Interview Milton Menezes

Contents:

• "I like working with personnel"
• "No clients, money, or reputation, but a sea of ​​energy and a huge number of ideas"
• "It all started with a very simple idea"
• "Create what you truly love"

The founder of Lightfarm Brazil and Unhide School shares his experiences in the advertising industry and discusses the challenges faced by beginners in computer graphics. His talk focuses on typical difficulties, such as a lack of practical skills, market competition, and the need for continuous learning. He emphasizes the importance of developing creative thinking and the ability to adapt to new technologies. These aspects are key to a successful career in advertising and graphic design.

We conducted an interesting interview with Milton Menezes. During the conversation, he shared his views and experiences, which allows us to better understand his approaches and ideas. Milton Menezes is a well-known figure in his field, and his opinions can be useful to many. We discussed the key moments of his career, as well as his projects and achievements that inspire others to success. This interview opens new horizons for understanding his work and philosophy.

• about his career and the specifics of working in the advertising industry;
• the difficulties he faced when becoming a studio director;
• the problems that worry all newcomers to CG.
• We also asked Milton tricky questions in a blitz.

"I like working with a frame"

One of my favorite projects in your portfolio is an image of a dinosaur skeleton. Can you share the details of this project?

The idea for this project came naturally. What is especially noteworthy is that I intended to implement it without the use of CGI, which led me to the decision to use a toy as the main element. This approach creates unique creative opportunities and allows for exploring alternative methods of implementing ideas.

My friend's son gave me a small T-Rex toy, and this inspired me to create an image with a similar dinosaur. I ordered a dinosaur skeleton from Amazon and made a few quick sketches. I came up with the idea of ​​placing the skeleton in the ground and photographing it in the style of an archaeological dig. The entire photo shoot was recorded, and you can watch it from start to finish in the Unhide tutorial.

This project was realized in collaboration with my friend Philip Pepe. We experienced real joy working on it, like children immersed in an exciting game. After completing the photo shoot, I needed to select the best shots and move on to the post-processing stage to give them the final look.

I mainly work with Photoshop, as this tool offers a wide range of possibilities for editing and processing images. It's ideal for creating graphics, retouching photos, and developing visual content. While 3D modeling also has its advantages, I prefer 2D design because it allows me to realize ideas faster and focus on details. Photoshop allows me to experiment with colors, textures, and compositions, which makes the creative process more fun and productive.

Photoshop accounts for approximately 40-60% of the work on each project. It's important to understand that there is a significant difference between a render and the final image. Proper processing in Photoshop allows you to improve visual perception by adding details and adjusting color schemes, which significantly impacts the final result.

When working with a large team of CG artists, you don't have to do everything yourself. You can focus on what you do best and what brings you the most satisfaction. This streamlines the content creation process and improves the quality of the final product, as each team member can realize their potential in their strengths. Teamwork in a CG art studio allows for more efficient resource and time management, which ultimately leads to more successful results.

I truly enjoy working in Photoshop. My knowledge of 3D design fundamentals makes tasks much easier. I focus on post-production and photography, and have recently also tried my hand at directing. These skills help me create high-quality visual content and expand my creative horizons.

Choosing a single tool for a project can be difficult and not always justified. I enjoy combining different techniques and approaches, which allows me to achieve the best results. Using multiple tools opens up new horizons and promotes creative problem-solving. Mixing different methods helps find unconventional solutions and makes the process more exciting.

The question of whether a CG professional can successfully work without 3D knowledge has many facets. It's important to note that while 3D graphics skills are a significant advantage, not all roles in this field require them. There are positions, such as 2D designers, animators, or graphic artists, where knowledge of 2D techniques may be more relevant. However, understanding the basics of 3D modeling and animation can expand career opportunities and increase a professional's marketability. Therefore, while 3D skills are not required for all CG positions, having them can significantly improve job prospects and quality.

The CG industry encompasses not only 3D modeling but also many other areas, such as photography, video editing, post-production, and programming. Each of these areas has its own importance and contribution to the creation of successful projects. Nevertheless, 3D technologies have become the standard in this field, and there will always be demand and career opportunities for 3D artists. It is important to understand that a diverse skill set in the CG industry can significantly increase the competitiveness of specialists and expand their creative horizons.

