Fastidious? Maybe. An Artist? Absolutely!: The Art of Ms. Alana Plantes
If we are to look at Ms. Alana Plantes’ profile over at ArtStation, it says that Alana is a Student 3D Character Design. And while the acquisition of technology in present-day society is hard to catch up with, it is quite a challenge to understand why someone of her calibre is only considered a “student”. I know, it is a but a technical term, but seriously, with what has been sampled over at her account, we can easily say that this artist is alaready an expert with the software. Surprising us further, Ms. Plantes had this to say,
I always had difficulty with traditional drawing. . .
and pertaining to rendering anatomy,
This is certainly one of my biggest challenges.
From this, it is easy to assume that Ms. Plantes is one artist who does not subscribe to mediocrity. Fastidious maybe. But do we throw shade at people who want only the best? Definitely, this is a gateway for excellency and the 3D industry is one that thrives in it.
So let us get to know Ms. Alana Plantes more through this interview and find out what makes a good digital artist.
Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology truly innovated the 3D industry. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled at it?
Alana Plantes: Well, ZBrush is my main tool. All my projects are made from that software and for sure and it gives great help to more organic projects because of the ease the program offers. It’s a great starting point together with Photoshop.
XC: As a dedicated artist, did ZBrush help you further your art?
AP: No doubt. I always had difficulty with traditional drawing, even though I really liked the style. However it was in ZBrush that I found the best way to express myself.
XC: What made you decide to focus on ZBrush as a medium for 3D art creation? Are you still planning on venturing into other software?
AP: Well, I’m an art director and in this area, about 3 years ago, I met André Castro, he introduced ZBrush to me. Last year, in August, I saw that he gave a ZBrush class focusing on creatures and that’s where I started. Today, aside from ZBrush, I’ve been studying Marvelous Designer. In the future, I want to become more professional, I shall be adding software like Maya, Substance Painter and Marmoset to my workflow.
XC: Do you have to be good in human anatomy when working with ZBrush?
AP: This is certainly one of my biggest challenges. Both human and animal anatomies are very complex, have many planes, and are often imperceptive at first glance. But the complexity makes all the difference in the final character. This is one of the things that will differentiate your work from a beginner to a professional.
XC: Do you see yourself working in the film and television industry?
AP: Yes. Surely it would be amazing to be able to be part of this, to leave my mark and, above all, to convey emotion to people through my art—may it be through movies, television shows or games.
XC: Was your craft really a passion to begin with, a hobby, or just a mere job?
AP: It is a passion; I do not even have to think twice answering that. It is this art that moves me, that makes me persist and, above all, never give up until I reach my goals. Today, I still do not work with 3D, but I’m studying hard for this to be my future.
XC: We don’t have any other word for it, your works over at ArtStation are really good. We gather it took a great deal of discipline to have created the works that you came up with and not to mention, TALENT—something that you obviously possess. But do you have any favorites? What made them stand out?
AP: Thank you! I am very happy that you have liked it. Making someone happy with my art is a great achievement.
I guess my latest work, “Tinker”, would be the one I liked most. I really liked the colors, the shape and the final composition. I think he seems to be telling a story and maybe that’s the reason people came to an agreement, the concept is by Jason Nguyen and I think it fits very well with the art style that I identify with; a lot of fantasy.
XC: Whom do you consider your influences? Why do you look up to them?
AP: Andre Castro is my greatest influence. If not for him, maybe I would not have started in the discipline. I also admire the works of Rafael Souza, Rafael Grassetti, Yu Cheng Hong, Maciej Kuciara, Bruno Camara, Dan Roarty, Leticia Reinaldo Gillett, Jon Troy Nickel, Layna Lazar, James W Cain, Igor Catto, Glauco Longhi and many others.
In addition, among many studios in the world, Square Enix is my main influence. I really like their style, the stories that they produce, and their soundtracks. Everything is perfect.
XC: What other pieces do you still want to create?
AP: Hard question. I want to do so many projects. However, the next one will be some kind of Lich Queen; something really dark.
XC: Do you also see yourself being immersed fully in Game Character Design?
AP: Certainly. In fact, I think this area is the one I identify the most. 😀
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what do you think you’d be working as?
AP: Well, I guess if I was not studying 3D today, I would certainly continue in my current Art Direction area.
XC: What advice can you give individuals wanting to enter the industry?
AP: Dedication. Know how to administer better time to study 3D, gather a lot of reference, get oriented with a lot of traditional and digital artists, study anatomy, take classes and anything that can add even more to your art. Also, learn how to accept feedback; this will help you grow as an artist.
Ms. Plantes, your work and experience truly inspires us. We wish you all the success in your future endeavors!
Want to see more of Ms. Alana Plantes’ works? Click here!
