23 questions!

Meet a very multi talented Brisbane Creative - ready to take the industry by storm!

What sparked your passion for video games?
Wipeout 2097, released in 1996 for Playstation was THE game that really sparked my interest in game production. It was a work of art in every sense – the art direction, sound direction and gameplay were perfect and to this day it is still one of my favourite games.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I was always painting or creating something.

Do you come from a creative family?
I would say so. Most of my extended family play some form of musical instrument, though it’s safe to say I am musically inept!!! Were they supportive of your desire to be a photographer? My mum actually works in a photographic lab and it was where I landed my first after school job at age 15, so it just seemed like a natural progression. It was there where my interest in photography began.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I graduated with a Diploma of Screen from QANTM in 2004 and have 5 years experience within the video game industry. I am a self taught photographer with 8 years experience and have been shooting professionally, through iStockphoto/Getty Images for the past 6 years as well as through my own boutique photographic business.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
After graduating in 2004, my goal was to work for Australia’s largest independent games studio, Krome Studios, as an artist. After working fervently on my portfolio for what felt like forever, I was lucky enough to score an entry-level art position at that very studio in 2005, and had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and inspiring people I have ever met for close to 5 years. It was my dream job at the time and I am very grateful for everything I learnt while there.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first large scale commercial project was Star Wars – The Force Unleashed for Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii, published by Lucasarts in 2007. It was a dream project, working with a close-knit bunch of artists, programmers and designers who were all very excited to be working on such a high profile IP. The game was very well received by the media and I learnt A LOT while working on this project.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
Photoshop for retouching, editing and texture painting and 3D Studio Max for 3D modeling.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I think print media will definitely need to evolve and adapt within the new digital space, however I believe there is still a certain legitimacy and value to having something tangible and ‘real’ that digital is yet to attain.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
David LaChapelle is one of my all time favourite photographers. His highly creative and camp imagery is ingeniously unique and there is always a certain quality to his work that makes it instantly recognisable – the colours pop and he’s a pro with the ring flash. Other favourites of mine include digital artist and commercial photographer Linus Schneider, automotive photographer Webb Bland and male physique photographer Dylan Rosser.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Ray Yang, a lead artist at Krome Studios. He taught me a lot about digital lighting and gave me many creative opportunities at Krome which I am very grateful for.

How would you describe your work?
Polished. I always strive to deliver the best I can. I also love to iterate. Get the basics down first, see what’s working and what’s not and go from there.

What are your plans for the future?
Expand upon my skill set and basically just learn and contribute where ever possible. I always want to be moving forward.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company where I can ground myself, really learn the ways of that business and wholly contribute to them and their clients.

What is your opinion of Australian video games?
Australia has produced some great, highly successful video games including Powerslide, Bioshock, the Ty series and more recently Fruit Ninja and Flight Control. With better funding, I think the Australian industry could once again be world class.

What is the best/worst thing about being a digital artist in Australia?
Best thing is definitely the climate and the people!

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian creative industry has to face in the near future?
Staying competitive with emerging markets is definitely going to be a challenge. With the strength of the Australian economy, there is less incentive for international publishers and studios to look here. This can especially be seen in the film and games industries where our currency is much less competitive.

What is your creative outlet outside of digital media?
I love going to the gym, going to the movies and playing video games as a way to ‘switch off’. I also love to cook, and would consider myself to be a bit of a foodie!

What is the best designed building in Brisbane?
Riparian Plaza is without question my favourite building in Brisbane. Harry Seidler has created a truly dynamic piece of architecture that is in my opinion timeless.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
Skyscraper City www.skyscrapercity.com
Fred Miranda www.fredmiranda.com
iStockphoto.com www.istockphoto.com
Design Shared www.designshard.com
Perez Hilton www.perezhilton.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
‘Oceanlab – Sirens of The Sea’ and it is fantastic. A must listen for anyone who is into emotive vocal/progressive trance.

If I was a font, I’d be...?
Verdana

Do you need an A-Lister like Jamie in your studio? If so, then contact Phil or Suzi at Artisan Brisbane on 07 3333 1833, or email Phil today!