Interview with Ralf Stumpf
Q. Hi could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I studied Design at the Folkwang Uni Essen/Germany. I was founder and partner of a design studio called Design Ahead, which creates packaging and corporate design for international companies like Metro, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee and Karstadt. I left the company after more than ten years in the end of 2005 to find a new challenge for my career.
I won some prizes and my work is published in many international Publications (Animago Award still/art 1998 and 2001, 8th Runner-up Master & Servant Challenge 2005, Exposé4 and Exotique2 from Ballistic Publishing 2006...for example)
Q.
What first got you started in 3D, are you self taught or taken some training?
The first touch with 3d I had with an Amiga and a program called Sculpt3d. In 1990 I bought an Apple Mac and I paused with 3d for five years and I learned Freehand and Photoshop. In 1995 I made a new try in 3d with Alias Sketch and Strata Studio. In 1997 I bought a Silicon Graphics bundle with Alias Power Animator and I was happy now. In 1999 I switched to Maya. In that time there was no training DVD’s on the market, you had to learn from the Books, which were shipped with the program.
Q.
What software program(s) do you use for your CG and why?
I work with Maya since version one and with ZBrush for two years now. Maya is a good all-rounder. For some years it was the best on the market I guess. Now most of the big packages are equal from the quality and possibilities. ZBrush on the other side is one of the greatest innovation in CG ever. In the right hands it brings life to CG.
Q.
Tell me in detail about your Scary Toons Series, from where you get the idea?
I love Toons. As I come from the design side, I try to keep complex thinks simple (these are the rules for Corporate Design). I have worked on many Toons in my career in 2d and 3d. The Scary Toons Series are the try to make a new look, simple but with soul. Unique and a bit weird. The ideas come from movies, history and well known stories and fairy tales. Then I mix this in my brain to get a new result.
Q. Characters in your artwork are mostly scary or futuristic there is any reason behind creating these types of characters?
I’m a big Science Fiction and movie fan. I’m also a fan of “not all day” storytelling.I like the movies from Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez and the books from John Irving. My characters are not scary at all, they are different I guess.
Q. What have been your major influences over the years?
I’m a full time worker. If there is no job, I work on my own projects. Influences come from all sides (movies, jobs and personal life). One of the major influences for my 3d passion was pixars short movie »Luxo Junior« from 1986.
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