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Antonio Buiano: Character artist interview

Italian character artist Antonio Buiano used Maya to create his "Santa Muerte Mexicana" gallery image. Learn more about his inspirations and methods...

Italian character artist Antonio Buiano used Maya to create his "Santa Muerte Mexicana" gallery image. Learn more about his inspirations and methods...

3dtotal: Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you, what do you do, and where are you located?
Antonio Buiano: Hello 3dtotal! I am a 3D artist with a deep knowledge about character design, modelling and texturing. I have a strong background in communication, advertising and design.

Currently, I'm setting up my own studio called "Dugongos - creative studio”. Furthermore I am working on an Italian feature film, advertising, and creative work for an amusement park!

My previous job experience has led me to understand the importance of working in a team and sharing the same values. The ambition to make my job unique and innovative stimulated a self-upgrading awareness, going beyond the standard tasks required!

3dt: Where did you find the inspiration for your latest gallery entry? What's the story behind its creation?
AB: "Santa Muerte Mexicana" was my first 3D character. This artwork is a school project for studying female low poly topology and texturing. I fell in love with the Mexican folklore, so I decided to make
this work! I was inspired by the atmosphere of Tim Burton works and "The Book of Life" movie. The main challenge was to create something colourful and dark at the same time.

3dt: What software and plug-ins did you use to create this image? Did you face any difficulties, and how did you overcome them?
AB: I used Maya for modelling and UVs, and Mudbox and Photoshop for texturing. To render I used mental ray, and finally Photoshop for post-production. At this time, everything was difficult being the first time I had to handle a 3D character!

3dt: Do you normally use this software in your workflow? What other software and plug-ins do you favour?
AB: Now my workflow has changed. First, I use ZBrush to start a rough model, then Maya to retopo and refine a good topology for animation and UVs. For sculpting, I use both ZBrush and Mudbox as well. The texturing depends upon the project requirement: Mudbox, Substance Painter and xNormal are the software that I am able to manage. And of course Photoshop, with Renderman for rendering.

3dt: What are your artistic ambitions?
AB: My dream is to be able to create a VFX industry here in Italy, because there is so much potential here that they have still not been exploited. My mission is not to change the world but to make it more beautiful!

3dt: What software would you like to learn in the future to expand your portfolio and skillset, and why?
AB: Now I'm learning Yeti and Xgen to make wonderful fur and hair. I am also trying to use MARI for texturing. The yield of its maps is outstanding!

3dt: How do you keep your portfolio up-to-date? Any tips?
AB: Honestly, I am very slow and lazy to keep my personal portfolio up to date. Fortunately, I work so hard and I don't have the time to update it!

3dt: Who are your favourite artists, traditional or digital, and can you explain why? And what's next for you?
AB: I grew up with comics both Italian and American so my favourite are Corrado Roi, Bruno Brindisi,
Andrea Pazienza, Tiziano Sclavi, Hugo Pratt and John Byrne, Jim Lee, Dave Gibbons and many others.
I think all the visual arts are born from the drawing. Everything we create is basically a drawing of something that doesn't exist.

As for what's next; when the movie comes out in theatres I'll be able to show you the alien I'm working on, and of course a lot of magic!

Related links

Visit Antonio Buiano's Behance
Visit Antonio Buiano's ArtStation
Check out Santa Muerte Mexicana in the gallery

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