How to Create a Realistic 3D Character Portrait with Ian Spriggs

Find Ian: Learn 3D Modeling: Digital Portrait Artist Ian Spriggs catches up with Maxine to unpack the creative process behind his mind-blowing realistic 3D character portraitures. Learn how Ian approaches creating his digital portraits, including how he chooses subjects, tricks for lighting and workflow, and the importance of practicing your craft. Ian also discusses the difference between hyperrealism and photorealism, how digital portraiture compares to traditional painting, and finding inspiration in art history. Ian Spriggs is a digital portrait artist creating believable digital humans. He has also worked as a lead character 3D modeler with credits including Bloodshot, Mulan, The Mandolorian (Chapter 1), Spiderman: Far From Home, and John Wick 3. He’s been creating digital art in the industry for over 16 years, working at studios such as OatsStudios, ImageEngine, ILM, Mr X, and is currently at Unity Labs. 🔗 Episode notes: 00:00 Intro 01:15 Ian’s 3D Portraiture 03:38 Finding passion through a self-portrait 05:37 Ian’s background in VFX 07:57 Working at ILM and Oats 10:10 Working in small versus large studios 12:01 How Ian selects portrait subjects 16:11 How digital portraiture compares to traditional painting 20:33 Ian’s art shown in galleries 23:06 Ian’s process for portraiture 26:08 Hyperrealism vs. photorealism 29:36 Ian’s portrait of Kim Jung Gi 31:28 Feedback and attention to detail 35:35 Leonardo da Vinci portrait 38:24 Personal work versus professional work 42:03 Finding inspiration in art history 43:50 Lighting models 45:50 Tricks Ian has picked up from the industry 47:35 Following your passion and practicing 50:02 How many hours Ian spends working 53:20 Listener questions: recommendations for realistic sculpting, preferred workflows 55:50 Where to find Ian Connect on: 📍 📍 📍 📍 Ian: 📍 📍 📍