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We congratulate Jason for an outstanding collection of works in the Lightwave Gallery! Who is 'otacon', and how did you come by that username? Otacon is the name of a character in the video game Metal Gear Solid. I liked the way the name sounds, so I thought it would make a good user name for online forums and such. If I would have known when I started that I would spend so much time online, I might have made it my real name instead. How long have you been working with computer graphics? I've been doing CG since around 2001, professionally since 2004.
Do you have any traditional art experience? I don't have any traditional art experience. When I first discovered 3d I just loved it, and all I wanted to do was create. I think traditional experience would have been a great help to me though, and I still enjoy traditional art even though I'm no good at it. What are you currently working on? Currently I'm not working on any personal work. I've been a little uninspired lately and I'm looking to find some motivation for my next work. I do 3d at work every day though, so I'm still getting my "fix" that way.
What software/equipment do you use and why? I use Lightwave. Lightwave was the software that I started out using and I've become used to it and developed a good workflow with the software. Besides that I use Paintshop Pro for any 2d needs. I also think great work can be done with any software, and artists shouldn't get too caught up in what they use....it's just a tool. I'm blown away by the realism in your work. Do you have any tips you could share on achieving a realistic render? I think the most important thing for realism is observation of the real world. You have to know what things should look like in real life before you can start to recreate them in 3d. Most software has all the features, like radiosity, sss, blurry reflections, etc. It's knowing how and when to use them that is key. I think attention to detail is also important. The small things can really add a lot to any scene. What do you think your best piece of work is and why? My best piece is my next piece! That's a tough question. I tend to like the most recent thing I've done...and then after a few weeks I don't like any of it anymore and I want to do something new. I guess "Christmas Santa" is my best for now, although I'm already pretty sick of it.
Who, or what, inspires you, and how do you get your ideas? I can get inspired from anything: a movie, a photo, a painting, other 3d work. I look at a lot of CG work online to get inspiration, and a lot of photography. Coming up with ideas is the hardest part for me...I can't start on something unless I have a pretty solid idea of what I want. How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning? Renderosity is the reason I have a job in the CG industry. I'm a big fan of posting work online. That is how I got found out and how I continue to improve my work. Being able to have other artists look at your work and give you comments is very helpful and rewarding. It's also a great place to come for inspiration. Do you have any parting comments, or advice for other artists? Only advice is to enjoy what you are doing, don't stress about the software or the computer stuff. The process of creating should be the most fun part. Thanks for the interview. We invite you to have a further look at Jason's Renderosity Gallery! Be sure to also visit:
**Have a Lightwave tutorial, or perhaps some general digital art Tips and Tricks to share? Consider posting to Renderosity's new Video Tutorial Center!** All supporting images are
copyright, and cannot be
copied, printed, or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the artist. Artist of the Month is highlighting a talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to this member for their collection of works for that year. Since we only select one AOM per month, it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and they are recognized during that month. To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM] award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM page, which can also be found on the sidebar under Highlights. |
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