CG Artists: Your hands are your tools, take care of them.

Hi everyone

Today’s post is a little different to any that I have done previously, this isn’t going to be a rant nor is it an article about anyone else.

Today’s post is about me, (well sort of).

Recently I have re-discovered the passion for traditional art skills, specifically…2D drawing, actually I can’t take full credit for the new found passion I now have for digital painting, I have to thank a very talented CG Artist who I work with.

I can’t mention his name because I don’t know whether he’d appreciate it or not, but I will tell you a little bit about how this has come about.

The other day I was talking to this CG Artist about some sketching he’s been doing lately (which I thought were excellent), he told me that he was practicing, which impressed me, especially when I see a top CG Artist working harder and harder to hone their skills.

I asked why he was going back to traditional art and not doing working on 3d, he told me that he had problems with his right hand and a Doctor (specialising in RSI), had advised him to stop working or risk the chance of permanent damage to his right hand.

This very determined and passionate CG Artist, has taken the advice given to him by the specialist and as consequence, has stopped working with his right hand, he has been working for the last 3/4 years only with his left hand, he is not left handed nor is he ambidextrous, he is just a determined and talented CG Artist who was not going to let an injury to his hand, stop him from doing what he is so passionate about.

The work he is currently producing is amazing, excellent 2D and 3D skills and all with his ‘weaker’ hand.

I was so impressed an inspired that he would show so much commitment, determination and passion to essentially ’start again’ and learn all traditional artist skills, that I would do the same…obviously I am not using my weaker hand but I am honing the skills I have neglected for so long.

We all love CGI Art but we must not become static on the traditional front, by bettering our traditional skills we become a more powerful CG Artist.

It is extremely important never to become static or complacent in this career.

There is so much to learn, especially when we are still able to, physically and mentally.

Your hands are your tools…take care of them.

What would you do if a Doctor gave you the same advice?

Anthony