What do you most like about software?
Software as a concept is so clever, malleable, logical, creative, understandable
and the tools are getting better everyday. If I’d had the tools available today when
I was programming, I’d probably still be doing it for a living. I am just in awe
at how software has matured in the last few years.
What do you least like about software, or the environment around it?
Well, not so much software per se, but some of the people behind it - and in a word,
SPAM! web scams, and criminals trying to rip innocent people off! To be honest, nearly
all software is a great achievement. I think if most people knew the blood, sweat
and tears that goes into any software application or utility, they’d be amazed, and
a little more grateful about the miracles that we all take for granted today. Also,
it’s easy to criticise the big software companies, but their work has changed the
world.
Where do you see the future going with 3D art and illustration?
Mmm, that’s a hard one. Personally, I think the 3D market is roughly in the same
position as Desk Top Publishing was when it was at the fore in the software/computer
market in the late-mid eighties.
Which software do you use?
The range of my work and the various methods I use to complete it mean I have to
use a fairly eclectic range of software. Of course, I use Adobe Suite CS5 (Photoshop,
Illustrator, Fireworks, etc.). I also love using Corel Painter, Serif Software: WebPlus
X5, DrawPlus X4, PagePlus X5, ...okay, most of their software as I love their approach!
3D: Maxon Cinema 4D R12, Hexagon, Lightwave, DAZ, Rhino, and other utility software.
I have used Maya and 3D Studio Max, but didn’t really get on with their approach
or GUI - maybe it’s just me?
Operating Systems?
I use a number of multi-core i5 and i7 PC’s using XP Pro or Windows 7, a rack of
Intel based servers in my render farm. I experiment all the time with new hardware
and software combinations, as I need to keep moving with the times. I don’t have
too much time to tinker, so I use a fairly structured and iterative approach. I am
not a fiddler though, and my motto is: “If it works, don’t fix it!”
You’ve written
some plug-ins and some special software?
Yes, in a past career I used to do quite
a bit of programming. I have written and continue to create specialised Photoshop
plug-ins, quite a bit of Python and I’m really into Java. My BIG problem is lack
of time, so I have to be very disciplined about my work schedule.
3D Applications,
which is your favourite, and why?
I used to use Caligari trueSpace for most - if not
all - of my work. With trueSpace, I didn't even have to read the manual; it just
seemed obvious. I found the trueSpace user interface intuitive, easy to use, and
logical. I just loved the ability to create, immerse, and lose myself in the real-time
workspace. I don’t like or even really appreciate the CAD approach to three-dimensional
art. To me, creating and manipulating objects using CAD methods is akin to those
wacky scientists in those old sci-fi films awkwardly manipulating objects with those
clunky mechanical hands behind glass screens. I prefer real time ‘immersive’ interfaces.
When I discovered trueSpace it was a breath of fresh air, and has given me new vigour
and interest in producing artwork. I knew and also heard that quite a number of 3D
artists out there struggled with it; I am not sure why this was as many of the competing
applications were even more difficult to master. Anyway, I just loved trueSpace,
and had a great rapport with the guys at Caligari, and also the hugest respect for
them... Just Awesome!
The demise of Caligari trueSpace: With the way things were going with the success
of Google Sketchup and Google Earth, it was inevitable that Microsoft would attempt
a competing product with their MS Maps/MapPoint, and hence they bought out Caligari
with the intention of using trueSpace as the 3D modeller - which they pushed as a
free product. Anyway, eventually Microsoft pulled the plug... I was really very upset
when Microsoft cancelled the project. Subsequently, I had the chance to talk with
a number of Microsoft folks who gave me the inside info about what had happened,
and suppose in some way I can see things from their (and a business viewpoint), but
it still hurt nonetheless.
From my perspective: Personally, I could no longer continue to use a defunct application
for my business work, so after trying out just about all the main 3D applications,
I chose Maxon Cinema 3D: it pretty much does everything I want :)
I do use a few other modellers, and sometimes ‘mix and match’ modeller and render
engines depending on the scope of the project at hand. For some work I like using
DAZ Hexagon and also Zbrush for more artistic work. I have experimented with: FormZ,
Lightwave, Maya, Electric Image, Renderman and Rhino, but for the future, Maxon Cinema
4D was the one for me. And yes, I still like to use Caligari trueSpace for fun.
I leant art and illustration the old fashioned and long-winded way, and I still love
the tactile feel of pencil or pen on paper. I don’t like taking shortcuts and will
still work on parts of the image that will probably not even be seen by my customer.
Overall, I use a combination of 2D and 3D, and I would be disappointed if a someone
looking at my work could tell which package/s I had used in its creation.
Ask Griff
