Master Your Process
The Key to Creating Great Art
We’ve all been there. Looking at your image and knowing it’s not good enough and you don’t know why. It's as if we're stuck in a rut and nothing we create seems to meet our expectations. If you've been there, you're not alone.
Earlier this year, I found myself in a similar funk. So I did what any artist would do in that scenario….I went with a kid’s archery practice.
Ok…ok…maybe I didn’t know I was going there to get out of my rut, but that’s what happened. So here’s the story.
During a visit to see my family, I decided to accompany my 10-year-old nephew to his archery practice. My brother had praised his coach, describing him as an exceptional leader. As I entered the gymnasium filled with about 30 kids, I took a cautious spot in the back corner, ensuring I wouldn't become a target for any stray arrows (it's Texas, after all and I’m not sure being shot with an arrow is even illegal).
Then in walks the coach. He’s an unassuming, retired gym teacher but his presence is immediately felt. He swaggers into the room and all eyes are on him. He begins by gathering the children and delivering instructions in a clear, mild-mannered tone. He explains that this class will be focused on the position of the elbow at the time the arrow is released. Not too high, not too low, not too stiff, not too loose.
He split the kids into groups, each working on different drills to improve this one element. After cycling through the drills, he lined them up to shoot at targets. Like a commander at a Renaissance fair, he calls out commands, “Ready, Aim…Release!!!” Arrows fly with mixed results.
He then belts out, “Good job, everyone. Remember, if you aren’t happy with the results, don’t focus on the target; focus on your process. Remember the lessons we learned today about your elbow. Remember what we worked on last week about your foot placement. Remember your breathing pattern when you release. Remember what’s going through your mind when you shoot. Focus on the process. Let’s go!”
As I watched him giving individual instructions to each child, repeatedly saying, "Focus on your process," something finally clicked. It only took about a dozen times of hearing this for my old, stubborn brain to realize he wasn’t talking about archery, he was giving a life lesson.
If you are not happy with how things are working out, don’t focus on the results. Focus on the process that got you there. In that moment it clicked. I was too focused on the poor art I was creating and not the process that led to that result.
From that moment on, I changed my approach. I embraced the journey of creating art, learning from every step, and honing my skills. The transformation was remarkable, and I managed to escape the class without any arrow-related incidents.
My Process
Everyone’s art process is different. Like shooting a free throw in basketball or cooking scrambled eggs, everyone has a different way of getting it done. (Side bar - If you aren’t cooking your scrambled eggs like this, you are doing it wrong.) While every individual's approach is unique, there's a general creative process that tends to work well across various mediums and crafts.
Brainstorming & Gathering Reference
When I embark on a new project, the initial step involves immersing myself completely in the world of that idea. For example, during a recent project where I aimed to recreate a marketing shot for a fictional coffee brand, I adopted a specific approach. Instead of overthinking, I let myself delve into the subject matter. I scoured Google, Pinterest, and Behance for everything related to coffee photography.
I looked at logos and branding designs, explored Instagram pages of coffee shops, experimented with AI-generated images of captivating ceramic cup designs, and even examined microphotography shots of coffee beans. My goal was not to analyze at this stage, but simply to collect all the images that triggered an initial gut reaction in me, creating a PureRef board.
Once the board was ready, I took the time to deconstruct each element and gain a deeper understanding of what truly appealed to me in those images. I observed that the coffee houses exuded warmth and coziness with their dim lighting. The geometric shapes of the ceramic cups struck a harmonious balance between structure and a natural, organic feel. Furthermore, the soft and soothing branding elements added to the overall allure.
By allowing myself this exploratory phase without judgment, I found what inspired me and set the foundation for a more focused and meaningful creative process.
Blocking
Once I have a clear vision of the aesthetics and goals for my project, I dive into the essential process of blocking out my shot. This stage follows the age-old drawing adage of tackling the big shapes first before delving into the intricate details. To achieve this, I swiftly create a basic 3D scene using simple proxy geometry. For instance, a cylinder serves as the coffee cup, while small spheres represent the coffee beans. This allows me to focus on establishing the composition, camera placement, and rough lighting.
