A day in the life
We chat to the lead automotive artist about his challenging yet rewarding role at production studio Saddington Baynes Alistair Messom reveals how he got started in the world of CG, and offers his expert advice
Alistair Messom of Saddington Baynes talks the daily challenges of his role
Saddington Baynes is a London-based production studio, specialising in a variety of disciplines from CG and animation to VFX and post-production. Alistair Messom applies his vast CG skillset to the role of lead automotive artist, working on striking stills, animations and promotional films. His work allows the studio to advance their mission to create imagery that inspires.
3D World recently caught up with Messom to find out what a typical day in the life of a lead automotive artist is like, and how he tackles each project’s challenges of managing tight deadlines and client expectations.
What does your role entail?
My job entails working primarily on automotive projects, however, this specialist area develops a lot of skills that flow nicely into a whole bunch of different disciplines. Even though I’m primarily a lighting artist, I also work across modelling, texturing, animation, compositing, render setup and complex scene management on a day-to-day basis. Being a lead also gives me the chance to critique the work of others, overseeing the projects I’m working on and ensuring the outcome is as good as it can be.
What is the best thing about being a lead automotive artist?
The best thing about my role is the opportunity to create beautiful images every day. Doing something I love day in, day out. Hopefully, as lead automotive artist, people look up to me and I inspire others to enjoy working in CG.
What kind of challenges do you face on an average day?
Deadlines are a big challenge in my role. Another of the most difficult challenges is managing the clients’ expectations of a project and being realistic about what can be done in a given timeframe. I could spend a
Can you tell us how you became a lead automotive artist?
I started my journey studying furniture design at uni. I eventually dropped out but had already been introduced to CGI as a tool to visualise ideas. I really enjoyed the freedom that CG afforded me and stuck with it.
What skills and qualities are essential to being lead automotive artist?
Being organised and determined while keeping up your drive and motivation are all very important. I always get excited about trying new techniques in my work. Coffee helps a lot too.
What advice can you give to artists that want to work in a similar role?
Finish projects, especially if they are personal ones. It’s all about the ideas – use the software as a tool to make them happen and don’t just aimlessly follow tutorials, use them instead to develop skills that fulfil a purpose.
Do you have any advice for working on the research and development stage of a project?
Grab hold of the projects and turn them into your own. Always try different areas and don’t be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone. If you are primarily a lighting artist, try and pick up some animation skills. Research and development should be about the interest and development of the artists involved as much as for the studio’s benefit. Having a cool portfolio is a winwin situation for both the company and the artists.