March 2007

During my evening reading session, I found an interesting interview with a concept artist at EA:

CGC: Your current work is very unique. Where do you find the inspiration?

Gustavo Mendonca: This may sound really silly but I believe my inspiration comes primarily from having my spirit well centered within myself or simply by being HAPPY!

I know, that may sound like space man talk. But when you think about it, every artistic expression is moved by energy. Being happy and in peace allows me to reach that “child” state of mind and sense of freedom.

Remember when you were a kid and the word impossible meant nothing to you? So there you go!

Like every artist out there I also have my favorite artists, favorite movies, books, cartoons, music. I also carry a camera with me, but I think the energy for the piece I’m designing has to come from my “guts”. I always try to foresee the finished image in my head before I start, even if just for a split second.

If a piece of artwork has a strong energy, the site of it will bridge the gap between the artist and the viewer. In the best cases the viewer will feel like he knows the artist in some way.

I couldn’t agree more! However, I’ve heard character designers purposely getting pissed off to inject attitude in their work. For example, Kratos from Gods of War was designed by some workplace “temporary assholes” at Sony Entertainment. In contrast, anger could be considered a energizing tool for creative development but what’s the point if you’re not enjoying what you do?

Most produce art because they like it, not because they’re forced to (my kind of slavery). Recently viewing some “emo styled” art commonly found at Devient Art, you can’t help it beg the question if these people are happy artists. I believe they’re expressing their negative feelings through the pleasure of art which helps them feel better.

Mentally, I get into my happy place before working on any creative en devours. This is because ideas flow easier as “passages are unblocked” due to downsizing the constant noise frustration, jealousy, and anger fill the mind with. That’s a personal note there… see, I get excited when I walk my office, I’m sure Frankenstein was gitty with excitement strutting down to his laboratory…. If where I’m sitting isn’t enriched with positive energy, I don’t think this website would be here…. Going deeper, what if some tragic event occurred in my life? Would I still paint?

My answer is simple: Nothing would change as I choose my thoughts and before sitting down to paint, I would be clear on how I feel and change focus accordingly beforehand. Even considering that question I posed to myself, I felt on the edge of feeling good. As soon as became aware of feeling down I instantly changed focus to something more constructive so I could commit my final thoughts. Indeed,nothing changed.

And look at that! I just wrote another roundabout way of taking responsibility for your life – started with a quote, some art questions, an emotional rollercoaster then BAM back to feeling good and writing helpful stuff.

Check out the whole thing here: interview