We recently connected with Santiago Forero and have shared our conversation below.
Santiago, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I’ve always had a passion for creating. Growing up, I was fascinated by how films and video games could stir emotions and draw you into their worlds. That fascination led me to pursue a career where I could use that creative power.
Initially, I focused on filmmaking and studied Film and Television at the National University of Colombia. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, working with physical sets became almost impossible. That’s when I stumbled upon 3D software and was instantly hooked. The idea of bringing any concept to life without physical limitations was great.
To dive into 3D art, I got hands-on with tools like Maya, Unreal Engine, and Substance Designer. Each of these played a crucial role in developing my skills in environment art for games. A solid understanding of how to create aesthetically pleasing images was essential, so I dedicated time to studying composition through films and cinematography. