Emmanuel Nguema Omeme: freelance character artist interview

My name is Nguema Omeme Emmanuel and I’m a freelance illustrator and character artist for games and figures. I’m currently based in Gabon (central Africa). It's a bit difficult to describe what I’m doing because I do many different things; drawing traditionally and digitally and also creating sculptures and real-time characters.

The last image I had the chance to share on the 3dtotal website was a sculpt made as a commission for a client. Unlike the process for real-time characters, the workflow for the 3D print is a bit shorter as I’ve only used ZBrush and Keyshot for the renders. But the project by itself was a real challenge for many reasons.

For me, the principle challenge in this piece was the art style. I had to find the balance between my desire to bring out a realistic version of Doctor Strange, when the client wanted a more classic one. It was a good exercise to learn how to work with constraints and also to try to create a piece that looked dynamic, even for a statue.

For my personal projects I often use some real-time tools for texturing and rendering, such as Substance Painter or Marmoset Toolbag. Even if I didn't have the time to work on a real-time character lately, I have a creature that is waiting to be textured and rendered soon. I hope to finish and share it here when it is done.

Keeping my portfolio up to date requires constant work throughout the year. Progressing as a freelance artist doesn't allow me to be in the kind of environment where I can constantly learn and be in touch with artists that can help me to evolve. So I balance by setting some personal goals when I’m working, even if I don't have any commissions at that time.

As most of the artists out there I’m a member of some groups like Ten Thousands Hours or Pixologic ZBrush on Facebook. I've also subscribed to groups for statue collectors to have a better idea of what they are interested in. It helps during the process of sculpting a character as you can get a lot of valuable advice.

It's always something interesting when some talented artists recognize or appreciate the value and the efforts that you put in your work. But I think, despite other people's appreciation, the most important is being authentic with your art and the values you want to express in it, and I guess appreciation of others will come next.

For now, to keep improving myself technically and conceptually. And also to be able to work in the kind of environment that allows me to have some constructive critics of my work and evolve faster. Freelance is good but I guess working in a good studio surrounded by great artists must be something totally different.

They are so many; it's hard to choose! But if I had to pick up to 3 of them, I would say Mr. Salvador Gomes for his anatomical skills. I learn a lot by watching some of his live videos on Facebook. And also Mariya Panfilova is an amazing artist as well, and of course Raphaël Grassetti for the level of detail that he is able to put in every piece.

I guess what you can expect from me is always more sculpts by the end of this year, but also some real-time characters if I ever find the time to finish them all. But globally, some new exciting projects to come and some images that I would be more than happy to share with you.