For concept artist Justin Fields, a life without art is one he can hardly imagine. “I’d probably be that crazy guy on the block with too many dogs,” admits Justin. We love when we get the chance to talk to artists who are just as passionate about CG as we are, and Justin definitely is.
Digital-Tutors: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions! Tell us a little bit about yourself and some of the work you are currently working on.
Justin Fields: I am a freelance concept artist currently working at StudioADI. I specialize in doing creature, character, and prop design. I’m finishing up working on a few TV shows and then I will be back on film projects.
Digital-Tutors: Was this something you knew you wanted to do since you were young?
Justin Fields: Absolutely, but it did take me a while to realize what kind of training I needed. It’s important to know where the industry is heading. “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” Wayne Gretzky (via advice from his father, Walter Gretzky)
Digital-Tutors: Is it essential for a CG artist to get formal training in order to be successful?
Justin Fields: I found it very helpful to attend formal training, but having an infinite wealth of resources from online learning helps put you ahead of the game too.
Digital-Tutors: What is the most difficult part of what you do?
Justin Fields: That’s easy! Deadlines! Sometimes I wish I had a bit more time to really dive in and design every part of a character. In production, it can be hectic because sometimes people are waiting on you to get your design approved before they can start their job.
Digital-Tutors: What’s the best part?
Justin Fields: Getting to be creative every day. Nothing beats it. Getting to work with some of my favorite artists in this field has been an amazing experience. I’ve always been in love with the film industry.
I grew up with some of the classics: Star Wars, Aliens, Predator, Blade Runner, Jurassic Park... they all fueled my love for film. Every new project is a chance to learn and grow as an artist. Getting to work with other creative people and brainstorming is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
Digital-Tutors: We see you are working on Jupiter Ascending. Some of our other Featured Artists are also a part of that project. Could you tell us a little bit about this project?
Justin Fields: A lot of the industry’s finest have worked on this project, and from what I’ve seen it’s going to be epic. Personally I used
Photoshop and
ZBrush as my main pipeline for creating images. While at ASC, a lot of us got a chance to work on this film and everyone’s ideas were so cool it was hard to keep up!
Digital-Tutors: How has Digital-Tutors affected your career as an artist?
Justin Fields: So far it has given me a chance to share a little bit of what I have learned over the past few years and give back to the community. It’s a great feeling when people say they really enjoyed my tutorials.
Digital-Tutors: Who do you as an artist look up to?
Justin Fields: Man the list is too huge!! I would say the ones I look at the most are (in no particular order) Neville Page, Jerad Marantz, Ben Proctor, Dan LuVisi, Dylan Cole, Dave Ropoza, Josh Nizzi, Aaron Limonick, Rick Baker, Constantine Sekeris, Ian Joyner. Seriously this list could go on for days.
Digital-Tutors: What motivates or inspires your art?
Justin Fields: Watching everyone evolve and try new things. Seeing artists in the industry constantly innovating and pushing the limits is always inspiring.
Digital-Tutors: What advice do you have for young artists?
Justin Fields: Work hard, ask questions and push your self past your comfort zones. Never stop learning.
Digital-Tutors: Any last things you’d like to share with the world?
Justin Fields: Use those resources that exist on the web, check out CGhub and see all the amazing work out there. Keep up with your software and its new techniques. Sites like Digital-Tutors are great tools to push your skills further.
Digital-Tutors: Thanks Justin for talking with us! We hope to see more tutorials from you in the future.
Visit Justin’s
website and check out his Digital-Tutors tutorial on
Alien Concept Design in ZBrush.
Read more Featured Artist articles
