I.A- What's your favourite digital art field: animation, speed painting or 3D? Why?

G.F- I like both character animation and visual development but if I had to decide between those two, I would choose animation.
Animating is long time process and you have to be very patient but the moment when the character comes to life thanks to your animation is just awesome.

I’ve loved acting ever since I was little but I was too shy to act in front of people. I’m not so shy anymore but character animation gave me the opportunity to act hiding behind a 3D Character.
It’s a wonderful feeling if you can touch people’s hearts or make people laugh with your animation. I can’t possibly miss that.

I.A - Animation seems to be a great passion of yours. The Animation section on your website has some great shorts and animations. What is the animated project you’d dream working on?

G.F- Right now I’m working fulltime as a character animator on an animated short film here in Germany. It’s a very exciting project and it will be finished in August this year. When I’m done with the animation in June, I’ll be looking for a job again. My next goal is to work on a feature film in a foreign country. Since I’ve started animating in 1999, I’ve been dreaming to work at PIXAR. But the most important thing for me is to be able to share and improve my animation skills in a creative and fun team environment. As long as I can do that, I’ll be happy.

I.A. - Your digital illustrations often describe a world with subtle touches of humour and seem to be influenced by childhood. Can you comment?

G.F- When I paint for my own, I often don’t even know what I’m going to paint. Most of the time it comes out of the blue. I was raised in a positive and humorous environment. I’m sure that my personality transpires in my paintings.

I.A. - Can you speak about your animal/robot universe’s dogs, cats, and other creatures?

G.F. - Since I’m Japanese it’s in my nature to love robots ^-^ I really do. I like to see them as our friends and not as giant killing machines or something. I find it interesting to give them a personality and to build a connection between them and nature by letting them interact with animals. Contrary to humans, animals have no prejudice and robots feel comfortable with them. I love the idea that robots have a soul and can live independently from humans. My robots usually find their way to nature. They feel safe surrounded by trees, rocks and animals. I love playing around with the contrast between nature and mechanics. My idea behind those paintings is to create worlds where both can work together in harmony. It was really helpful that I could communicate in other languages.

I.A. What about your bunnies? Why are they so numerous? :-)

Ha-ha! That’s a tough question… Bunnies have a great silhouette which gives them a lot of character. And they look funny and cute! I just love them. ^^ I guess that’s the reason why I often paint bunnies.

I.A. - Do you think you've been influenced by classic authors like Miyazaki or others?

G.F. - I’ve watched every Movie by Hayo Miyazaki and his animations were part of my childhood. I love his characters and stories and I’m certainly influenced by them. One of my biggest influences concerning digital painting is Craig Mullins, the Master of Digital Art.