What we learned from our visit to The Art Department

The Art Department, organized by We Are Playgrounds, is a gathering of artists, designers, and visionaries who share a passion for creativity. On April 18 and 19, the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven was transformed into a creative hub. With lectures from industry heavyweights, a live-art area, and a drink & draw area, it was a playground for creative minds. So, Robin and Jelle, motion graphic designers at LiveWall, went on an exploratory journey. Here's their report on the key insights they gained, the inspiration they gathered, and how they will apply it to their own work.

A visionary journey with Jama Jurabaev

Jama Jurabaev, a concept artist, illustrator, and matte painter from London, shared his journey through the worlds of concept art and film. His portfolio includes significant projects like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Ready Player One, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Surprisingly, he uses Blender, the free 3D software, as his primary tool for crafting concept art for Ahsoka. “The journey matters less than the destination,” he emphasized. “As artists, we should use tools that align with our style and effectively convey our story. The medium is secondary to the message.”

Playful storytelling with Form Play

Form Play, a UK-based duo, creates animations and illustrations rooted in playful storytelling. They bring their approach to life in every project, whether for clients or their 114k followers on Instagram. Their philosophy revolves around unwavering dedication to play. “If there’s no play in it, then it’s not for us,” is Form Play’s mantra. This keeps them true to their core values and ensures that their productions are always fantastic. So, always bring play into projects? Check!

Finding the DNA of a style with Jeffrey Thompson

Jeffrey Thompson, an art director and visual development artist, is renowned for his work on Gravity Falls, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Rick & Morty, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). He spoke about discovering the DNA of a style. For TMNT, he explored what "teenager" meant to him by reflecting on his own youth. The result? A 2D sketchbook style mixed with 3D that breathed new life into the TMNT universe. “When the industry is uncertain, be certain of yourself,” Jeffrey advised, an important vision for creatives in a constantly changing industry.

In conclusion

The importance of staying playful, focusing on the end goal, and being confident in uncertain times: The Art Department provided Robin and Jelle with a wealth of new insights. And here at LiveWall, we can put that to good use! We love using creativity to make a genuine impact. Does that sound like something you'd enjoy? We currently have several vacancies open for creative minds. Take a look and reach out. Who knows, next year you could be joining Robin and Jelle on their journey. 👀