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3DTotal: You state that you are a self taught artist specializing in 3D modeling. How did you come to discover ZBrush and 3ds Max, and get interested in the realm of 3D characters?
Rafael: I’ve always loved classical sculpture and comics, and when I started to learn more about film production, makeup and toy sculptures, I became really interested and decided to try and pursue a career in the industry. When I started to study
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sculpting in clay, a friend of mine introduced me to 3ds Max. I got really excited about it and then when I got my hands on ZBrush as well, all my wishes were combined.
Today, I work hard to specialize in 3D modeling and traditional sculpture, and I expect to grow further in this area. In the past years I’ve had the opportunity to work in film production, printed advertising, game production, toy design for lots of great titles, and now I’m starting to find where I want to be for the next few years.
3DTotal: What is it about character modeling/design that attracts you to the genre?
Rafael: Creating a character is something that I think everyone loves – even more so, when you are an artist. The feeling of creating a character and seeing it come to life is something that I really enjoy; to have an idea and transpose it to a drawing, and from a concept get the “real” character in 3D or clay.
3DTotal: Seeing characters “come to life” is something often associated with creating a 3D version of a drawing. The next stage, off course, is to animate it and see it come to life even more … Does this area interest you at all?
Rafael: One-hundred percent! I’ve had the opportunity to study all stages of production (modeling, rigging and animation) and it has only increased my interest. I’ve become more focused on modeling because I have identified myself with this part of production.
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3DTotal: Why do you think many character modelers are attracted to creating 3D versions of comic book characters, like Spiderman, Wolverine and the Hulk?
Rafael: I believe that all artists that come into this business are passionate about the comic book world. Almost all the artists I know share this passion, and it’s no different for me. Now that I have the chance to be a part of it and make my own versions of my favorite characters, I’m trying to do as much as I can. I’m really enjoying it and I hope to do a lot more in the future.
3DTotal: If you had the opportunity to work as the character modeler on a film that was based upon a comic book character who hasn’t yet been brought to the silver screen, who would it be, and why?
Rafael: That would be a dream come true for me, and it would not necessarily need to be on the silver screen. Anything that Iget the chance to work on relating to |
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comics would be really great. I am living this dream now, working for Marvel Entertainment. I have the opportunity to work on a few titles that are going to be released, so I’m really happy.
Most of my favorite ones have already been taken actually, but I would love to work on heroes like Hawkman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Black Panther, Thor, Electro, Rhino, etc. For someone who loves comics, working on a character that you know and love would be an amazing opportunity! |
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3DTotal: Which 3D characters or creatures have you found particularly successful in recent times, either in film, television or games, and why?
Rafael: Today, I am impressed with the level of quality that companies are achieving in relation to 3D in general – especially in character creation. It’s very difficult for me to cite a particular creature or character that I’ve found successful in recent films because there are just so many of them!
But, of course, I can name some that surprised and inspired me recently, like the new, outstanding Ironman, the vampires from 30 Days of Night, Grendel from Beowulf, Marcus and Michael from Underworld Evolution, all characters from The Chronicles of Narnia and The Golden Compass, and so on.
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