GDC> I started as a self-taught graphic designer in the video game industry. It was there I learnt how to use 3d softs and create CGI. I then directed animated music videos and TVCs. Four years ago I decided to start exploring still images for illustrations as I wanted to make something visually different from the aesthetic of CG animated shorts I did before. These new pictures were flat, geometric and graphic. I was happy with these still images but my old animation background said something was missing. The only way to animate an illustration and keep it ‘illustrative’ is to make a loop.
GDC> My style is inspired by the digital tools I use. It's driven by the obvious and hidden possibilities of digital software. I try to find coherence between the subjects I treat, and the tools I use. That's probably why my work features a lot of robots and architecture.
GDC> I have a long-term project about the loneliness of machines. It's made of a whole host of loops I create continuously in my spare time and all these loops contribute in an ever growing video. It's a great pleasure each time I add a loop in the film. It works perfectly, with no need of a specific work in editing.
Q> Your loops are wonderfully hypnotic. Are there any rules you follow to create these?
GDC> At the moment I have two different kinds of loops. The first ones are part of the machine project I mentioned previously. The rules in this are very specific: No human characters, only machines. No sci fi machines, only machines we come across in our daily lives. From this series, I then decided to create some “free loops”, where the only rule is visual efficiency.
Q> Is there a specific reason for wanting to create loops?
GDC> This has definitely stemmed from my double background as an animation director and illustrator. When I work on a nice still picture, I can't help but animate it. Looping is the perfect midpoint between illustration and narrative animation.
GDC>It is also a great way to make people watch my work.
Q> Where do you get your inspirations from?
GDC> I’m inspired by photographers such as William Egglestone and Stephen Shore... Their work can tell you so much about a time or place by framing just a room or a detail. It’s very strong. I’m also fascinated by Brutalist architecture, which is heavily feeding into my work.
Q> What’s your creative process when it comes to illustrating/animating?
GDC> It really depends on the kind of work! For commissions, I make sketches first to find and present my ideas to the client before I start working on the computer. For my personal work, I often start by creating a little scene directly in 3d software, and then when I'm "in" this picture, I see how I could improve, animate and loop it interestingly. It’s a very incremental process. I’ll put the scene to one side and come back a few days later to make some more changes and improvements.
Q> What tools are you using at the moment?
GDC> An old 3dstudio max , the Adobe Suite and sometimes… a pen.
Q> Have you got any exciting projects coming up?
GDC> I have an exhibition coming up in October, which is pretty exciting. I’m still working on my lonely machines loop and expecting a lot of “Go’s” for a fair amount of projects I’ve been prepping for.