December 3, 2022

End of Nowhere

Before I requested this portrait of Stuart Braithwaite as part of WD's "End of Nowhere" project, a compilation of discussions with influential artists, authors, creators, and peacemakers who are revolutionizing culture, I was unfamiliar with him.

Through research, I learned that he is a guitarist in the Scottish post-rock band Mogwai. Their music diverges from traditional rock conventions, emphasizing texture and sound experimentation over conventional song structures, chords, or riffs. I took the time to listen to well-known albums like "Rave Tapes" and popular songs like "Take Me Somewhere Nice." Subsequently, I endeavored to visually convey my impressions and reflections on a canvas.

My focal point was capturing the unrestrained flow, utilizing line qualities reminiscent of guitar strings, along with a vibrant palette of colors. My intent was to convey the notion that his music defies easy categorization, as it is an experimental journey that resists simple definitions. Furthermore, I ensured that his face would be recognizable even from a distance, as although I lack a specific understanding of his music, I generally appreciate it.

June 20, 2016

nasa

NASA Expedition 101 is a personal project for NASA Mars expedition. The frames are camera view from a satellite so I designed it with HUD elements and squares. I used thin type with two tones, dark and bright colors and decorative elements in order to create a dark and futuristic tone. This board has 3 different style options based on different color schemes.

HUD elements Michael Frederick / Image Courtesy NASA

May 15, 2016

Diesel

I had been using Mental Ray for a considerable period of time since it provided reasonably good quality compared to V-Ray. However, upon witnessing the exceptional rendering quality of Arnold, my perspective shifted, and I decided to invest my efforts into learning the Arnold renderer. The results it produced were naturally stunning and visually captivating.

During a personal project, I experimented with a few frames using the Arnold renderer and felt that my time spent learning this new technology was well worth it. I utilized Maya software with the Arnold Renderer and refrained from making extensive edits.

March 7, 2022

international women’s day

TBD

March 25, 2021

Anamorphic Illusion Technical concept

This technique involves projecting distorted visuals that closely resemble real-life imagery when viewed from specific angles and perspectives.

To achieve this effect, we began by determining the optimal camera placement and the viewer's point of view. A 3D scene setup was then constructed, incorporating the front left and right surfaces based on the dimensions and positioning of the screens. The render sequences were connected to projection lights, allowing the textures to be projected onto the screens. We subsequently generated separate left and right screen renders using parallel cameras.

While the process may seem straightforward, there were numerous factors to consider, including the precise angle between the two screens to achieve the desired visual effect. Despite the challenges posed by limited available data, the project proved to be an enjoyable experience.

February 8, 2019

Converse Logo Resolve

I once pondered how to infuse more energy, strength, and contemporary appeal into the Converse logo, particularly to dispel any notions of it being mundane. My motivation for this idea stems from my genuine admiration for the brand and its commitment to sustainable materials.

To begin with, I utilized an embroidery machine to generate a highly dynamic motion, captured through an extreme close-up shot.

Next, I considered using a canvas material for the background texture. However, I desired a more polished and edgy appearance, incorporating a subtle reflection in the top left corner to create a cool and futuristic atmosphere.

Furthermore, I experimented with incorporating lighting effects to enhance details and introduce a sense of cinematic movement. By incorporating bokeh and adopting a more visually captivating approach, I aimed to avoid the association with dated embroidery techniques from the 1960s.

All the transformations were executed in Photoshop using images, eliminating the need for a three-dimensional (3D) rendering. However, if someone were to request a 3D execution, it could certainly be explored.