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    Categories: Interviews

Interview with freelance illustrator and concept artist Al-Haitham Jassar

Hi Alhaitham thanks for your time. Can we start off with just a quick introduction and a bit about yourself for the readers, please?

Hi, I’m really happy for being here. I’m a self-taught freelance artist who deals with illustrations and concept art. I’ve been into art since I was a little kid, but I really got my hands dirty with digital art after finishing high school. My first 3D software that I’ve learned well was Blender, and my favorite 2D software was, and still is, Photoshop.

Where do all your ideas and inspirations come from? And why do you love creating them?

It all depends on what the project is aimed for. Is it a commissioned job? A personal painting? Or probably a contest entry? I definitely brows through other artist’s works… I even have an inspiration folder on my computer that is getting bigger day by day! Another source: Movies.


We are very interested to know what type of graphic software’s do you use?

Blender, Zbrush, Mudbox, Photoshop and Painter.

Do you use any special techniques and tools, such as a tablet, or is it mainly the mouse doing all the work?

Tablet all the way! I can’t imagine what I would do without it.

Carnivorous Plant is one of my favorite images from your 3d gallery, can you tell us little more about on how you went to create this image?

That illustration was a contest entry held by 3D Total. My usual method was used here: sketch-model-texture-render and finally post process. The first stage, sketching, is crucial to develop the idea and structure of the image even though it isn’t that detailed. After defining a sketch and liking it I start to design the elements of the scene, from characters to rocks and plants. No 3D stuff so far! When finishing the above steps I open Blender and build the 3D elements ( I use ZBrush and/or Mudbox when needed ). I usually paint my textures using Photoshop. When all the 3D elements are built I send all the render passes to the Photoshop oven and begin the magic of producing the final image.

You are also extremely talented in designing 2d pieces. Do you approach a 2d illustration different from a 3d work?

They start basically the same; I first consult a sketch before starting to work on the real thing.

Can you tell us how the idea for your latest project ‘Werewolf’ came about? And can you give us a quick outline to what the story is all about?

Painting is a form of relaxation to me. I started to paint “Warewolf in pain” just to kill the stress and boredom, you can say it was a reflection of what I felt that day. The idea, in the end, was just a warewolf screaming in pain and sadness… why? Who knows.

Since you love creating characters, please give us a look into your top 3 favorite characters, and also explain what makes them so special.

Hmm, my favorite would be Davy Jones for sure, everything about him is just so cool. After him would come King Kong, the sensitive beast ( my type of monsters ).  Lastly, the T-Rex in Jurassic Park, I know she’s a creature but to me she is one hell of a character!

What areas of your work do you enjoy the most?

Painting and post processing, I just enjoy adding effects to my work.

Of all of your artwork, which piece is your personal favorite and why?

It’s hard to choose really, but I would say “Snail’s final moment”, I just love that snail!

What is one piece of advice you would give to any artist looking to improve their technique?

Get inspired! Check out other artist’s works and keep them in a special folder. Another thing to do is to post your work and listen to all the critiques you can get.

Do you have a good piece of advice for anyone wanting to start a carrier in the graphic industry?

Love it with all your heart, build a portfolio and read and practice as much as you can. Find another job to go along with it!

What are your hobbies and please describe your free time, if you have any?

It’s hard to find any free time these days, but I do enjoy fish-keeping, martial arts and watching movies.

Finally, Coca-Cola or Smoking or something else?

Coffee……

Well its been a great pleasure and thanks for taking the time out to talk with us.

The pleasure is all mine.

For more info visit AlHaitham’s portfolio here:www.jassarbrush.com

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