadays.
I love all kinds of sculpture but especially the new breed of traditional fantasy guys like Simon Lee, Aris Kolokontes, Shiflett brothers etc.
They never fail to inspire.Digitally I really love Raf Grassetti, Dom Qwek, Glauco Longhi, Fausto de Martini and so, so many more.
Why? I feed off everyone in the community! It’s just such a great source of creative energy for my own work.
Starting new personal pieces is always the fun part, I’m usually mulling over a few in my head during sculpting other stuff, these can come from anywhere.
The other day I saw a guy with a heap of dimples on his bald head and I’m chewing over that at the moment.Then I’ll start by looking at a heap of reference. Start sketching in dynamesh and try to listen to the clay as it grows. Try to keep it loose.
I don’t like to have anything rock solid in mind, that’s why I prefer sculpture, for its flexibility, like Bruce Lee said “be like water” lol.
Yeah well of course drawing skills come in handy to do concepts prior to starting.
Also paint overs can help you turn out numerous options quickly but if you don’t have a solid concept in mind you can hit obstacles.
That’s why I’ll usually have a few pieces on the go at once and just give it time, sleep normally does the trick! If it’s a technical problem I’ll hit the forums and tutorials.
▲This is one of my favorite works come from "Doc Frankenstein",because the way to narrative a story. PS:Doc Frankenstein is an American comic book character roles . |
Improving my skills is a daily challenge for me, mainly because I just always want to keep producing new major pieces.
But taking the time out to practice specific anatomy parts or do quick throw away sketches is really important, I feel. About 2 years ago I bought an egg timer; I find it really helps me keep things quick and loose.So yeah, practice and of course tutorials. In this day and age there are interviews and lessons available from some of the best in the world for a few bucks.
Having an in depth lesson with Raf Grassetti or Simon Lee… Priceless.
Being only new on the scene and remote by being down in little old Australia I haven’t had a chance to be involved much yet but I’m hoping to head out abroad in 12 months to see if I can get a start in one of the big studios around.
So far I’ve done a feature film ‘Arrowhead’ and a few models for IAnimate but nothing massive.
Drawing is definitely a big part of my background.
I’m not sure if you have to be an illustrator but I would say it helps.
Then again in our generation we pretty much had to draw, and these kids coming through now could start digital sculpting much earlier and I think that will accelerate their growth as artists. Drawing and sculpting are pretty similar. I’d say as long as you’re having fun, and practicing one or the other you’ll find your way. Just do whatever you can to enjoy staying productive; it’s not a sprint, the life of an artist.
Internally it has to be learning new stuff; I still have so much to learn but getting those little breakthroughs are very satisfying.
Externally, completing my first feature film was pretty mad too.
I’m already living the dream, as an artist it’s all about the process.
Everyday I’m just so thankful to have a passion that satisfies me so deeply.
Of course next year I will finish my degree, then I’ll head abroad so hopefully I’ll find a quality studio to start the next chapter, to infinity and beyond.
※About Johnny:http://www.facebook.com/john.mcguire.545402
※About KL Team:http://www.facebook.com/kunglong.co.ltd
※KL Teaching Channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/merchant7485
===Interview from: Kung-Long int Co.Ltd ( Please indicate the source )===