| |
|
3DTotal: If you completely lose the inspiration with a character you’re creating, would you scrap it completely, or persevere with it?
Jonathan: I always keep my stuff because I never know when I will need something that I have done before. I’ve created some characters that nobody will ever see. I recently killed two characters. It’s hard to make the difference between wanting to be happy with your character, and trying to be happy with your character. I spend so much time on every character that I do that sometimes I will force myself to like them, but the reasons come back and then I put them away. Sometimes I just need to stop working on a character for a week or so and go back to it with a fresh view. |
|
| |
|
3DTotal: What has been the most creative piece of advice that you have either received or given?
Jonathan: When I was studying at the NAD Center my character modelling teacher was Pascal Blanche (who needs no introduction). Seeing his work and listening to him was enough to see the 3D medium differently, and learn not to be restricted by the boundaries. I know he told us a lot about doing an illustration, having great curves in the character and making them alive, which surely influenced me in the way that I pose my characters today.
3DTotal: Pascal Blanche is an iconic figure in 3D, and I would think that a lot of aspiring artists would have gained a lot of inspiration from his work. Was having him as a tutor the reason why you decided to do a bit of teaching yourself?
Jonathan:I already knew his work before I started to do the video game course, so I couldn’t believe that this guy was going to be my teacher! He inspired me a lot and every time I work on a new character I always go check his stuff. But in response to your question, I’m not really sure. Maybe. I did some teaching, but mostly because it was a real challenge for me.
|
 |
 |
| |
|
3DTotal: So how do you spend your days away from work?
Jonathan: I try to keep myself in good shape. I spend too much time sitting in front of my computer (both at work and at home), so I have to move when I get the chance. I go to the gym three times a week, snowboard in the winter, and last summer I started kayaking. I also just discovered Dance Revolution, which is the best way to do some exercise, and it’s fun (although you look like a fool so make sure that nobody sees you from outside)! Besides that, I’m just an ordinary guy who likes to see his friends, and things like that.
3DTotal: Well it has been a pleasure talking with you. Before we go, I do have one last question for you.
If I was to work beside you for a whole day, what would I learn about you that most people don’t know?
Jonathan: I asked my co-worker on this one, who said, “Besides having an unhealthy infatuation for Clive Owen, he is quite the perfectionist at what he does… although you couldn’t possibly tell that just by looking at him”. The Clive Owen thing is a long story, so I won’t explain it. The rest of the team seem to share the same idea of me though, which is maybe because I say too many stupid things at work? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
