Red Orange

Based in San Francisco, California, Alex Varanese grew up with an interest in video games which naturally lead him to study graphic design and software engineering. In the beginning of his career, he concentrated in programming but until recently, returning to his passion in design.

His style is distinct with usage of 3D modeling, vector elements, and Photoshop design combined and layered with typography, and of course, his signature and favorite color palette of red-orange but claims to apply much "retro" yellowing to his work turning his treatment to more of an orange hue. He quoted, "95% of my work starts with an object, scene or abstract design of some kind." With such hard work, his talent has gain noticed, leading him to work with Chevy, Drambuie, Nike, Fortune, and Surface Magazine.

Known for his strong branding, Alex Varanese is open to flexibility and diversity by stating, "I don't expect my client work to necessarily conform to the style of my personal work, however, it's fine if they want to go in a different direction." Alex Varanese continues to work on larger projects as well as motion-based work with a focus on narrative and storytelling, but expect his first publication near the end of this year.

Poked

Jonathan Ball has a background in graphic design but discovered his passion in illustration. His character design of monsters and plushie style animals reflect on Japanese influence as well as retro video games, cartoons and urban art, in a world filled with fun vibrant colors.  He would begin by sketching his ideas on paper before transferring his art on the computer to maintain an organic approach.

Jonathan is from Newport, UK, operating out of his design studio, pokedstudio in South of Wales.  He uses Illustrator, Photoshop and Bender for his digital art.  Jonathan is a talented traditional illustrator, but the work featured here are digital illustration.  Check out his website to view his full range of talent.

Pew Pew!

When not working as a product designer, Norio Fujikawa enjoys designing and concepting these jet flying, metal walking, Gundam like robots. Balancing his life between his career and his family, Norio would start with sketches, then translate them into 3D Alias model and rendered with HyperShot. On occasion, he would dust off his brushes and paint with acrylic. His inspiration comes from Japanese anime, comic books, as well as other designers which he admired. Norio is based in San Francisco.

A Story Waiting To Unfold

When you are engulfed in a movie, it is easy to forget the vast amount of work invested in the detail of every aspect.  Sometimes, when the script calls for a location which is expensive to replicate, matte painting is one solution which creates these environment to complete the storytelling process.  Sven Sauer, a matte painter, who basically created these imaginative scenes, a world which takes the viewer to a time and place. 

There is something ominous about these images which compels me to the story.  Take notice of the depth, the lighting, the mood, and the detail which makes these images look cinematic and realistic. Without watching the movie, you know every scene is a story waiting to unfold. Sven Sauer is located in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Check his website for more of his art.

Modeling With Layers And Composition

I would like to introduce Mike Campau, who is a Creative Director for Seventh Street Studio.  I admire his 3D modeling and animation skills. There is no doubt, Mike is amazing with recreating realistic images with high level of detail, texturing, and lighting, but his artistic talent in multi-layering and selected composition makes his work eye catching.

Mike was trained as an illustrator who made a transition to graphic design with a specialty in PhotoShop and 3D.  As you can see, he takes the average image and pushes the boundaries and bring us a different perspective.  Mike quoted on Advanced Photoshop Magazine, "Most people can outline a car on white and add a drop shadow, but what we do is create images that have impact, stay true to the brand and are well designed."

Ojo Frito!

Great imagination and character design!  According to Ojofrito, aka Raúl Real, means Fried Eye in spanish.  He got his nickname because of the long and intense hours in front of the computer screen.  Ojofrito started in sculpting, which soon lead him to 3D modeling by natural progression.  His passion in character design is not fixated to a flat realm, but his vision of these characters could be translated into toys, sculptures, art installation, film, and more.  He gets his inspiration from his daily surroundings from current events to his children's daily experiences.

  

His recent project was with Santo, an advertising agency based in Buenos Aires, to promote downloadable music for Personal Música. He is currently living in Madrid, Spain and can be reached at ojofrito@yahoo.es.