Ian Spriggs is a master of hyper-realistic digital portraiture, blurring the lines between reality and art with his stunningly lifelike creations. We had a chat with him about the Main Event and how he intends to contribute to this year's edition!
What excites you about THU main event?
I am excited to see returning friends and meet new people. The discussions in the oasis and the talks on stage are inspiring and motivating. I always leave THU feeling connected with so many artists and charged up to create new works.
What sets us apart from other events out there? How does THU main event differentiate itself?
Now that I have been to many events, exhibits, biennials around the globe, THU offers a personal relationship not found anywhere else. You feel like you are wanted, you are not just there to experience what it can offer but you are a part of offering the experience. Everyone from top directors, to the staff, to artists, to beginners are on a level playing field to inspire everyone around them. It feels like everyone is there for each other.
Can you tell us a bit about what you're currently working on?
There is a lot happening and also very little happening. I was fired from Unity this year, but there is a possible new exciting job opportunity but I am not sure if it is a legit company or not yet, time will tell. In the meantime I picked up some awesome gigs for huge clients, which has been exciting to work on! I started to develop my own company by working on a pipeline of automating digital human workflows, I want to be able to work for myself in the coming future. And as always I have been working on my 3D portraits, I just finished my 7 year old niece and Woodkid portrait.
Can you tell us a bit about what you're bringing to the table this edition?
Every year I have been to THU I have talked about the importance of portraiture, how it was created in art history and how modern technology has changed it.
Most of my talks have been aimed to be informative and not personal. This year I want to share my life as a character artist, I aim hard not to get personal in social media or showcase who I work for, but this year I want to share those stories, some of them are unbelievable and some completely outrageous. I want to share how my art has changed my life.
If you could invite any three notable figures from the industry, living or dead, to a THU, who would they be and why?
Pascal Blanche - My first ever digital human was inspired by his work, he is a legend in the digital art realm.
Ash Thorp - I just want to meet him because I have seen his work so many times and listened to his podcasts.
Marco Di Lucca - Fantatic character artist, but also works in Marble. He is the definition of a true artist.
Chris Mclean - I worked with him at MrX when he was just starting out, he quickly became the VFX sup and now runs the show 'Foundation' on Apple. The speed at which is progressed has career, brillant guy.
