Eva Munnich: 3D artist The CreativeMindClass Blog
Eva Munnich is an animator as well as illustrator based in London. Being a visual artist she creates cute 2D/3D characters. She was a film student at the art academy in Germany and worked on various animation projects. In the wake of a lack of a creative challenge, Eva actively sought new possibilities to spread out her wings. A few year ago, Eva travelled to London to explore its thriving lively art scene which led her to explore a new venture into the realm of illustration and character design.
Here you will find out how Eva turned around her creative path and find out specifics about her unique X-Files animation project that she collaborated on along with Phil Brookes.
About seeking challenges and changing the direction of your career
Prior to my move to London in 2017 I was in a tiny town in Germany and freelanced in the field of After Effects animator. There weren't many creative challenges My skills slowed rapidly and I was extremely unhappy.
The move into London and getting acquainted with all the lovely animation people there gave me a massive motivational boost. I felt like: "Damn, I'm running alongside the cool kids and I should get my game. "
After attending this year's Pictoplasma Conference, I decided to become part of that universe of odd character creators. It was clear quickly that my characters function most effectively in 3D and I'm still learning which can be challenging, yet extremely satisfying!
My work caught the eye to Greenhouse Animation, and now I'm represented as director by Greenhouse Animation.
The X-Files project and the secret of socks that disappear
One of the first clients I worked on using my new style is my Covered by Lemonade clip.
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Lemonade Insurance approached me to design a piece to promote its ongoing Instagram collaborative with artists. Since the company is a content insurer and I was thinking of cute household items that are in trouble popped into my head. It was then that the X-Files concept came to fruition.
I spent the last winter locking down and re-watching the x-files, so involving a classic alien abduction seemed obvious. However, all of the characters needed to be in the same spot at the time of finalization to close the animation loop in order for them to be actually abducted. This is the reason I got an idea of having the washing machine pop open and the single pink sock fly towards the UFO.
As I was making the UFO as well as giving it small legs, I realized how everything could be put in place. The UFO has lost its sock and is retrieving it!
To me, creating a memorable story is best done by mixing various things that appear unrelated at first. Making something unplanned occur and give unanimate objects an identity by putting funny faces onto their surfaces is what's most enjoyable for me!
Concerning the workflow for animation
My process always begins with sketches of characters as well as an outline of the story. I made the animation for Lemonade to help communicate the concept as well as the time. After that, I jump to Cinema 4D and model all my characters. It is also where I test out the materials I use and create style frames.
Once the animation is completed in Cinema 4D is done, I then switch to After effects for compositing and finishing touches. The pink light beam, for example, is done by using After Effects.
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The sound effects, and working with Phill Brookes
It was the first job I worked on with sound engineer, Philip Brookes and he truly rocked it! His contribution elevates the video to the next level and ties everything together perfectly! It was an amazing project to work on, and I hope to make many more like it!
We've had a conversation with Phil about the process of producing sound effects to be used in The X-Files project. Check out the conversation by Phil Brookes.
Right now, I'm learning more techniques for character rigging , and also how to make beautiful textures with Cinema 4D and Redshift. I experiment with combining 2D animation and 3D and I'm looking forward to seeing where my character design journey takes me next!
Tips for visual artists on how to change your career path
A few tips that I would like to offer anyone who wants to alter directions:
- Choose the method that fits your ideas best and take the time to learn it! Working in motion design feels like you need to know everything in every program there is. It's just not feasible.
- Take your weirdness seriously and don't minimize it. Your weirdness is unique. Your voice, your style and creativity are unique.
- Take your time and embrace your ideas. Whatever is going on in your head, embrace it and make your own!
We're awestruck by the visual art, her creative direction she's taking, as well as her transformation. We at CreativeMindClass we are convinced that creative people have a great ability to form paths like Play-Doh and make them look stunning. We're excited to see ambitious ideas and courageous people succeed. Thank you for sharing your story Eva!
Go to Instagram for more 3D character animations and keep track of Eva's upcoming work. You can explore a larger collection of her works on her site.
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