One Systematic Approach

In my years of working in the industry, I learned to work in different ways what ever is more efficient for the given time period. Here's one systematic approach that I use which I find very useful when given a very limited amount of time - the LASSO approach. But before I get into the step by step, I always preach to student to identify first what are the Needs and Wants. For this exercise, the needs would be: 1. restaurant/bar for inhabitants of an extremely dry location of molten rock where no plants grow except thorn thistles. 2. Bugs, rodents, squirrels and shelled creatures only for animals. 

Now that the "needs" have been identified, I did a quick sketch using pencil on brown paper.

I applied values using mainly the lasso tool with just stock soft and hard brushes in PS. 

The idea I have is to use only the limited resources for materials and food. Just the right amount of architectural details for table and chairs tell the audience that inhabitants are bit civilized. Stripes on the wall give some history and story to the location. Inhabitants could have used available materials like sulfur as paint. This idea makes the environment more inviting.

I "colorized" the values in PS. Composition seemed crammed so I extended the layout to give more "breathing" space. Important to keep the original values  uncompromised. 

I started painting and blending in some spots and highlights. I also detailed the extended area on the right. Readability of shapes and silhouette of every detail and making them work in the context of the overall composition is very important! Never loose control of your shapes, values and color.

If the area is so enclosed, smoke coming from cooking and candles will stay inside and create a very nice, thick atmosphere to play round with. I enjoy adding that lower layer of smoke to give an opportunity to play with a glow that is off the ground reflected from the bright candle on the table. Fun.

To get an in-depth study of this design approach and visual development essentials in actual production, check out my 8-wk Environment Sketching for Production online class at CG Masters Academy.

©Armand Serrano 2014.

Environment Sketching For Production: Summer Term 2014

Below are samples of my students work from last spring term. Enroll now!

Enroll now for my ENVIRONMENT SKETCHING FOR PRODUCTION Online class at CGMA scheduled for July 29-Sept. 25. Few spots are still available.

Film Production Design and Concept Art Masterclass in Kuala Lumpur

I'll be conducting the first two days of One Academy's "FILM PRODUCTION DESIGN AND CONCEPT ART" masterclass workshop here in Kuala Lumpur. Then the last two days will be picked up by extremely talented WETA designer Eduardo Peña. This is going to be fun!

Environment Sketching For Production: Spring Term 2014

Spring Term is coming up soon... only a few seats available so enroll now!!!

2014 Adobo Design Awards and Design Series

I'll be participating as jury at the 2014 Adobo Design Awards in Manila. In line with the event, I'll be part of the Adobo Design Series to do a presentation on Visual Development on Animated Feature Films. Calling all artists in the Philippines and Southeast Asia tot come and the check these events out!!!

 ©Adobo Magazine.

Concept Art Should Have A Concept Not Just Art!

Started as a 30-minute spitpaint titled Royal Cat, this is 5 hrs later. I grew up watching romantic epic films from the past and as a kid, I'm a sucker for period uniforms and armors. The Queen mother stretches her arm straight and in formal pose signifies royal bearing and position. The daughter, the new queen, cannot be in contact with outsiders. The geometric silhouettes on the royalties signifies regimented, rigid, and very formal lifestyle. The profile of the Sphinx echoes the profiles of both queen and mother. This shows their family dynasty. The papyrus message is directly in front of the sphinx as if coming out of it's mouth. This shows that this message is honest as if coming also from the mouth of their ancestors. On the other hand, the Roman emissary and general behind him are in less formal poses and uniform showing less respect to the authority in front of them. Right hand on the gladius shows readiness and bit of distrust. General behind leans slightly to his left getting a glance of the new queen. Warm light behind the women for their warm hospitality. Cool light behind the Romans for their hidden intention. Visual Aesthetics for effective Concept Art is part of my lecture when I do Visual Development workshops. Fun exercise.

Original 30-minute spitpaint.

All images ©2014 Armand Serrano.

Winter 2013-14 Workshops, Lectures, and Demos Photos.

DISNEY INTERACTIVE

Glendale, California

January 2014

ART ECHO ACADEMY

Los Angeles, California

January 2014

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE

Manila, Philippines

November 2013

THE THREE AMIGOS at CTN EXPO

Burbank, California

November, 2013

The Three Amigos (l-r): Paul Lasaine-host, Armand Serrano, Marcos Mateu and Marcelo Vignali.

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

San Francisco, California

November 2013

Nicolas Villareal and Armand Serrano

Armand Serrano, Bing Serrano and Nicolas Villareal

RINGLING SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Sarasota, Florida

November 2013

Armand Serrano, Ron Zeitler and Jon Di Venti

All images ©Armand Serrano.

Environment Sketching For Production Class

Im teaching again this next season. Registration is now open! There's only a few spots left so hurry and register now!

ICON Manila 2014!

ICON MANILA is now officially launched. An International Entertainment Design Conference will be held in Manila on July 3rd, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center. Marcelo Vignali, Tony Bancroft, Vance Kovacs, John Butiu, and Stephen Silver and myself will be the speakers at this conference. All proceeds, will be used for much needed humanitarian (build a feeding center and  medical mission) and education causes (free education conference for public school teachers) both in Manila and the gravely typhoon affected Visayan province! So please pass the word around...

CTN Animation Expo

Don't forget today at the CTN animation eXpo, 3 AMIGOS plus 1!!! Marcelo Vignali, Marcos Mateu, and I will be on a panel talk hosted by another good friend Paul Lasaine!!! 2-3 pm at the tent. See you there!

Also I'll be at the Disney Animation booth 12-1:30 pm!

Coming Lectures and Workshops

This is the list of my coming lectures and workshops in the next two months for those interested.

©2013 Armand Serrano. All rights reserved.

The 3 Amigos at CTN Expo 2013!

Im happy to announce that I'll be speaking and sharing the panel with two best buddies of mine, Marcos Mateu and Marcelo Vignali at the CTN Expo 2013 on November 16, Saturday, at 2 pm. The session is titled, "The 3 Amigos: A Collaborative Approach From The Artists Point Of View." Excited to share the floor with these guys to talk about collaboration, friendship, respect, teamwork, Surf's Up and of course, El Pacifico. Exciting time, too, to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, and just enjoy breathing in fresh flow of amazing creativity into our artistic veins. Don't hesitate to stop by and say hello.

SIGGRAPH Recap

(top) Demoing the new Wacom Cintiq. (above) With Jason Scheier from Dreamworks.

All photos ©Armand Serrano.

Demo at SIGGRAPH 2013

At Siggraph this Thursday, July 25th, I'll be sharing the floor with Jason Scheier from Dreamworks and character designer Bret Bean in doing a demo presentation representing CTN at the WACOM booth #119. Other presenters also include Armand Baltazar, Craig Elliot, Brian Kesinger, and Erik Martin. For presentation schedule, please click here. 

Environment Sketching For Production - Summer Class

On one my online sessions, I demo a process on how to efficiently and effectively work this bw rough layout into a painted version in an hour. Anyone interested in my Environment Sketching For Production online class, go to: www.cgma2dacademy.com. Registration starts June 17th. Register soon for slots fill up fast!

All images ©Armand Serrano.