An Interview with 2nd Place 3D Art War 3 Winner- Ander Sanchez Lopez

My name is Ander and I am a 24-year-old Spanish student. I started my studies related to animation and video games six years ago and since then I have gone through many departments. From the beginning, everything seemed very interesting to me, and for better or for worse, I created a generalist profile. However, some time ago I realized that it was necessary to specialize in a single area so I resumed the initial passion that led me into this 3D world, character designing and modeling. I am currently working to catch up for lost time and push my skills on this field.

What got you into character art, when did it all start?

It all started during a higher level degree. It was one of those courses, which are spreading a lot in Spain nowadays, where you learn a bit of everything but you never get to know deeper theory. I felt a special attraction to Zbrush works I saw on the internet. On those days I did not know anything about sculpting, we were studying character modeling in a polygonal way.

What influences were the most responsible for your current art style?

I think I do not have any particular "key" artist and there is no specific line art to follow. I am trying to push my studies on getting realistic results but I know that I still have a long way to go. On the other hand, I'm sure that I have been influenced by some of my teachers, especially from Sergio Hualde who has helped me a lot.

How did you get to the level you are at today? Did you study in any particular way you would recommend?

I am still a student so I don't have a lot to say about that, except for one thing I think I can talk about. After almost 6 years of studies related to video games and not having excelled in anything concrete, I recommend to future students to take specialized studies in the subject they really want. In my country, there is a certain need for obtaining titles. Maybe a professional degree can help you decide if you really want to dedicate yourself to this industry or what do you want to specialize in, but on top of that, specialized courses or online masters seem the best option. Even if you do not have a university degree.

How did you begin the process of creating your piece? What was your inspiration?

I had some really clear points from the beginning; do not be too ambitious, make a hero and do not make just any hero. I created three different mood-boards with futuristic toys from the 70s, superheroes from comics, movies and television and models from magazines of those years. Looking at the superheroes, I ended up collecting some images of Power Rangers and other characters from series like that. I saw something funny in all of them.

What was your biggest hurdle during the process? What did you do to overcome it?

Posing and rendering. I spent a big part of time changing poses and testing different lights, not only for detail, but also because it's something that is complicated for me. I created 6 different scenes with different posses, three of them can be seen in the contest post. So, the solution was to keep trying until I found something that I liked.

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If you had to do it over would you do it differently? Why?

I would do a Villian! hahaha In the same line, of course. I have chosen to go for a hero because some of my friends decided to make villains, but honestly, Power Ranger enemies were supercool, much more than the heroes.

Why the villain or hero?

It's a shame not to sound epic in this response, but it was a bit random, as I said in the previous question.

What do you think the Art War 3 challenge experience taught you, and would you participate again next year if you could?

I managed to deal with the time we had, because of Christmas Holidays, as you can imagine. Even before the 7 day extension, I was in time for the final entry. I also had good feelings with the community that commented on my posts as well as other participants. And yes, of course, I would participate again.

Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring artists out there who might be looking to get to your level one day? What's your recipe for success?

Honestly, I feel so out from that question. I am happy to be here and have a little moment to highlight, but the "competition" is high. I have a lot of recipes to learn before giving mine :)

Any final thoughts?

Yes, I would like to thank Cubebrush team for this opportunity, and all the teachers and professionals who shared their knowledge with so much passion, especially my master, Sergio Hualde, and through the screen, Juan Puerta and Libel Studio and all good artists who participate on their conferences that inspire us so much.

Check out the making of Themursan here.

Sarah Loughry

Interviews04 APR 20190

Sarah Loughry

Marketing Director at Cubebrush, runner, animal lover, coffee addict, wine enthusiast and a wannabe Golden Girl.

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