Who is hobbit?
My name is
Andy
Simmons currently living and working in England. My current,
not preferred, profession is an electronics engineer. I am
passionate about all things creative. I like to write music for
guitar and keyboards and to spend long hours in front of the pc
creating digital images. My ambition is to work fulltime as an
artist.
How long have you have you been rendering? I first
got rendering when the Bryce 3d demo was featured on a magazine
cover disc in 98. I saved like crazy for months until I could
afford the full version. Have not put it down since.
What are
you currently working on? I've had some requests for background
type images for a RPG D&D style game, so over the next few months I
will probably be concentrating on Tolkien'esk style landscapes,
more trees and waterfalls and maidens on horseback I expect, lol. I
also want to try and develop my modeling skills. I've still got a
lot to learn there.
What software do you use and why? Bryce,
Poser and Photoshop are my main software packages. Bryce still
remains the heart of all my creations. Of all the 3d packages I've
tried, Bryce still is the easiest to use and has the shortest
learning curve for me (except for the deep texture editor, lol).
Poser I find easy to use too, it's ideal for getting poses quickly
and easily out into Bryce. I use Photoshop more and more since I
recently bought a wacom graphic tablet. Post work for me is the
most important part for completing the image, I like to make subtle
changes in light, hue and focus and recently have added a lot of
detailed 2d brushwork to blend in.
Why do you like 3D art?
I've been a fan of 3d art ever since Pixar produced that animation
with the two desk lamps, I remember playing around with retracing
on my old amiga computer and have been hooked ever since. It's only
now with the current software and pc capabilities that anything
your imagination can dream up you can almost do. The main thing for
me now, with 3d art, is the speed at which ideas can be created.
Unlike traditionally painting where I would sketch ideas and play
with oils for days, weeks, on end. I can have an idea take and it
into Bryce while it's still fresh and complete it within hours
(sometimes). Most of my work in the galleries took no more than 1
or 2 evenings to complete; I like to work fast while the ideas are
flowing. I'd like to do more on the animation side though, I just
wish Poser and Bryce could be integrated; the big software packages
like Lightwave and max are way out of my budget.
What inspires
you? I get a lot of inspiration from other artists, traditional
and digital. Also from films such as Disney's 'Dinosaur' and the
BBC documentary 'Walking with Dinosaurs' the former has pushed the
boundaries even further. I'm also looking forward to the release of
'The Lord of the Rings'; there is a lot of 2d/3d work going into
that.
How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your
work, relationships, and learning? I think without Renderosity
I would not be where I am now. I have had such a positive and
professional response from my image posts, which has helped me
develop my own style. It's been and still is a great learning
experience here. I'm hoping to give something back by writing a few
tutorials in the future. There are so many talented artists
residing here. I'm honored to have been chosen for this spot. Thank
you to everybody at Renderosity for your help, support and
especially your vote. Back to Bryce now,
Hobbit
To view other AOM
(click here)
Comments