The man behind 'Seth' and many other amazing creations - Dave Wilson

What is your Name, Age, and Job Title?

Dave Wilson, 24, Head of 3D @ Wicked Pixels.

In terms of CG, How did it all begin for you?

First was University, a BSc Computer Science, oodles and oodles of wonderful colourless code. Not too much fun, VERY scientific stuff, then after that I thought I'd do a little traditional animation, oh in my 2nd year of Comp Sci, I discovered 3D Studio, cool cool, oh and even before that in High School, my end of year project was making a computer game with a mate of mine, drew the graphics for that pixel by pixel man, YIKES. You should see some of the images, GULP. Anyway, After university, traditional animation and fiddling around in 3D Studio, I got an internship at a television studio. This ended up turning into a full time job, worked with some cool and not so cool people, then started my own company, and then joined Wicked Pixels, where I am now. Between all that, lots and lots and lots of hours and later nights.

What was your very first CG project? was it a success?

Hmmm, professionally ? Cause my first one was that game. If I have the courage to dig up some screenshots I will. Other than that it would have been work for that TV Studio, don't have too much of that stuff around anymore though.. Although here's my first real Lightwave Project Render.

How long have you been in CG and what is your current job?

3 Years now. At the moment I head up 3D Animation at Wicked Pixels in Cape Town. Best Studio in the country if you ask me. I get to do ALL SORTS of stuff, we get time to work on our own projects and are busy working on a Wicked Pixels Short Film. Other than that we do TONS of commercials.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?

Keeping my Sanity. Hmmm, seriously, staying passionate, it is easy to get burnt out or sick of "suits" totalling killing your creative buzz. I love my job, so that makes it easier, I can't imagine doing anything else really, but staying focused, passionate, dedicated, whatever, maintaining a high level of quality and bettering it each year is probably what I am most proud of.

Of all of your artwork, which piece is your personal favorite and why?

Hmmm, not sure really. Probably at the moment, my Arach. No real reason I guess, just one of my latest pieces and I love photoreal looking mechanical gadgets like him. Robots, Photorealism...... y u m m y.

What is one piece of advice you would give to the aspiring artist?

Hmm, if I had 10cents for...... Nah, seriously, I always say the same thing, DEDICATION. If you're willing to put in time and hard work, nothing can stop you. If you're gonna be able to sit hour after hour, trying and trying to finally get what's in your head onto the screen, you'll make it. It takes patience to start off with though, it can be frustrating at first.

What software program(s) do you use for your CG and why?

Mainly used Lightwave and Photoshop. Lightwave for all my 3D and Photoshop to paint textures. Love Lightwave's renderer. I also use After Effects and Premiere, use lots other but those are the main ones.

What are you plans for the future?

Keep making cool CG. Hopefully one day work on some film stuff, some cool game cinematics. Make it over to the States and try and cut it with the best of the best. Also want to finish a short film some day, never find the time.

Are you working on any projects currently? If so, what are they?

At the moment working on the elusive Wicked Pixels Short Film. Also just finished off a big commercial, inside the human body type thing for Wicked Pixels. The Wicked ShortFilm is liveaction/CG combined, all photoreal stuff, right up my alley. Should be finished near the end of February, but don't hold your breath. We work on it during out downtime at the studio, i.e. when we're not busy on other work. So it's not often. The shots we have completed look awesome though. I'd love to post them, b u t ....... Wicked might not like it *grin*

Can you give away one of your CG secrets to success?

Hmmm, if it looks good and convincing (reference to photorealism) then you have achieved what you wanted, doesn't matter if it makes sense or how you did it. Ok, how do I explain this. Simulating real world principles often doesn't achieve the same result in 3D, coming up with a clever, simpler method often solves the problem, and if the viewer can't tell the difference, well, then you've succeeded. Also remember, when dealing with animation, it's there one frame gone another, you can get away with a lot more than you might think. While I say this remember one thing, perfection and attention to detail is what seperates the pro's from the rest.