MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.
Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/90549
INTERVIEW WARREN MANSER > TRANSFORMING IMAGINATION INTO REALITY INTERVIEW BY MARKIN ABRAS • ILLUSTRATIONS BY WARREN MANSER Few individuals have the ability to visualize designs for products that are yet to be introduced with success. We can certainly mention Steve Jobs for his unique contribution to product design. But for character design in print, film and animation production, there is no one better than Warren Manser. Originally from Detroit, Manser got his start studying industrial design at the Center for Creative Studies. Then, as an intern for Ford Motor Company, Manser and three other students designed the prototype for Ford's "Splash" concept car, which made its grand entrance to rave reviews at the Detroit Auto Show in 1989. After college, Manser moved to Hollywood to further develop his talent, drawing techniques focusing on the film industry. Manser first notable project was design for Sam Raimi on the sequel to his horror classic "Evil Dead," the now well-known "Army of Darkness." Soon after, Manser was responsible in designing concept design for big name studios such as Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount and DreamWorks. MaDirectory Publisher Markin Abras had the opportunity to chat with Manser to learn about his talents, challenges and how Apple technology transforms his imagination into reality. MacDirectory > What does it mean to be a conceptual artist? Warren Manser > Concept art is a great outlet for the imagination. Creators use a variety of mediums and methods like writing, or sculpting, etc. Many of their creations are beautiful reflections of things we see in everyday life. But some, like myself, have used their artistic abilities to create images of things that never existed. These visions are plucked out of the imagination, and inspire further development into a variety of applications. Concepts of characters, fashion, vehicles, environments, products, you name it, all flow from the creator's fountainhead. Everything man-made around you was created from an idea, and ultimately it took someone with drive, capital, and know-how to make it real. Nowadays a lot of people have forgotten how to make that work. The future will come with or without great ideas — we just have to decide which we prefer. MD > When a client comes to you, how much direction do you receive? WM > Every project has its own level of collaboration, and it can vary widely. Many times, I start with a set of defined parameters, but with less specific direction. It's my task to then generate a variety of concepts from which a direction will be chosen. I enjoy exploring many ideas first before settling in, and this gives the client a range of solutions. After you develop a large body of work in your career, clients trust you more, and your aesthetic and ideas 106 MacDirectory