C E C I L ..B.. D E M E N T E D

CRAB TOWER

2012-02-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

or I should name it gundam tree.. just playing around again from random sketches.

Big Whale looking Creature

2012-02-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Just had a conversation with Justin about discovery channel program about dissecting sperm whale. It's pretty gross yet amazing stuff. Here's my another crappy painting.

In-class demo on Boss Fight Arena

2012-02-04T21:12:00.001-08:00

Amarebi

2012-01-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Warload

2011-12-28T10:41:00.001-08:00

Amarebi Forest

2011-12-05T01:47:00.001-08:00

CTNx 45mins Demo at Atrium Stage

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

CTNx Demo at Section Studio Booth

2011-11-21T09:26:00.001-08:00

Artwork for Magazine

2011-11-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

Gnomon School of Visual FX was featured in C& G magazine (Canada) and artwork was created for a cover.

Interview

2011-11-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

1. What do you do on a typical day?

Tried to workout at least once or twice a week in the morning, I usually walk or ride scooter to work. 8:30-9:00 is when I get to work. Then I usually pick up what I need to get done and what's due on that day. I have usually guests visiting our studio during lunch, meeting them and usually afternoon goes really fast. I go home around 8:00pm and I usually cook for us. (me and Lili) then before I sleep- I watch a movie or documentary downloaded on my computer or apple TV. Also I have to walk out my dogs. Forgot to mention- I usually go grab pints or a bottle of soju with KBBQ at least couple times a week.

2. What’s your favorite part of your job?

Every projects are different and have different client, different deadline. So everything is extremely different and we have very organic way of approaching these assignments. It's hard to predict or plan out the process and it's really rewarding when clients are satisfied with our work. I am a multi-tasking person so I like working on muitiple projects on different phases. Going back and forth between comp sketches and rendering of matte paintings could be one example and it's working well with me and our team.

3. At your job, do you feel you have the freedom that artists need to be the individual they are? Why or why not? (meaning do you get to show your own talents or is conformity involved)

In some extend- again, it really has to do with clients, some clients throw you a sandbox that you can play with, some clients give you 3D screenshots that you just need to dress the scene with specific texture codes. However it is really up to each artists to figure out how to achieve the end results. Not everyone can be good at everything and usually when someone is good at one thing, they have specific visual style that he is known for. As an artist, it's important to be truthful to their own style however it's also important to be flexible so that they can be adapted in a wider range of projects. After all, it's important to have a good balance and willing to learn new things all the time so eventually the person can have experiences in different genres and areas in production. That pays off a long way.

4. If you could work for any company, which company and why?

I have been with Sony over 11 years and I don't think it's going to be easy to develop a similar history of relationship with team members from now on. Not necessarily it's the length of time that I was with Sony, more like what I went through as a young artist during the employment with Sony is something can't be replaced with. Now at my age and time of my career, I rather be available to more teaching opportunities and different projects. That's basically why I started Section Studios (www.sectionstudios.com) with Justin Yun and I think I made a right choice.

5.What has been your favorite project so far and why?

Definitely Final fantasy IX and God of War series. FF IX was almost a dream project for a rookie concept artist. Not even that- I was working with majority with Japanese Square Team on daily basis. It was only 7 years after I left Korea, so I was able to connect with them in psychological and cultural level even though we both didn't understand each others languages. Learned a lot -seeing how organized the franchise was and I felt appreciated from them throughout the project gave me an opportunity to make a transition from a student to a professional worker. God of war -in the other hand was a complete different set up. Small team and it was brand new IP that no one knew of, even ourselves :) So figuring out the game itself put us through extremely challenging creative environment. Building something from ground up- is truly worthwhile and our industry respects that.

6.What do you feel is becoming the future of the gaming world?

We (game developers) are already in the very forthfront of technology in terms of visual presentation and using different peripherals to experiment new interactive experiences. Games will be always used as a demonstration benchmark medium when it comes to next-gen visual. It will be attracting talents from different areas continuously. Writers, fine artists, cinematographers, even established filmmakers will be invited to expand their creative horizon. I think eventually it will provide more examples of collaboration projects and audiences will be challenged by intellectual entertainment experiments whether it's a puzzle game or a sound synch game.

