I always try to tell a story. Could be some elements or a light hitting one spot in the scene.

Olivier Farrugia

Country: Australia
Age: 36
Job: Senior 3D Artist
Website: www.olivierfarrugia.com

ABOUT STARTING CAREER IN 3D

Since I was a child, I’ve always been attracted by reproducing what I saw in real life. Whether during my games or drawing. And later on with 3D softwares. After my bachelor degree in France in product design, where I’ve been introduced to the great world of 3D; I’ve naturally centered my attention to that magic software (3Ds Max) able to help me reproducing what I can see and feel in real life.

ABOUT THE WORKFLOW FOR 3D PROJECTS

At the beginning of an image/project, I try to gather as much info as possible. Look & feel, atmosphere, styling, color tones, references from clients (previous 3D renders or photos).
And then once the scene is modeled, I start working on the general lighting in order to create the feel and vibe. Once the lighting is set up, the composition process will bring a narrative sense and will enhance the image itself. I always use the basics (but necessary): rule of third, the Fibonacci spiral to check the reading direction and the color triangle in the image to establish a foreground/midground/background layer. All scenes are rendered with VRay.
Post production in Photoshop will highlight and increase the artistic look.
I try to have a ratio of 1/3 of Post Prod and 2/3 of pure 3D work.
Concerning the scripts/plugins I use: the soulburnscripts, Glue, Hard-edge, Quadchamfer…

ABOUT PHOTOREALISM IN LIGHTING

Creating a mood, an atmosphere. Avoiding as much as I can boring or flat lighting. I always try to tell a story . It could be some elements/objects in the scene, or just a light hitting one spot in the scene.
Lighting and composition are going together.

ABOUT CREATING VEGETATION

I mainly use photographs for reference.
Our job/passion is to replicate virtually the reality so, what could be more realistic than photos?
The most important point is to adjust the right amount of specular/reflection value and the translucence. I tend to use more the Vray 2 sided material rather than translucence map as it’s a less render-time consuming.

ABOUT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

For me, being a 3D artist is the same as being a painter in the 18th century. From then, my art will develop through my life and my sensibility. I’ll always learn new tricks, techniques and adapt to new softwares. But at the end, I’ll always try to create the best mood and photo realistic renders.
My passion is my engine and that will never die.