Besides Photoshop, I also use other tools for working with graphics and design. For example, Adobe Illustrator allows you to create vector images, which is especially useful for logos and illustrations. For photo editing and collage creation, you can use GIMP, a free alternative to Photoshop. Canva is also worth mentioning, which is suitable for quickly creating graphics using ready-made templates. If you need to work with 3D graphics, Blender is an excellent choice. Each of these tools has its own unique features and can greatly simplify the design process.

I work with Camera Raw, Davinci Resolve, and Premiere. I previously studied Modo, but currently focus on photography and video, as well as post-processing of video footage and images.

You are also an excellent photographer. What themes or objects do you enjoy capturing in your photographs?

I don't have a strict preference in my choice of equipment, which allows me to experiment freely. I enjoy working with the frame, trying out different cameras, lighting, and compositional solutions. Each camera has its own unique advantages: some stand out for their high resolution, others for their ease of use, and still others for their affordable price. This approach allows you to expand your creative horizons and find new ways of expressing yourself in photography.

"No clients, money, or reputation, but a sea of ​​​​energy and a huge number of ideas."

I have always been interested in computer graphics. This interest began in childhood, when I became fascinated with video games and animation. Gradually, I began to learn the basics of 3D modeling and animation, which led me to decide on a career in CG. I realized that I could create visual effects and animation that inspire people and make the world a more vibrant place. This path has opened up many opportunities for creative expression and professional growth, and I am convinced every day that I made the right choice.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated with photography and Photoshop, which has had a significant impact on my professional path. My career began with creating posters for theatrical productions, which was an important step into the world of design. This experience helped me gain a deeper understanding of the work in this field, as well as learn the basics of photography and post-production. I was actively involved in poster design for five years, from the age of 15 to 20, which allowed me to develop valuable skills and an understanding of visual art.

I gained significant experience working in various studios and advertising agencies as a designer. However, I began implementing my most significant projects at Platinum FMD. Working at Lightfarm New Zealand has significantly expanded my design skills and knowledge, allowing me to successfully tackle complex challenges and create high-quality visual solutions.

New Zealand leaves a lasting impression. This country attracts tourists with its unique natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich culture. The mild climate and clean environment make it an ideal destination for travel and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy stunning mountains, picturesque beaches, and beautiful lakes. In addition, New Zealand is known for its adventure sports, such as bungee jumping and trekking along scenic routes. Local cuisine and indigenous Maori traditions add uniqueness and depth to the cultural experience. Overall, New Zealand is an ideal destination for those seeking new experiences and wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

New Zealand is one of the most attractive places to live. My memories of the trip are filled with warmth and joy. Living in another country provides a unique opportunity to explore a new culture and understand aspects of life unavailable at home. Returning home, you develop a new appreciation for the familiar comforts and amenities that previously seemed ordinary. The unique nature, friendly people, and diverse cultural traditions make New Zealand a special place that inspires new discoveries and expands horizons of perception.

Working at Lightfarm New Zealand gave me a new appreciation for the studio's work processes. Everything here functions more smoothly, structured, and organized than I was used to. This valuable experience significantly influenced my decision to open a Lightfarm office in Brazil, where I strive to implement similar standards of quality and efficiency.

I'd love to hear how this idea came about. What inspired you to create it?

Rafael and I have worked at Lightfarm New Zealand since its inception. After three years of successful work in New Zealand, we decided to open an office in Brazil. Currently, our studio has become the brand's headquarters. Lightfarm has five offices located in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and China. This decision was a logical step for us, and we decided to try implementing our ideas in a new market.

What challenges did we face?

A lack of clients, lack of finances, inexperience, and lack of reputation in the Brazilian market are only temporary obstacles. In return, we have unlimited energy and a multitude of creative ideas ready to be implemented. By focusing on strategic development and active promotion, we can overcome these challenges and build a successful business in Brazil.

Lightfarm Brasil today occupies a leading position among global studios. In the future, we plan to continue expanding our capabilities, implementing new technologies, and improving the quality of our services. Our goal is to become a benchmark in the field of digital visualization and animation, as well as strengthen our presence on the international stage. We strive to create unique content that will inspire and amaze clients around the world.

