3D Artist Spotlight: Guillaume Hulot

What is the story behind one of your favorite projects, Robot Buddy 2.0?

One day while browsing ArtStation’s newsfeed, I saw a 2D concept by Kory Lynn Hubbell. I immediately fell in love with the concept because it is exactly what I like in terms of design: a mix between round and straight shapes, with a retro-futuristic look. I made the first version of the "Robot Buddy" during my fourth year at ArtFX, but as the result did not please me, I decided to add a more believable environment, uprez all textures, and get better renders, all while balancing fifth-year assignments and the production of my graduation film.

You have amazing modeling skills, and the UV mapping in your Space Helmet project is very impressive. How do you continue to develop these technical skills?

I work on reflections before starting on the modeling of an asset. I think about how to model this or that piece so as not to regret it and spend too much time on it at a later stage. I think my technique is good, it's mostly about taking the time to think and plan things out before starting substantial work on it. I also like to use a lot of keyboard shortcuts for faster productivity. Finally, if I find myself stuck on a technical issue, the internet knows everything.

What is your favorite stage of the production process?

I love all aspects of creating an asset, from modeling to lookdev, but it's the modeling stage that I love the most. There's something satisfying about the process, and I don't notice the time fly by when modeling an asset.

What surprised you most when you graduated from university? Do you think you were fully prepared to embark on your professional journey?

What surprised me the most when I left school was the difference in pace between the production of a graduation film, and the projects worked on in a studio. I was going from a pretty stressful and intense year to a fixed-responsibility position, where I could just focus on my texture work, and nothing else. 

Did networking play a role in getting your first job after school? What tips would you give to those who struggle with making industry connections?

Absolutely! LinkedIn is the best place to find a job apart from studio websites. My current contract with RodeoFX began with a LinkedIn connection. Don't hesitate to connect with various artists at junior/mid/senior levels or even supervisors — send them a message to introduce yourself in a few words, and attach your magnificent demo reel!

What is a typical day like working at RodeoFX?

RodeoFX offers the possibility of working remotely or on-site, which makes it easier to manage my daily schedule. Usually, I work on the textures of only one asset at a time, and once validated by the supervisor, I move on to another asset, following its brief. Sometimes I work on three or four assets at a time.

As a texturing artist, I also have the responsibility of unfolding the UVs – although sometimes, super-hero modeling artists unfold them for me – and making the UV layout in UDIMs mode while being careful that the UVs are not “out of range” (overlapping between UDIMs). I have also had the chance to do modeling, both hard-surface and organic modeling.