Section:

Vitali Yakin: CG designer interview

Vitali Yakin

CG designer

“Mostly, you remember those projects which are connected to some memories or experience. For me, it is the project for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014” CG artist Vitali Yakin takes us through his career so far…

Vitali's Instagram

3dtotal

Thanks for talking to us today, Vitaliy! Please let the readers know a little more about you and your work.

Vitali

First of all, I'm a designer, and I'm always trying to emphasize that. Yes, the majority of my work is related to motion design, but often, I need to solve very different problems with a variety of software and skills. In a nutshell, motion design is a very complicated type of advertising.

Lately, I create more and more promo videos for famous brands. Unfortunately, I can't share the full list because of the NDA agreements, but I may tell that all of them are related to product design. My task is to create a video which is not tied to some specific format.

In general, I've been working in the CG industry for more than 15 years in very different directions. I’ve worked on full-length films and music videos, on television, and in advertising. Step by step, I started to focus on image videos. At least, now I'm very interested in this direction. And what's more, it allows me to push the boundaries and develop my skills.

3dtotal

Who or what are your biggest sources of inspiration?

Vitali

Very tricky question! To be honest, I don’t think that idolizing someone is a good idea. I'm always trying to separate everything I see and understand what emotions it provokes. After all, everything we meet is about feelings and emotions. For example, how do you know whether the movie you just watched is good or not? If you like it, you think it's good. Sometimes we even can't explain why or give some specific reasons.

But there are still things I admire – painting, architecture, fashion. They exist regardless of time, and will always be masterpieces of human creation. The rest is very transient, even if it looks appealing at the moment.

3dtotal

What do you like the most about your work?

Vitali

The process itself. Also, I love my profession because it allows me to express myself. To me, that is very important. Every project brings a profit to me, makes me better. Every time I enjoy the beginning of the project and team-work. It's unbelievably exciting to watch how an idea becomes something real.

cgi video animation effects

3dtotal

Do you have a favorite project that you have worked on?

Vitali

Almost every time it's the project I've just finished or the project I'm working on right now. Every project gives you a new experience, and this is why every latest project looks better than everything else you created earlier. Mostly, you remember those projects which are connected to some memories or experience. For me, it is the project for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. When I look at it now, I realize that there are so many things I would do differently or even better, but at that time I thought that this project was the pinnacle of my skills and career.

3dtotal

Could you tell us about your recent project created in collaboration with Mondlicht Studios? What is the idea behind?

Vitali

The idea to create a project for F1 appeared a couple of years ago. I was in Milan on vacation with my wife and saw a new Dolce&Gabanna collection. They have a pretty amazing collection of household appliances called SMEG – for which the brand created beautiful patterns in their style. I thought why not create a similar design for F1 racing car and offer it to D&G? At that moment, I thought it was an excellent idea, but time passed, the idea left, and the car was waiting for its hour in the folder with ideas. Then I met Dmitriy from Mondlicht Studios, and we decided to create something together just for fun. That's how this project was born. The project where we had the freedom to create anything we wanted.

A video, created by Vitaliy in collaboration with Mondlicht Studios

3dtotal

Do you remember your first project? Are you still proud of it?

Vitali

In 2007 when I came to work in a studio as a 3D artist, I was asked to create a video. At that time, I was learning everything, and for me, this task was a real baptism of fire. I had to work on everything, except cutting and composing. It was my first unforgettable experience. To be honest, I can't say I'm very proud of this project now, but it has emotional value to me. It marked the beginning of my career in the industry.

laptop keyboard close up vfx 3d
bee flytrap 3d animation advert
sports footwear 3d cgi animation

3dtotal

If you had no limits on time or budget, what would your ideal project be?

Vitali

I believe that a perfect project always has a budget and a deadline. Deadlines make you more disciplined, and the budget allows you to work with interesting, creative, and skilled artists. Otherwise, there is a considerable risk to protract it too much.

3dtotal

In your opinion, what makes an animation good?

Vitali

12 rules of animation by Disney and a sense of taste. That's pretty much it. This is the foundation of animation and emotions. Any motion designer has to be an artist, an actor who plays his role perfectly.

futuristic motorbike 3d cgi effect

3dtotal

Do you have a favorite process within your workflow? Favorite tools and software?

Vitali

As I already said, I enjoy every step of the process, from the first sketches and discussions to final adjustments. The most exciting and engaging part of the production for me is the work on the image – design, lighting, rendering, composing. At this point, I literally see how an idea starts to flourish. The rest is mostly connected with the technical part of the process, but it doesn't mean it's boring. For example, I like the R&D process. At first, you have no idea how to approach the task, but you start to figure this out in process, gain new experience. This is truly awesome! If we are talking about the software, I usually use Cinema 4D, a lot of additional 3D programs (Substance Designer, HDR Light Studio, and so on) and After Effects for composing. Sometimes I also use Houdini, but mostly for personal projects. At least for now.

3dtotal

Mostly you are working on advertising projects. How may new technologies, including VR, change the industry in the near future?

Vitali

I'm afraid to disappoint you, but those technologies won't influence the industry much. VR is still a niche product, which can't become a mass product because too many potential consumers face the problem of individual intolerance. I also face this – during any VR experience, I feel dizzy. What's more, not everybody has access to VR helmet and other things which are needed for it. Take a look at PSVR – there’s not so much content for it and it doesn't sell well. Movies and advertising have a broader audience, they work on different devices, and a user doesn't need to invest much to get access to the content. So, I believe that all these technologies are a very nice addition to the existing solutions but still are very specific products.

close up pc mouse advertisement

3dtotal

Do you currently teach anywhere? If you were to give an overview of your core advice for beginner artists, what would that sound like?

Vitali

For the last three years, I was teaching only my colleagues, but I'm planning to renew my teaching activity when I relocate to the USA. I believe that if you teach somebody, you have to do it regularly and consciously because it's a great responsibility. Beginners are very attentive to what you are saying, so as a mentor, you have no right for a mistake.

I would advise young designers to be patient and enjoy the process of creation. Also, think less about "likes" in social media, set up a goal and spend as much time on improving your skills as you can.

3dtotal

Do you have any advice for maintaining a good portfolio? Any tips?

Vitali

Invest time and efforts in personal projects. This will help to boost your portfolio and enhance your skills. Later it will help a lot during commercial projects.

3d fx vfx 3gci advertisement

3dtotal

How do you like to unwind after a hard day's work?

Vitali

Playing computer games helps me to plug out and switch the picture in my head.

playstation gaming earphones 3d advert

3dtotal

If you weren't an artist, what do you think you would be doing?

Vitali

I would become a musician. Actually, I was a musician, but life decided otherwise, and I'm very happy.

3dtotal

What will you be looking at improving upon, and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Vitali

I prefer to plan my life for five years, or so. Now I'm planning to relocate to the USA, get a job in one of the best CGI and motion studios in LA and become a creative director there.

infinity sport car showreel 3d model

3dtotal

What can we expect to see from you next? Any cool projects we should look out for?

Vitali

I hope that this year I will relocate to the USA and my next projects will be created with the best teams in the world. Probably, that sounds too huge, but… you know, I get used not to dream, but set up goals and reach them. Once, I changed my life when I relocated to Moscow and started to work with the biggest Russian studios. I'm going to do this one more time. Life could and must be changed if you need it.

Fetching comments...

Post a comment