Interviewed by tony diablo pimp d dallavalle

Cecil Kim / Bluecanvas offers Free Workshop at Gnomon

2011-10-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Bluecanvas offers Cecil Kim, Nathan Ota, James Paick's 2 hr workshop on "Composition in Art" at Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood. It's going to be on 7-10pm.

Free Admission but seatings are limited- you may RSVP at the link below:

Program Details

Nathan:

Topic: Traditional Foundation

1. Light Logic-

2. Narrative Composition

3. Whole story being told in one image

4. Making good decisions

5. Preparation

Cecil:

Topic: Approach

1. Research

2. Perspective

3. Deconstruction of some of the basics

James:

Topic: Concept to 3D

1. Production Pipeline

2. Technology (art is a reflection of where technology is)

3. Textures in composition

4. Career Prep… HOW DOES THIS ALL COME TOGETHER???

Bluecanvas "About Us" Video

2011-10-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Bluecanvas: The Artist Network from Bluecanvas Media on Vimeo.

The company that I co-owned -Bluecanvas.com - made a "about us" video for recent 10th issue launch.
We wanted to explain who's behind the magazine and what are our missions are. It's pretty nicely put together so take a minute to check it out. If you are an artist or photographer, sign up as an member and you get a chance to be published. Go for it.

Cecil Kim

Depth Melody Cover Art

2011-10-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

I had a privilege of working with swiss based heavy metal band Depth Melody's debut album "Dreamsgate" cover art.

Rock on!

Depth Melody Myspace

Videv for Animation Sketch 1

2011-10-24T15:27:00.001-07:00

Sadeeth Color

2011-10-19T00:36:00.001-07:00

Otis- Concept Art Workshop / Demo

2011-09-17T23:49:00.001-07:00

Parade

2011-09-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

Halloween Flyer Artwork

2011-09-13T14:49:00.001-07:00

Sadeeth Sketch

2011-09-12T23:54:00.001-07:00

Lamonte Castle

2011-09-12T15:22:00.001-07:00

Section Studio Website is LIVE

2011-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

My company Section Studios Website is launched. Our Bluecanvas Web Team and myself, Justin Yun have been working on it since we started the company. Tomorrow will be another exciting challenge we are hungry for work.

Section Studios

Artwork for Sale: City in Light

2011-08-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's already strange when you price your own work and seeing it posted online for sale is even more strange.
Oil on Canvas
37 1/2” x 22 1/2” (framed)

OHNO! DOOM Gallery Store

Lamonte

2011-08-21T23:34:00.001-07:00

Gnomon Workshop Artist Interview

2011-08-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

INTERVIEW

IGDA / Gnomon August Event "Film vs Game"

2011-08-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

IGDA August Event

The panel discussion was a really good turnout, we were bouncing back some interesting topics regarding working in both Game and Film industry as a conceptual designer. There are similarities and differences through out the process and it was super informative since all of the panelists are somehow experienced in both game and film industry.

On Panel:
Ian Joyner
David Levy
Jerry O'Flaherty
Cecil Kim

Sorry for the late notice, we will try to have similar panel discussions in the future.

Fantasy Castle

2011-08-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

Ereshe Peaks

2011-08-14T23:37:00.001-07:00

Hills

2011-08-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon

2011-08-12T16:12:00.001-07:00

The biggest project I have ever undertaken is about to begin.

New Chapter

2011-08-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

This is it. The end of an era. I have ended 11+ years of service at Sony Santa Monica Studio. In 2000, I moved back to LA from Hawaii after I finished working on Final Fantasy IX. Sony Santa Monica Studio was pretty small core team back then, thinking around 40+ employees. The loft studio was so huge and everything smelled fresh and new. I have learned how to go through lenghty production schedule of each games, between 2-3 years average. Well... it's all done for me now. We have sold more than 15 million units worldwide ( God of War franchise alone) and I am truly grateful to be a part of the legacy. I wouldn't hesitate a second to say it is the one of the best developers out there... sometimes we are pushing too hard on ourselves.. it becomes a part of our culture. I am going to miss that challenge.

When I was very young, I saw academy awards ceremony broadcast on TV from Korea. It was the movie "Mission (1986)" by Roland Joffee which won "Best Cinematography".. I didn't even know what cinematography was. However I saw the movie and I kind of understood the award was given to the director of photography for his excellent visual style and achievement..on waterfall shots. Since then I had a dream of being close to that honor. yeah...big dream :) and as I got older, I totally forgot about that inspiration.

