In order to invent a complete universe, a good way to think of it is as an inverted funnel. You start with a single factor: Hot, cold, tropical, or desert… and add few more factors: people, creatures, or civilizations. You then continue to detail each factor in order to bring more and more details to your universe. In a game or a film, it’s the job of the screen-writer or the director to think about it. My job is to create a visual reference of those universes and think about how to fill the gaps with other ideas. Always keep in mind that the more details you have, the higher the chance you have to make a work of credibility and to build a whole new world. Sometimes it can take a really long time.

I’m a curious person so I love to dive deeply into the universe of the production where I work. Independently, I love to read, watch movies, travel. Our world is full of amazing inspirations and it would be a shame not to use it. In a funny way, I have to admit it, I’m absolutely not a gamer. I know almost every aspect of the job, but I’m ashamed when I have a game pad in my hands.

Tools of the Trade

The choice of tools depends on the time you have to create an image. I prefer to use 3D in order to have a really quick reference in terms of perspective, volumes, and lights. I’m still using Cinema 4D, which is a really great friendly tool! Of course I paint, start, and finish every work on Photoshop CC. In addition to that, on rare occasions I use E-one Vue 10 to generate large terrain and I’ll try to work with characters in my compositions with DAZ Studio. Besides all that, a good pencil, a Moleskine Sketchbook, a headphone with a Sibelius or Dvorak symphony, and a good cup of coffee help the creation process nicely.

Music and Images

I’m also composing music. For me, music and art are two of the best ways to express something, as well as cooking. I have been composing since I was 14 so music is also a huge part in my life. I love to paint or work with music in my ears, and I love to compose with a picture in mind (I have a postcard with an Alexandre Calame painting on my desk).