New Rochelle, N.Y- Technology has changed how artists around the world approach and perceive art. The animation industry is one field that has been greatly affected.
With the development of graphic design programs like Photoshop and ZBrush, artists are now dependent on technology than ever before. The idea of using pencil and paper is no longer a requirement.
Arden Chan, a lead design artist at Blue Sky Studios in Greenwich, Connecticut relies on Photoshop in creating the environment of each movie that he is assigned. Currently working on the upcoming film, Rio, he relies heavily on the program to complete his artwork. “Photoshop is very special because it allows me to change things easily. When I worked for Disney Animation, it was more traditional-based. We did not use Photoshop at all. There, we were required to have stronger draftsmanship qualities,” says Chan. Since Photoshop was used infrequently, artists needed to be experienced in hand-drawn animation and rely less on the help of technology.
Much like how Photoshop revolutionized painting and drawing, ZBrush has the same impact on sculpting. It allows artists to sculpt in virtual space which allows you to modify it easily and quickly. Sculpting clay figures may take weeks to complete, but with ZBrush, the process can now be done within days. Chan, who had conversations with Michael Defeo, a sculptor for more than 11 years, enjoys the old-fashioned way of sculpting but recognizes the advantages the program has to offer. Defeo said that sculpting can be a tedious process where changes would be very difficult and time consuming, but ZBrush can make quicker changes.
Some artists feel that the magic of completing a work of art has disappeared. Rob Cardone, a layout supervisor for Blue Sky says that “Having used Photoshop for several years, there have been added innovations each year, making the art design process even easier to complete. With the push of a button, unique images can be manipulated and the magical feeling of designing a scene, drawing or painting is gone.” Kevin Proctor, a former Disney Animator adds that the new technology “makes designing art more user-friendly and more approachable to people who do not have artistic talent. It has its pros and cons.”
Whether the public enjoys the charm and allure of hand-drawn art, or the sophisticated, beautiful render of CG art (computer generated), both styles of have their own unique appeal. Tomorrow, technology may bring something else to our eyes.
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Behind the Scenes at Blue Sky Studios
2 comments:
I left another comment but don't see it. I'm trying again. Maybe it's set up so you can check it out before it shows up.
Okay, now I see. I wasn't signed in that's why the other comment didn't show up.
Anyway, I said this was an excellent story and very interested, particularly since I love animated films. I was wondering how this would effect the movies we see at the theaters.
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