It was a few months ago when I heard we won this award. Even though it's BAFTA (British Academy) and video Game awards, I felt like my 11 years of service to Sony finally came molded in a shiny object to me. What an honor to hold for the rest of my life.

Now I am moving onto a new chapter in my career. Starting from monday tomorrow I am not driving on 10 fwy, instead I am going to walk out the door and start sketching out my big idea..and survive.
People ask me how I feel....sadness is replaced with confidence slowly. I feel good and ready.

Our company website will be up and running very soon. I will keep you posted.

Cheers

Cecil

Stamp Magazine Interview

2011-07-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

I recently had online interview with Stamp Magazine. The article is here

Sketch

2011-07-09T23:13:00.001-07:00

Ruin Sketch Comp

2011-07-06T00:29:00.001-07:00

Nate Stephens Gnomon DVDs Released

2011-06-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

Our Former Environment Lead Nate Stephens just released his DVD for environment modeling for games.

He used couple of my concept sketches to show how we were working together as a team in Sony Santa Monica. Anyone interested in getting into 3D art for games, this shouldn't be missed.

Buy it or download it here - Gnomon Workshop Store

Some old game level design layout..

2011-06-28T00:16:00.001-07:00

Forest- Sketch Scan

2011-06-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sketches in progress

2011-06-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Painting Video

2011-05-28T23:22:00.001-07:00

Blowfish

2011-05-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sci-Fi Sketch

2011-05-08T00:35:00.001-07:00

dragon

2011-05-08T00:03:00.001-07:00

Arch

2011-05-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

The Big Top

2011-05-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Illustration for a short novel

Bluecanvas Issue 8 Launch Event Live Demo

2011-04-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone- Justin Yun, Bluecanvas Staff, Epson for having me at the event. I have never painted so fast in my life, it was quite interesting experience for me. Here are some images I have created during the event night.

Quarantine Fighter

2011-04-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ganbatte Japan!!

Downtown LA Toy District

2011-04-06T00:50:00.001-07:00

Art Center Viscom 6 Feedback

2011-04-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Ayden Gallery Group Show / Vancouver BC

2011-04-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Art Center Demo

2011-04-02T00:47:00.001-07:00

Viscom 6 demo

2011-03-26T23:27:00.001-07:00

Design Your Ultimate God of War Monster

2011-03-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

To celebrate God of War III joining the PS3 Greatest Hits library we wanted to give you, the loyal Spartan Army, a chance to win an exclusive signed copy of one of these fantastic books by showing the God of War team what your ultimate monster would look like!

Starting Friday, March 4th through April 1st, visit GodofWar.com, fill out the required entry form and upload your submission. At the end of the contest, the development team will judge and select the top three submissions. Prizing for the contest is as follows:

•1st Prize: Signed Limited Folio Edition “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book
•2nd Prize: Signed Special Edition “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book
•3rd Prize: Signed Paperback “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book

P

VISIT PLAYSTATION.BLOG

Science Fiction Freedom E-zine

2011-02-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I have been working on couple images to support SFF e-zine last couple months, this emerging E-magazine features original science fiction short novels from various authors around the world. Peter Saga is the chief editor and I would like to help him by introducing the magazine here. It's non-profit publication so there's no compensation (in $) however it's a great opportunity to collaborate with each SF stories/authors to work on an illustration based on each stories. If you are interested in, contact Peter at petersaga435@gmail.com

Thank you,

Click here to view E-zine
Science Fiction Freedom

Prey and Predator

2011-02-27T21:39:00.001-08:00

The artwork done for a client for Promoting "Nature Preservation"

Artcenter Viscom 6

2011-02-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

So we are starting on 2nd project-it's a pretty big one (4 weeks), main focus is to practice more storytelling skills rather than designing new environments or coming up with awesome images.

Concept Art Workshop Assignment Demo

2011-02-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

Anthony and I wanted to hand out an assignment which focuses on material rendering, not so much with design or concept of the object. This assignment was very successful. 20 mins demo- 1 wk assignment.

