UC Spotlights - Jeff MD

Jeffrey M.de Guzman

Forum:	Jeff MD
Entry:	Purple Haze
City:	Makati City
Country:	Philippines
Email:	jeffmd4i [at] yahoo.com
Website:	http://www.jeffmdart.com

Favorite Software:
Photoshop and Zbrush.

Inspirations:
from great artists and great artworks.

Favorite Games:
God of War, Onimusha and Soul Caliber.

Favorite movies:
Matrix, Braveheart, Last Samurai and Gladiator.

Favorite music:
Soul, Pop, Rock & Ballad.

Good habits:
I try to learn new skills and broaden my knowledge.

Bad habits:
getting hasty in finishing my artwork, which I end up starting over again. Haste makes waste.

Future Goals:
I would like to be a concept artist that could create both characters and environment skilfully and as well as create detailed textures for 3D models.

How do you bounce back from a bad day:
I watch patriotic films and be inspired ones more from it.

What's a good day:
Waking up from a good sleep.

Let's start at the beginning, Can you introduce yourself? Why game concept art and how did you get to where you are today?

At first, I was actually a mechanical engineer for 2 years and during that time, I never truly felt satisfied. I then pursued my other passion in culinary arts, cooking, which I studied and completed in my country and abroad, and then had a career as a chef for almost 5 years. Inspired by IFX Issue 10’s cover artwork, I began doing Digital Art in November 2006. In my free time, I enjoyed creating new art, but soon, my hobby completely took my attention. I fervently continued to create artworks for different online art competitions, and up until now, I have been doing quite well. At present, I currently work as concept artist for a vfx company but I still hope to pursue a career in games when given the chance. There is nothing that beats games concept art, as its only limitations are where your imagination brings it.

Was this your first competition? What are your thoughts about this new annual challenge and online wip competitions in general?

This was my first environment competition and first time joining a competition created by GameArtisans.org. This kind of challenge was totally new to me. It wasn’t easy coming up with up with a workflow. At first, I tried using a new style to create an entry for UC, but I eventually ended up using the same workflow I use when painting characters. Additionally, creating a step-by-step WIP image forced me to be more organized with what I was be doing. In the end, the procedure to achieve an image during a WIP competition is very much the same as how work is done professionally. I believe it was a good training experience to join this challenge and other similar challenges online, as it certainly helps develop discipline.

How did you come up with your idea to make your entry? ?

I started by spending quite a bit of time viewing and studying many concept environments to build up my know-how and personal inspiration to get started. I then worked on the first idea that came to me, or started on it the day after. During the course of the challenge, I noticed that my skills were not inclined so much towards environment art. Eventually, I went back to designing structures similar to how I design armors and costumes for characters, which I believe I am good at - This was the best route for me.

What would be your advice for aspiring game concept artists out there? What type of training do you think would be helpful in becoming a successful concept artist?

Having 3 Ps! Passion, patience and perseverance. Be inspired from other artists, be challenged to create something new and better. Do not close your doors to other techniques or other type of artworks that you don’t like. Any and all knowledge is always very useful and it will enhance the skills you already have. Always read, observe and listen and you will learn a lot. Take challenges and failures as a catapult for you to work harder, these things are supposed to make our life better not bitter.

Was there someone, or some thing that helped make you who you are today? Is there anyone you would like to thank, or at least give a shout to?

Tom of ImagineFX got me motivated when I was featured in Issue 14 of the magazine’s DVD. It was the first time my artwork got noticed and recognized. I never imagined that I could do good artwork. I would also like to thank all the other artists and friends who inspired me and taught me so much. You know who you are! And most of all, the Supreme Being who is always there showering his blessings! I thank you all!

What plans do you have for your future?

I would like to work in a game company and create brand new character concepts and environments. I would also like to try my hands in texturing 3D models - I just find it really fun and challenging to do. Matte painting for feature films might also be a good idea as well. But if given a break or a sponsor, I would like to go to a game, 3D or Vfx school and study once more.

Your work in Unearthly Challenge was an inspiration to all! Thank you for your time and I am positive that we are all looking forward to seeing more of your fantastic work in the future.