Our key goal is continuous improvement. This allows us to remain among the leaders in the technology industry. We are currently heavily investing in augmented reality (AR) technologies and are focused on developing innovative solutions for our clients.

You have a lot of projects, but is there one among them that you love the most?

There are many animated projects that deserve attention. One of the most famous is The Verge. Personally, I especially like The Dream of Ink - it's my favorite animated project. Interestingly, the idea for this project came to me in a dream, although I did not participate in its creation; it is made entirely in CGI. I also enjoyed working on Neuromancer, which left a lasting impression.

An idea plays a key role in the creation of a new project. It serves as the basis for all further actions and decisions. Without a clear and original idea, a project risks becoming uninteresting and unnoticed. A well-developed idea helps define the target audience, choose appropriate promotion methods, and develop a unique proposition. In addition, having a strong idea helps attract investment and build a team of like-minded people. Thus, an idea is not only a starting point but also an important factor in the success of a project.

An idea is just the beginning. Although it is not so easy to come up with, it is much more difficult to implement. When I have a new idea, I feel a strong obsession with it. My thoughts are focused exclusively on how to bring it to reality. The first thought may seem simple or even irrelevant, but as you think about it, it begins to develop, becoming more complex and exciting, acquiring new aspects and details. This process of transforming an idea is key to its successful implementation and opens up new horizons for creativity and innovation.

When you receive a project that significantly exceeds your skills, it is important not to panic. In such situations, it is worth conducting a requirements analysis and identifying which aspects of the project are causing difficulties. You can then set aside time to learn the necessary technologies and tools, and seek help from colleagues or industry professionals. It's important to remember that every experience is an opportunity for growth and development. Don't be afraid to take on challenging tasks, as they help expand your skills and boost your confidence.

Lightfarm projects often teeter on the edge of the impossible. However, we consistently analyze and find solutions to realize even the most ambitious ideas. Each new challenge becomes an opportunity to demonstrate our creativity and mastery of unique projects.

If you can identify the steps of a task and manage your time wisely, you will successfully complete it without experiencing stress. Effective planning and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions will help you achieve your goal with minimal effort and stress.

"It all started with a very simple idea"

I am the founder of UnhideSchool, and the reason I started recording lessons for beginners in computer graphics is a desire to share knowledge and experience. I noticed that many beginners face difficulties in mastering CG and need accessible and understandable training. My lessons are aimed at helping beginners understand the basics and develop their skills. I strive to create the most comfortable learning environment possible, where everyone can find suitable materials and get answers to their questions.

Finding a talented employee to work on commercial projects is not an easy task. Beginners need high-quality training and preparation to successfully cope with the tasks set. It has always been important to me to contribute to the learning process and help aspiring specialists achieve their first significant successes. Proper training and support early in a career can significantly improve young professionals' chances of success in a competitive environment.

You recently hosted a conference in São Paulo. This event brought together numerous professionals and experts from various industries, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. The conference covered relevant topics that contribute to business development and the implementation of innovative solutions. Participants had the opportunity to discuss important aspects and establish useful contacts, making the event meaningful for everyone in attendance.

The event began with a simple idea—to unite our online community in a physical space. The results exceeded all expectations: in 2018, the conference attracted 1,200 participants, and in 2019, that number increased to over 3,000. This demonstrates the growing interest and engagement of our audience, as well as the importance of creating a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge.

Why do you need this?

Conferences and educational schools are not the most effective ways to generate income. It's much easier and more profitable to create commercial projects and sell your skills. Our school and conference weren't organized with profit in mind. Our primary goal was to help newcomers adapt and enter the market more quickly. We sought to create a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience, facilitating the development of professionals in their field.

We prefer to independently cultivate talented specialists capable of unconventional creative solutions and engaging work. After several years of investing in training and development, we will create a new generation of artists ready for active professional work and capable of handling any challenges we set for them. This will allow us to ensure a high level of quality and innovation in our team, as well as successfully compete in the market.

"Create what you truly love"

Many students express concern that the lack of a specialized education may negatively impact their careers. I'm curious, what education do you have? Did you attend art school?

