CG digital art resource

Over the past week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ivan Kashubo, a concept artist hailing from across the world in Russia! I was interested in learning about him and his views on the industry, so we discussed his background, his views on digital art, and his influences. Ivan is a genuinely great guy to chat with, oozing with enthusiasm in our discussion regarding anything to do with art. Visit Ivan’s portfolio blog and sketch blog to view his amazing work.

First of all, thank you for agreeing to the interview, I’m excited to have this chat with you! To start off, can you give us a brief rundown of what you’re currently working on, or an overview of what you’ve finished recently?

Hi! Currently I work as an Art Director with the developer of video games Snail Game Russia. My major project’s name is “Black Gold”, a MMORPG set in a steampunk setting. Here is a brief description of the game:

The scene is set in an original and weird universe full of adventures. In this universe one can find a sort of ore called “black gold”. It is known not only as a source of energy for steam engines, but also as a sacred magic substance. Black gold can be used for extracting “dark steam”, which combines magic and energy of steam. The main feature of the game is the rivalry of Victorian steam punk and Fantasy. At my previous place of work I occupied the position of the Lead Concept Artist. My last project there was also MMORPG, in post-apocalypse style though.

The gaming company you work for is in Russia, where you live. Could you tell us what a normal work day is like for you over there?

Well, my ordinary workday starts with a cup of coffee, reading through the project’s papers, conducting briefings, dealing with emails from freelancers, adjusting working plans, etc. Then I look through the drafts developed by painters, modelers and programmers, i.e. carry out the overall supervision over the art aspects of the project, determine the guidelines for developers. When all the issues with the artists are more or less resolved, together with the designers we discuss some game features (characters, locations, weapons, etc.). After that I can have some time for painting.

The above may sound a bit too serious, but actually it all goes with a good deal of fun and jokes. I believe positive mood is a crucial element for successful work. After all video games is a fun in the first place! Of course you can’t avoid overtimes, deadlines, misunderstandings, but this is a part of work too.

Sometimes we arrange small meetings to adjust our action plans. And as a result the concept may change dramatically. But that’s OK, that’s how it works. You need to closely follow up the concept, the team, the outsourced people and to find some time for painting by yourself.

Have you ever worked with a gaming company outside of Russia? If yes, is it different?

Yes, I cooperated with a number of foreign companies. However, those were the remote assignments (freelance), so I can’t tell for sure about differences. Based on the documents, such as contracts, requirements specifications, etc., it looks pretty much the same as in Russia.

In terms of assignments, in all countries big corporations tend to rely on detailed descriptions, whereas the smaller ones are usually eager for a brisk general concept. But of course eventually it all depends on the task set.

What’s the best part about what you do for a living?

I’m a big fan of concept art and I like everything about it. I certainly never mind painting full value pictures, but my passion is concept art and speed painting. Working over the project I can fully concentrate on development of visual ideas behind the characters, locations, items and so on. For me the main thing around this process is the alloy of inspiration, interesting project and committed team. If you have it, you’ll never change it for anything else.

What’s the most memorable moment that you’ve had working in the entertainment design industry?

Well, the most memorable moment is the day I actually got into this industry as a concept artist. This is so thrilling to be into something you are really fond of, working side by side with people passionate about art just as much as you are. Once you are in it, you can’t refuse it!

Are there any books, or illustrations, or anything that sticks in your mind that really influenced you as an artist?

Of course, there are! In earlier times I was heavily influenced by the art of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. Their works were probably the starting point of my journey into the world of fantasy art. I painted in oils, gouache and watercolors, drew in pencil.

Then I switched to digital painting, where I was inspired by excellent art books, such as:

- Exodyssey (Steambot Studio)
- Turok (Mandryk)
- Marko Djurdjevic (his works in MARVEL)
- World of Warcraft (art books)

I do have to thank many extraordinary artists, whose works inspired and motivated me.

If you could choose any intellectual property to work on, what would your top choice(s) be?

It’s a good question! I do like many video games as well as movies. Out of video games I would distinguish “Darksiders” by Vigil Games, “Army of Two” by EA, “Prototype 2″ by Radical Entertainment, “Uncharted 2″ by Naughty Dog. These are the projects I would love to work at.

As for the movies, my favorites are City of Ember, Hellboy, Avatar, Lord of the Rings, MirrorMask, Rango, How to Train Your Dragon. I wish I could work as a concept artist at any of these projects.

The overall direction of my preferences is obvious I think, so I’m always open for interesting projects either in movie, or in video games industry.

Your fans are extremely lucky that you provide posts showcasing your work process. Do you have any plans to create a video tutorial in the future? Or perhaps do what some artists have done and provide a Livestream session so people can see you working live?

Thanks, I’m pleased to know I have fans :)

Speaking of the video tutorials, it’s a good idea! Maybe I will arrange a couple of lessons through a LiveStream in future. I will make sure your portal is among the first ones to learn about it :)

Dead City Tutorial by Ivan Kashubo

Monster Face Tutorial by Ivan Kashubo

Do you ever do any professional traditional paintings/drawings, or are all your work purely digital?

I used to paint in oil at the instance of the customers in the past. Those were primarily the landscapes. I drew portraits, landscapes and still life pictures in pencil as well. Nowadays, my art is mainly represented by the computer graphics. However sometimes I do sketches in pencil and COPIC markers. To maintain and develop my skills I draw from nature, mainly in pencil or coal. Drawing models helps to better understand anatomy of the body and dynamics of the muscles. At work I use Wacom and PC.

Professionally, do you see any benefits for traditional methods compared to digital?

I believe it’s extremely difficult to start practicing digital pad art with no basic skills in traditional painting. Drawing in pencil or painting, on paper or on canvas is really important. It provides a firm basis for switching to CG.

Some may object claiming that there were examples when people started from the CG and made it to the top of the art. However, with the classical technique you can make you way up in digital painting much faster avoiding lots of pitfalls.

From your website, it seems to me that you enjoy body building. So my question is, which one is mightier, the sword or the pen?!

Yes, you’re right; I’ve been keen on bodybuilding for quite a long time. Gym is a perfect place to relax after intense working day.

As regards sword and pen, they are like might and magic ;), each is good in its own way. To influence other people you sometimes can’t do without strength, but in other times art may prove far more efficient. However, both are powerless without due background and training. It’s a cliché, but it’s true, knowledge is power. You can’t be an outstanding artist if you fail to learn the basics (such as lights, coloring, shapes) and to further develop your skills deepening into the details and nuances. Likewise, in sports you can’t be successful without using your head at every stage of the process – from planning your first trainings to developing advanced programs and moving to pro level. So my credo is: get knowledge and wisely use it.

Lastly, would you share with us a photo of your work area?

Yes, sure!

My workplace at home.

And workplace at office.

Once again, thank you for providing The Round Tablet with this opportunity to interview you. I truly had a blast! Any final thoughts for our readers?

Paint, paint, paint!!! The more you practice, the more beautiful and original art works you will create. Look around, spot the details, they comprise the whole picture, and… keep painting!

For more of Ivan’s work, visit his portfolio blog and sketch blog!

As always, let us know your thoughts and post your comments below!