What sets this step apart is that nothing is set in stone – everything remains fluid and adaptable. The key is to maintain a nimble and experimental approach, being unafraid to discard elements that don't fit the desired outcome. The emphasis here is on speed and flexibility.
Detailing
With the groundwork laid out, it's time to dive into the finer details. A critical initial step is to decide where to direct my energy and time. Identifying the central focal point of the image that requires the most attention is crucial. Simultaneously, elements in the background that can be rendered roughly or remain out of focus are determined.
Typically, I begin by focusing on the hero objects at the center of the scene, meticulously refining them before moving on to the surrounding elements. Surprisingly, revisiting the hero assets at the end yields better results, as the process of detailing other components provides fresh insights and ideas for improving the central objects.
Though it may sound like a time-consuming approach, this method has proven to be my preferred route to achieving remarkable results.
Feedback
After starting with a broad vision and gradually narrowing your focus to the tiniest details, you may find yourself deeply immersed in the project. At this stage, it's essential to take a step back and seek fresh perspectives to recenter yourself. This is where feedback becomes invaluable. Reach out to artists you trust, those who can offer honest critiques without sugarcoating.
While friends and family might always praise your work, it's crucial to show your project to individuals who will provide candid feedback. Embrace their criticism with an open mind, understanding that you don't necessarily have to implement every suggestion. Be willing to listen and consider their insights. Sometimes, advice may not align with your vision, and that's okay – give it a try, and if it doesn't resonate, you can move on.
If you lack an in-person group, explore online communities like the Academy of Animated Art Discord server. You'll discover incredible artists who are more than willing to provide kind yet honest feedback. Good-hearted individuals exist within these communities if you're willing to invest some time and effort into connecting with them.
Refine
The last step is simple yet crucial. Take the valuable notes you receive from feedback, and refine your work accordingly. Continue the feedback loop until you reach a point where you're satisfied with the results. Remember, the journey of improvement is an ongoing process.
Once you've achieved your desired outcome, don't hesitate to showcase your amazing work on your preferred social media platform. Tag @michaeltanzillo so I can celebrate your artistic achievements with you!
Conclusion
So remember…if you aren’t happy with your work, focus on the process. And if you need extra encouragement, just show up to some random kids’ team sports practice in your area and just linger around!
Wait….no…don’t do that…definitely don’t do that.
Just subscribe to this newsletter.
That’s it. That’s better.
That’s what you should do.
3D News of the Week
A roundup of interesting 3D-related news you may have missed this week.
A Snapshot of 100 Visual Effects Companies - LinkedIn
Christopher Nolan Forgot To Credit Over 80% Of VFX Crew On ‘Oppenheimer’ - Cartoon Brew
Review: New “3D Cars – Inside Out” Blender Course - carbodydesign.com
Substance 3D Designer - Stitching with Path and Spline Nodes - 3DTotal
Making a Custom TexturingXYZ Displacement Map From a ZBrush Sculpt - 80.lv
Artist of the Week
3D Tutorials
For a tutorial of the entire process I was referring to, check it out on YouTube
3D Job Spreadsheet
Link to Google Doc With A TON of Jobs in Animation (not operated by me)
Michael Tanzillo is the Head of Technical Artists with the Substance 3D Growth team at Adobe. Previously, I was a Senior Artist on animated films at Blue Sky Studios/Disney with credits including three Ice Age movies, two Rios, Peanuts, Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise, and Epic.
In addition to his work as an artist, Michael is the Co-Author of the book Lighting for Animation: The Visual Art of Storytelling and the Co-Founder of The Academy of Animated Art, an online school that has helped hundreds of artists around the world begin careers in Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Imaging.
www.michaeltanzillo.com
Free 3D Tutorials on the Michael Tanzillo YouTube Channel
Thanks for reading The 3D Artist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. All views and opinions are my own!