Interview with Neil McCormack
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Though he was interested in digital art and special FX from an early age, Neil McCormack never set out to be a freelance 3D artist and concept designer; rather it is a career that chose him. In university he studied computer science and then took his first job at a large advertising agency. They asked him to do some designs for the agency and the rest is history. Ten years later Neil is working freelance fulltime from home and continues to do designs for the agency where he discovered his true calling as an artist. Neil is originally from England but is now living and working out of Geneva, Switzerland with his wife.
IT’S ART: Can you describe your style?
Neil McCormack: I would say my style is post modernist neo futurism meets sub grunge nonsense with a splash of sci fi.
IA: Why have you chosen 3D to express yourself?
NM: I think to be honest it chose me. I was at university when I was first exposed to any sort of 3D program and ever since then I have been using Lightwave for my 3D work. I never really wanted to follow a 2D painting path as also love the technical side of working in 3D, as well as the freedom.
IA: In what ways do you think 3D can help you to create worlds that a classical painter could not?
NM: I would say that generally the classic phrase, “it’s the artist not the software” rings true. A talented traditional artist or 2D PS artist can produce amazing works of art, which may have a different style then a 3D artist. I think it’s all subjective and confusing. I do know having an “undo” key helps a lot!!
IA: Why do you often depict vehicles and sci-fi scenes?
NM: Again, they seem to choose me. I often think that an environment or world is often more accessible if you show something in it. I love designing and rendering futuristic vehicles, but always try to show elements of design based on what we see around us; this I believe makes things more realistic.
IA: What are your influences or sources of inspiration?
NM: I would say everything I see and touch is an influence. Nature and the outside world in general provide the biggest source of inspiration. I am influenced by every day objects in my design and when I dream up new concepts. Also, I can always find inspiration in music, films, books and other artists.
