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2) What makes your art different that other artists / What makes you stand out from the rest
I heavily emphasize on the expressions of characters and their posture. Although, I like to make it easier for myself too, so I do try to opt for cleaner lines and minimal details. The end result is a variation mostly European and slight Japanese manga style.
3) Top 3 portfolios that you're really proud of and why. (if you have any images for it, better!)
1. Higglytown Heroes - my first official job as a 3D animator, and it lent a lot of experiences. It also beefed me up to reach international standards since the clients really know what they want and are very particular about it.
2. Saladin the Animated Series - In this show, I finally get to utilize my love for drawing, and it I really appreciate the hard work being put into it by everyone involved in the project. (please link it to the official site)
3. Published comics in Komikoo issue #3 and 6 - Somewhat my first step into the local comic industry.
4) What was the toughest job/assignments you've ever had?
They are only tough when I have art blocks, and when the demand is highly elaborate compared to its short and immediate deadline.
5) What do you think about the animation field in Sabah?
Truthfully, I do not know the current progress of the entertainment industry in Sabah is, as there is yet any official animation course being taught or animation studio being set up. However, with the right education and lines of experts to teach it, I am very sure that many talented Sabahans will quickly pick it up and may produce quality shows in no time. Provided, of course, if we receive tremendous encouragement and funding in that field.
6) We learned that you're into/eager to promote folklore stories in Sabah. So tell us about your plan and how are you going to achieve it.
I intend to gather resources to seek, study, and research pagan knowledge and Sabahan folklore first. I am very aware that this may take years, but I want to be very thorough about its history and psychological understanding that make us unique to the rest of the world. After that, I am hoping to compile them into a graphic novel. I have no plans of animating them however.
7) What's your next big project?
I intend to publish my own graphic novels and sketch compilation, and collaborate with my sisters on some as well. Also, I may want to produce short animations in between with my husband.
8) What software that you normally work with? Any recommendations?
When it comes to drawing, I still rely on the good old paper and pencil. As for digital painting, I normally use Adobe Photoshop, Paint Tool Sai, and Coral Painter. My current job requires me to use Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, of which I really enjoy using. I heavily rely on Pixologic Zbrush and Autodesk Mudbox for digital sculpting, and Autodesk Maya for 3D animation. As far as recommendations go, it is up to the artist him/herself - any software is just as useful once acquainted and harnessed.
9) Any words for those who are aspiring to venture into the career of animations?
Although technological tools help you to get there, you are only as good as your passion and your willingness to put yourself through hard work and discipline. Approach it with an open mind and accept criticism as means to make yourself better, not bitter.
Also, be nice to those you work with - you are as responsible as they are in making any project work. This particular industry is only successful as a working team and it is very expensive. Thus, you cannot afford to be left behind or you will risk sabotaging the project and reputation.
Last but not least, if you are going out there to publish your works/projects, seek and understand copyrights, and respect original works.
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FULL NAME:
Melissa Ismail Celestial
DATE OF BIRTH:
4th September 1983
TOP ARTISTS YOU WORKED WITH:
FAVOURITE ART GADGET IN HAND:
Pencil, Pentel brush pen, Wacom tablet
HOW CAN THEY REACH YOU?
PROMOTE OUR LOCAL TALENT
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FEATURED TALENT:
FLANEGAN BAINON
CHRIST PEREIRA
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