Richie Jon Mason
Modeling software used: ZBrush
Website: richenks.net
What first sparked your interest in becoming a cg/concept art?
I have always liked drawing and sketching my ideas, when I saw what ZBrush could do, I could not resist trying to make something. That started me down the path to exploring different type of genres.
What are some highlights throughout your career?
Being contacted by film and television producers and magazines. It’s been amazing to see the interest my family has, getting advice from them, then also getting advice from many of my heroes in the 3D industry.
What would you say is unique about your approach to a project?
I start almost all my personal art in ZBrush with no specific idea in mind. I just play around until I find a direction I like, then go from there, many times changing direction as I develop the idea.
Where in the process do you use KeyShot?
When I’m done in ZBrush, I bring the the model into KeyShot and go at it. I’m looking forward to the KeyShot bridge with ZBrush 4R7–I’ll be using it throughout the process to test lighting and materials while I’m sculpting in ZBrush.
What makes KeyShot an important tool to have?
I have never seen a tool that gives the results Keyshot does. My hard surface models are 80% KeyShot materials. KeyShot makes your work look how you imagine it.
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing what you do?
Learn not to sleep 🙂 If you’re starting out, look at tutorials on sites like Digital Tutors. Even if you don’t like the subject they are teaching, you will learn new techniques by watching their workflow. I can’t stress enough the importance of Social Networking–add artists and people in the industry–it has helped me immensely, plus most are very open to providing the feedback you really need.
