An Interview with Neil Maccormack

3dtotal: Hello Neil, could you tell us a bit about yourself please?

Neil: My name is Neil Maccormack. I am a freelance 3D artist and concept designer from England who is currently living in Geneva, Switzerland.

3dtotal: What first got you hooked on 3D?

Neil: I was first exposed to 3D graphics when I was studying computer science at university, but I have been interested in graphics of all types, and art in general, from an early age. I was playing around with early versions of Lightwave 3D at university, but it wasn’t until much later that I found myself creating my own artwork. After receiving positive feedback for it, I began to realise that this is what I wanted to do with my life.

3dtotal: So how did an English boy end up working in Geneva as a freelance artist?

Neil: Via the wonderful world of advertising. When I left university, I started out working for an agency and doing a mixture of IT and graphic work. After many years of learning, studying and teaching myself 3D, I was offered a similar advertising role for the same agency, but in Switzerland. So I made the move and continued my work as before. After even more soul destroying years still in the advertising business, I finally made the switch to freelancing and I haven’t looked back since.

3dtotal: Browsing through your online portfolio, you can’t help but notice the quality of the texturing that your scenes have. Is this an area that you focus on the most?

Neil: In general, yes I would say so. My animation skills are very basic (meaning rubbish!), so I would say my strengths are modelling, texturing and composition (lighting and rendering). Texturing is my favourite task because it gives me the opportunity to paint in Photoshop, which is something I really enjoy. I’m basically a frustrated 3D artist who jumps at the chance to use 2D tools at any opportunity.

3dtotal: Now that you mentioned your fondness for using Photoshop, it clears up why you have a few matte paintings in your portfolio. But why Matte Painting?

Neil: Basically I love the realism of Matte Painting, and the integration of 2D and 3D elements. For me, seamlessly integrating futuristic 3D elements into a believable 2D environment is something I try to focus on, as I think it adds that something extra to the entire scene

3dtotal: Your interest in Sci-Fi shows somewhat in your work. What is it about this particular genre that interests you?

Neil: I think it’s because of the pure creative freedom that the genre allows you to have. You’re only restricted by your imagination. Basically what you can design, create and invent is limitless.

3dtotal: So apart from the Sci-Fi genre, is there any other area that interests you?

Neil: Fantasy definitely. The Lord of the Rings trilogy really boosted my interest in that area, but I’m basically absorbed by anything that is creative, innovative and has that something extra either in style or story

3dtotal: So what are you working on at the moment?

Neil: At the moment I have been rushing to finish two portfolio pieces for the Expose 6 book and an extensive “Making of” tutorial for the Digital Art Masters: Volume 3 book.

3dtotal: If you could sum up your style of work in one sentence, what would it be?

Neil: I would say its retro futuristically industrialized steam punk-esque urban modernism

3dtotal: Throughout an artist’s career, they will always look at artwork by their favourite artist, whether it’s for research or inspiration. So where do you find inspiration from?

Neil: I draw inspiration from everywhere. Music, films, books, magazines and of course, other 3D and 2D artists. I love the work of Loic Zimmerman, Pascal Blanche, Sparth, JS Rossbach, Craig Mullins and many others.

3dtotal: It’s interesting that you’ve listed more 2D artists than 3D. Do you think you would ever make the cross-over and leave the way of the 3D artist behind?

Neil: No, it’s very unlikely. I would like to see myself merging the two styles a lot more, but I think my skill lies in 3D and for the moment that’s where I’m gaining most of my experience and enjoyment. With new software and techniques being developed all the time, there is always something new to learn and something to discover in 3D.

3dtotal: Well it’s been a real pleasure chatting with you. One last question before we wrap things up: If I were to hang around with you for a whole day, what would I learn most about you?

Neil: (Laughs) I couldn’t imagine someone wanting to hang around me for a day. But seriously, I think you would learn how passionate I am about my work and how dedicated I am to it. I’m in the very lucky position of doing something that I love and (sometimes) getting paid for it.

Re-printed with permission of 3dTotal.com

An Interview with Neil Maccormack

Newsletter