Red Engine School Workshop Demo

2011-02-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

So the workshop was held at Red Engine Studio last Saturday from 1-5pm. First 1/2 was lecture and showing my works then demo session. These images were done during 2 hrs of painting demo. Started with designing some space-military ship then recapturing some of the design cues I used for the ship, I wanted to create city environment that will fit in the same universe. Thank you for coming everyone,

Cecil

Vsdev for Animation-Otis

2011-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Having some awesome fun in this class, everyone has original stories and working on a set of new characters. We have spent 1st 3 weeks to work on character designs then this week- we are working on 2 sheets of composition studies. These images were created as a part of lecture and demos for week assignments.
I was inspired by one of students story- Audrey's story. So some of the shots are telling the boy's story in different settings and so on..

Gnomon Student Work Paintover

2011-01-31T11:32:00.001-08:00

BG sketch

2011-01-25T20:32:00.001-08:00

ArtCenter VisCom 6 "Outer Space" Assignment Rough Comps Demo

2011-01-16T14:44:00.001-08:00

Gnomon Wk 1 in-class demo

2011-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

Quick composition studies with flat chalk brush.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T13:15:00.001-08:00

Start of 4 days weekend and loads of food, everyone be well and safe!
Don't forget to pray for world peace....on Korea Peninsula

Otis Drawing and Painting Demo

2010-11-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

For Drawing and Painting (Illustration Requirement) class, I have "Uniform Assignment" which is students take pictures of people in uniform and make painting out of their own reference images. Actually this assignment was from Jeff Smith
's painting class from back in 1996 Artcenter... It's a good way of examining figure gestures and informations on their clothing and stuff. Old school..but good stuff.
Paintover in class to demostrate how to tell a story with your reference.

gnomon In-class Demo

2010-11-21T22:55:00.001-08:00

Eye in the Sky

2010-11-10T00:53:00.001-08:00

Alan Parsons Project "Eye in the Sky"

love this song...:) 80s music was so good!

Magazine Interview

2010-11-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

I had couple magazine interviews- Fantasy Art Magazine from China, I felt extremely honored to find out the editor is Peking University Faculty. Knowing the reputation of the school in China. Secondly- Justin Yun's BlueCanvas featured me as one of the main artists in this fall issue. It's wonderful magazine showcasing many talented artists from all over the world. I like how their social networking/portfolio website is well thought out and easy to use. Thank you.

Aftermath-Illustration

2010-11-05T00:18:00.001-07:00

Based on Carole Gill's short story. You can read her story here:
Science Fiction Freedom

Gnomon In-class Demo

2010-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Paradise One Assignment Students Work

2010-10-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

I had a privilege of working with my students to submit artworks for Sci Fi Freedom E-zine. Here are final 5 artworks I selected from Drawing and Painting Class. It was given as 3 weeks assignment based on short story written by Lauren A Johnson. Final Winner is Josh Smith. It will be featured in Nov Issue. Artists are: Clockwise from Left top: Josh Smith, Eric Rodriguez, Philip Aceves,
Javier Villanueva, Kelsie Spann, Brittany Lee. Great job everyone!!!

CG Channel Interview

2010-10-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Click below to see

CG Channel Interview

Art Institute Inland Empire Workshop Demo

2010-10-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

So Izzy and I sat down over lunch and talked about what should we paint-for demo. We came up with a plan so Izzy can design a boss creature and I will create a castle and inside the building. Few key words we used were : flooded, Gothic, Dining Hall, Stone, Iron Gate...etc. So I sketched a few and painted them into rough BW sketches. I ended up spend more time on the interior one however the computer we were using had some value problem so I didnt know I was painting it too dark. However.. here they are. Thanks,

Drawf House

2010-10-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

J B Study

2010-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

John Berkey is so inspiring...

Nautilus Type C1

2010-10-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Shadow of Colussus - Otis Demo

2010-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

We were just talking about the game and how we wanted to recreate some of colossus in the game. This one is not too different from what the developers had in the game however I told the class to design one of their own based on some of the concept reference images we found on the web.

Study for a Painting

2010-10-09T23:18:00.001-07:00

Otis Creature Concept Demo

2010-10-09T20:44:00.001-07:00

Visdev for Animation Study

2010-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Gnomon Wk 1 Demo

2010-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

Art Center In-class demo part 1

2010-09-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

For Gary Meyer's matte Painting Class- there are 2 paintings done during the visit, first one I can't show now however this second part I am putting up. I was trying to explain my design process from block shape to sculpting out bunch of box shapes to create building design and city layout...

