Interview: Genesis Prado

Hello! How are you doing?

I am doing great! Just keeping my self busy most of the time but also trying to enjoy life at the same time.

How did you get your start in design? Was Art School helpful?

Well, art has been part of my life since I was a child. I started doing my professional works when I was 16 doing logos, self portraits, caricatures and other genres. Since then, I decided to go to art school and work for films, animations and games. Well, to answer your question, Yes, art schools and workshops are helpful. Although, dedication, respect and hard work is a big part of it.

What inspires your work?

Well, mostly anything that makes me stop what I'm doing. I am obsessed with nature, structures, life and it's textures. Mostly all films, television and games are also big influences, from concept art to the final product.

How would you describe your style?

I try to focus more on color, form, texture and composition. I like to to jump around from realistic, caricatured, illustrated or stylized but i tend to try other genres.

How would you distinguish between design composition and composition in painting?

Well, in my knowledge, design composition refers as the coordination and planning of shape, form, space, value, textures and colors in a two dimensional form. As for composition in painting refers almost the same as design composition although the main goal is to create a focal point, distance and a light source in a three dimensional form.

You've been freelancing since 2005. How's that going?

It's going well, I'm using it as my secondary job and also it keeps me busy at home.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

Well, anything challenging, creative and fun to do. Illustrations, portraits, caricatures, concept art, textures, 3D and even sculpture.

Would you be willing to explain what you mean by concept art in reference to your own work?

In my own work, I try to create a story, ambiance and feel in a painting. Showing composition, form, structure, design, color and value are also the main in ingredients on making concept art.

What's in the future for you?

Alot of things are going on right now so its hard to say. Right now, I am working for Naughty Dog as a Next-Gen Environment Texture/Shader artist working on a PS3 game. I will be still doing Illustrations and concepts as a freelancer. Also, I'm thinking of teaching for part-time in the near future.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Genesis's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://lazaruz.carbonmade.com/