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3DTotal: With either of these briefs are there days when things just don’t go right? Do your bosses (or maybe the men with the whips) understand and make allowances for artists having “off” days?
Doug: Yeah they understand that sometimes things just don’t work, or sometimes you just can’t find it in you. We also have Daniel in our corner who really understands the creative process. Sometimes you get stuck – he gets that and can help us though it.
3DTotal: I’m going to pick out one of your Guild War concepts in particular now (which is currently my desktop image, I might add!): the mechanical crab. This image is simply awesome, and I (and I’m sure the readers, too) would love to know about your thoughts, inspirations and the process behind this creature.
Doug: This was a fun one. It’s actually a throw away piece, because I misunderstood the assignment. It was supposed to be a living creature based on the devourer from early Guild Wars, but I misread it and made it a mechanical version of a devourer. I made a push for it, but it was a no go. So I redid it to match the description.
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3DTotal: That’s a shame it didn’t make it further. With regards to your creations that get the go ahead in the game, do you then have to prepare more special drawings for the 3D artists? Also, what are your feelings when you see your concept work in full 3D real-time models?
Doug: Not usually. If we outsource art we’ll usually give turn arounds, but in-house it’s just as easy to walk down and describe something. Plus our artists are good enough that I trust them to imagine what might be there. It’s exciting to see the 3D versions! Sometimes things are added that make it even cooler – I think that’s more exciting, seeing the idea evolve into something better. Especially with all the new tech. Normal mapping makes everything cooler! |
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3DTotal: Tell me a bit about ‘blogging’ (Doug’s Blog can be found here: http://dougblot.blogspot.com). Why do you do it, and would you recommend it to other artists?
Doug: Blogging is fun! It sounds cheesy to say that, but it is! My best assets are that I’m fairly quick and I have lots of ideas. When posting art for your game or film there’s only so much you can show, and it can take years to be released. Blogging really allows me to show my speed and imagination. Most people know I have a family and that it’s the most important thing in the world to me, so they know anything posted to my blog is probably done quickly and late at night. Not always, but usually. So blogging allows me to share art quickly without rebuilding my website (which is horribly out of date), but it also has introduced me to several other amazing artists, and me to them. I love it! On a side note, check out Sketchwich (it’s linked on my blog). It’ a tonne of Arena artists (and I’m proud of my meat logo!). |
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3DTotal: What projects do you have planned for the future, either personal or professional?
Doug: Currently I’m working on Guild Wars 2. It’s some of my best work, but it’s a way off before I can show any of it. In time I’d like to create a book, much like Doug Chiang’s Robota, and tell a story that’s illustrated throughout. I’d also like to do a comic, or a mini-series of comics. Someday I’d love to work on a film. I figure movies are what got me into this biz, and at some point I’d love to work on one. I guess the future’s pretty much wide open!
3DTotal: Well we wish you all the very best with everything you tackle, would love to see a book or comic, whatever you do Doug I’m sure it will be a great success and inspire the masses! Thanks again for your time, hope to catch up with you again soon.
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