Otis Sat Concept Class City Demo

2010-09-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Based off from Edward Kunzo's one of the Helmet designs, we are designing a city concept using character concept from last week.

Next week- we are moving into Creature concept!

Sat Concept Class Vehicle assignment demo

2010-09-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

Drawing and Painting 1st Assignment

2010-09-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

This class is designed like an introduction course to digital painting for illustration majors. I choose to exercise BW rendering painting using classical marble statue reference images. The key is only using paint brush and eraser with single layer option.
This demo was done during the class and I am looking forward to see what students have come up with tomorrow morning.

Cecil

Gnomon Wk 8 Demo

2010-09-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

Paint over Jamin's awesome column design. We went over how to develope a style guide for different architecture facades.

Otis Sat Concept Class Demo

2010-09-05T00:32:00.000-07:00

Dagoba "Poseidon" Map Illustration

2010-08-31T22:03:00.001-07:00

The ship traveled around the world- these are done in ink pen and wash. PS retouched, Each area has themed songs and lyrics that are related to its landmarks or old tales. Shawter-singer of Dagoba explained to me how each maps needed to be created then they put these into booklet that went inside the CDs.

Figures in motion

2010-08-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to do some figure study again recently, it felt awesome!

Big Daddy!! Gnomon Demo

2010-08-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

A quick paitover Eugene's sketch, fixed some perspective issues and re-arrange the front objects, he had some kind of control panel but I changed it to engine parts.
Bioshock had pretty neat art-direction and definitely is one of my favorites!!

Cecil

Dagoba New Album "Poseidon" Artwork

2010-08-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share one of promotional videos "Dagoba:Heavy Metal Band" using online right now. The image is what they used for the cover art.
More on Dagoba:

VEHICLE CONCEPT

2010-08-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

Hoping to do some collaboration with a very talented CG artist and we decided to work on some vehicle concepts.
More to come!!

Gnomon Wk 6 Demo

2010-08-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Couple How-tos this week, one is painting from perpective layout- which was done beautifully by a student. Another is concept practice we often create for production process. Call-out sheets and facade design sheets.

Cecil Featured in Conceptships.com

2010-08-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Scroll down to AUG 9TH Article:
http://conceptships.blogspot.com/

gnomon wk 3 Demo

2010-07-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

Design a building that can be part of the first initial Babylonian concept we worked on first week. This demo I tried to use more marker shading and pencil drawing as base to start. Instead of using chalk brush to paint out the shapes and stuff. I had some trouble getting perspective right on the top cocoon shape thingy and the class helped me to fix it. Cheers,

Poseidon Album Cover

2010-07-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Gnomon Week 2

2010-07-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Revival of Colossus

2010-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Noah's Ark being a colossus's top head structure and it's getting awaken by wind god.
Totally in the line of GOW, but instead of bronze metal statue, it's built in a same way people believe how Noah's ark is built. Make sense?
The other image is something I got inspired from one of my favorite film "Watchmen" there was a glass spinning clock thingy that is super bizzare and cool. I thought about some sort of super power is actually made out of clock pieces and velvety feathers.

Gnomon / Class Demo

2010-07-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Babylonia" Assignment
3 High level concept paintings (BW) using PS paint brush- mainly chalk brush, no photo textures and straight shape paintings. Yes, I have started a class at Gnomon-thanks to Travis, and this was 1st meeting!

Artshow at Liliya

2010-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here's my "Peter Pan" Piece for artshow opens on Thursday in Downtown LA.
Oil on Canvas. Roughly 12 X 24
The theme is "Springtime in Grimm's Garden" featuring some of my students from class of 2008 Otis College of Art and Design.
Artwalk is also happening on the same day so if you are near by, stop by!! A glass of Stellar on me!

Liliya China Bistro
108 W 2nd Street 102 Los Angeles CA 90012

Mothership "Hera"

2010-06-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

Can you find Kratos in here?

2010-06-08T00:20:00.000-07:00

Perithous Banquet Room- This was the original setting in Greek tales how he's imprisoned-or trapped in Hades Palace. In GOW 3, Kratos finds him trapped in wooden cage so he burns down the cage and acquire firebow from him.