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Neil MacCormack
  
 
   

You often depict futuristic scenes. Is it your topic of predilection?

I like sci-fi, fantasy and futuristic scenes. As a kid, films like Star-Wars had an amazing impression on me. I think that just stuck me. I like to depict fantasy but I also like to make sure it is realistic enough to look believable.

Please tell us about “Future Station”. This image can be seen in prestigious digital artbook series such as “Digital Art Masters”, “Exposé” and renowned magazines such as 3D Artists.

Future station is actually one of my favorite images which won a CGtalk Award over a cgtalk.com and featured in the Digital Art Masters book series and the Exposé series. It started out as many of my images do as concept design for a futuristic place that could incorporate space ships, people and large structures and cool lighting which is generally what I like to do.

What inspired you for this image?

I think I started actually with the background. I had created the sky map firstly and then, as I often do, started doodling in modeler and came up with the structures and ships. I don’t think it was anything specific that inspired me to create it, I was just trying to come up with something that I wanted people to believe could exist in the future.

What are the projects you’ve been working on recently?

The last projects were for swiss based clients doing some advertising poster work, which is different totally than my portfolio work but pays the bills. The latest portfolio piece is inspired by an artist called “chris foss” and a book I found of his work from the 60`s / 70`s.

Is there any project you are particularly fond of (a favourite)?

Like I said either the “Future Station” or the “Overlander” image or possible my “Recon” image for which I won an excellent award in the last Exposé 8 book.

What tools and modules would you like to find in future versions of LightWave?

I think an integrated version of Fprime or an updated Viper, would be a great thing to have to compliment the already great render engine. Also futher integration with Zbrush and the displacement nodes which I currently find to be a little complicated and the results can be unpredictable. I am hoping CORE will be bringing all these and more so we might just have to wait and see.

What is next? Any future projects for you and Bearfoot Films?

Currently I have some projects in the pipeline which could involve some work for a music video by one of my favourite bands and also some posters for a Japanese company featuring futuristic cities!!
A little gift for our readers?

Yes! Here you will find a file with a watch I made, including scene, objects, textures and images.
Windows / Macintosh (OS X)
Zip

6,5 Mo
For non-commercial use only

Do you have any advice for someone new to 3D?

I guess because I am self taught the only real advice I can give is work hard, be patient, learn the basics
and then repeat!

Thank you very much for your time Neil! It was a pleasure to talk to you!
An interview by Swingcom
Contact : Murielle Misrachi - mmisrachi@swingcom.fr
   
Neil MacCormack  
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