Can a classically trained artist reinvent himself and carve out a niche for himself in the digital sector? The answer is simple: Yes, and Javier Benítez Vera (known by his nickname Javier Benver) is a clear example. He began his professional career as an illustrator for a well-known paper magazine and, today, he is a leading figure in the 3D sector. In recent years he has participated in projects for video game companies, virtual reality and animation productions. We talked to our teacher about his career so far, his professional projects and his aspirations for the future.
When and why did you decide to go into digital sculpting?
Working as an illustrator for a magazine in 2010 I came across a 3D illustration made in ZBrush. Doing some research, I found an architect who knew the software, I contacted him and he showed me the main tools of the program. I liked it so much that, little by little, I made the transition from 2D to 3D.
What made you make this transition?
3D is just as much work to create as 2D, but as an artist it allows you to get more out of your project. 3D modelling allows you to play 360º, that is to say, it offers more play because you can play with perspective and materials.
From your career so far, what projects would you highlight?
First of all, I would highlight the first project I worked on: an animation production about dinosaurs for Televisió de Catalunya’s programme ‘Kukurota’. In it I designed characters for animation.
Secondly, I would highlight several mobile and virtual reality games I have worked on, such as ‘Dark Steel’ and ‘Undead Citadel’.
Thirdly, I would also highlight the virtual reality experiences created for the ‘Messi10’ show by Cirque du Soleil. In this project, together with other companies, we scanned Lionel Messi and designed the player’s digital double.
How have you experienced the last two years?
Everything changed for me in 2020. After years of hyperrealistic projects I wanted to focus on a stylized cartoon style. Just before the pandemic I took a few months to make a portfolio focused on my style. 2020 has been a turning point in my career: from being just another artist, a cog in the wheel of a company, I have chosen to be an artist with my own voice.
And what does this voice look like?
I could define my style as stylized – cartoon. For me, cartoon is more grotesque and exaggerated. A stylized style is somewhere between SpongeBob SquarePants and realism.
Can having such a strong style work for or against the artist?
Without any doubt, it’s a plus because it gives you personality. Companies look for you because of what you do. If you want to fit in with any company you have to have a more neutral style. With a marked style, you only fit in with certain companies. No doubt, you limit your range of action, but you acquire an identity.
What are the qualities that a professional who wants to work in this field should have?
- Patience: be clear that everything that has quality takes a lot of work.
- Self-criticism: it is fine to ask for feedback from others, but you must have enough criteria to know what is right and what is wrong with your portfolio.
- Persistence: work, work, work. To be confident as an artist you have to work very hard.
How do you keep up with what’s new in the industry?
You don’t have to be obsessed with keeping up to date, but you do have to stay connected to what’s new in the industry and update yourself from time to time. I do that with live feeds from Pixologic and Substance Painter, among others. The essential thing to work in the industry is to be very clear about the basics of the trade and the workflow.
To finish, which advice would you give to our students?
That they should go out and make themselves visible, they can’t wait to be called. They must go out and fight, have their portfolio updated, be constant and have a lot of discipline. Social networks are a good ally to make themselves known. Great job proposals can come out of any of them.