I studied art, and one of my partners specialized in design. However, it's important to understand that having a degree doesn't guarantee a job. Your portfolio is the real diploma. A high-quality portfolio will open doors to new projects, finances, and your professional reputation. Focus on creating impressive work that showcases your skills and creativity, as this will be your main competitive advantage in the market.

Success in illustration is impossible without understanding the key aspects of the artistic process. An artist must always remember the importance of composition, color scheme, and conveying emotion through their work. It's also crucial to consider the target audience and the context in which the illustration will be used. Attention to detail and quality execution are essential to help make your work stand out from the crowd. It's crucial to continually develop your skills and stay on top of new illustration trends to remain competitive in the market. Success comes to those who combine creativity with technical knowledge and an understanding of their clients' needs.

The key to a successful image is a strong idea. It's far more important than the image itself. Your image should attract attention and spark interest. It should be impressive both from a distance and up close, allowing the viewer to appreciate every detail. When creating visual content, it is necessary to consider its aesthetic value and ability to hold the eye, which contributes to deeper interaction with the audience.

To achieve the desired effect, you need to consider several key aspects. First of all, it is important to define the goal you want to achieve and develop a strategy that matches that goal. Effective planning and consistent execution of steps will help you achieve results. It's also important to consider using the right tools and technologies, which can greatly simplify the process. Remember to analyze your results and adjust your approaches as needed to achieve maximum effectiveness.

There are many techniques that can help improve the quality of your photographs. You can experiment with angles, as well as play with colors and lighting. The main thing you need to understand is the purpose of your creativity and the desired result. The rest depends on your knowledge and skill in working with photography tools.

A key aspect of successful work is depth of development. To hold a person's attention and prevent the project from closing after a few seconds, you need to offer a compelling story and provide enough details to encourage them to explore the image. This approach will create an interactive experience with the content and increase interest in your work.

It is important to remember that learning computer graphics (CG) takes time and effort. The first piece of advice is to not be afraid to experiment with different styles and tools. Try different programs and techniques to find what works best for you. Second, focus on the basics. Understanding the fundamentals of 3D modeling, texturing, and animation will create a solid foundation for further development. It's also worth actively participating in CG communities, discussing your work, and receiving feedback. This will help you grow as an artist and expand your skills. Don't forget to practice regularly, create a portfolio, and share your projects to attract the attention of potential employers. Create what you truly enjoy and devote significant time to practice. This helps develop your skills and deepen your understanding of your craft. Immersion in a favorite activity promotes creative growth and improves the quality of results.

Choosing between working in a studio and freelancing is an important decision for every designer. A studio offers stability, teamwork, and access to resources, which can facilitate professional growth. Designers can learn from colleagues, participate in large projects, and receive a regular salary. However, working in a studio can limit creative freedom and flexibility in choosing projects. On the other hand, freelancing offers more freedom in choosing tasks and clients, as well as the ability to manage your time. Freelancers can experiment with different styles and approaches, which contributes to the development of a unique portfolio. However, working independently requires responsibility for finding clients and managing finances, which can be challenging. Ultimately, choosing between a studio and freelancing depends on the designer's personal preferences and goals. Each path has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider what is right for you. Freelancing has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, freelancing provides complete freedom in organizing your workflow, which allows you to create a comfortable environment for completing tasks. However, achieving success in this field requires a high degree of organization, self-motivation, and significant effort. Working in an office can be a great experience if you feel comfortable in this environment. However, large companies often have a toxic atmosphere. Running a business is a challenging task, and owners must remember that behind every job are real people, not just a corporate logo. Creating a positive work environment is essential for increasing employee productivity and satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to consider the human factor and strive to create a healthy corporate culture. Working in a high-quality studio provides excellent opportunities for professional growth. You will be able to develop your skills daily and become an expert in your field. If you perceive yourself solely as an employee, then you will remain one. However, if you recognize your connection to the company and are committed to its success, you have every chance of becoming a partner. This attitude not only promotes personal growth but also has a positive impact on business development. By investing your efforts in a common cause, you open up new opportunities for career advancement and participation in important decision-making.