"Trying things quickly is imperative, so changing your model in ZBrush, then viewing it instantly in KeyShot allows an artist to maintain that creative momentum.”
What makes KeyShot an important tool to have?
KeyShot is an incredible rendering package that’s easy to use and works seamlessly with ZBrush. As an artist, the less technical the tool, the better. Trying things quickly is imperative, so changing your model in ZBrush, then viewing it instantly in KeyShot allows an artist to maintain that creative momentum.
The flexibility with the materials makes KeyShot an incredible design tool. You can split the model with material painting through the ZBrush to KeyShot Bridge which allows artists to make quick changes. Since the materials are so flexible, the design process continues in KeyShot, making it more than just a renderer. I find this is the most useful in designing costumes.
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing what you do?
The advice that I always give to people who want to be concept artists is to first work on their foundation. There is no technology that is more important than learning how to do the basics. Your foundation is the most important skill a concept artist needs to develop. Drawing, painting, and sculpting are a must in building a solid foundation. If you want to be a designer you have to know how to draw and you need to have drawn for a long time in order to explore design. Drawing is still the fastest form of visual communication and becoming a good designer is all about mileage. Mileage is best achieved in my experience through traditional materials.
Once you have a solid foundation, it’s time to focus on presentation and embrace the tools. Today, highly-resolved concept art is in demand. It’s very hard to achieve that outside of using 3D. So knowing a 3D package is absolutely necessary and realistic model rendering is a must. KeyShot makes that easy and I’ve never seen another rendering program that’s easier to use.
Connect with Jerad Marantz
Website: jeradsmarantz.blogspot.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jsmarantz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeradsmarantz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jsmarantz
Gumroad: gumroad.com/jsmarantz
Artstation: www.artstation.com/jsmarantz
Gnomon: www.thegnomonworkshop.com/instructors/jerad-s-marantz
IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm3610942
For more information about KeyShot, visit: www.keyshot.com
