Emmanuel Nguema Omeme: freelance character artist interview

Emmanuel Nguema Omeme
Character Artist
Freelance illustrator and character artist Emmanuel Nguema Omeme shares personal and client work from his portfolio, and talks about the importance of keeping it up to date to progress as an artist…
Adam
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you, what do you do, and where are you located?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
What was the workflow behind your latest gallery image? Where did the idea come from?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
What challenges did the image present? Did you learn something new?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
Do you use any other software, either for work or personal projects?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
How do you keep your portfolio up-to-date? Any tips?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
Are you a member of any social media groups? Any favorite hashtags you check on a daily basis?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
How important is the recognition of your peers?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
What are your artistic ambitions?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
Who are your favorite artists, traditional or digital, and can you explain why?
Emmanuel
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.
Adam
What can we expect to see from you next?
Emmanuel
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.
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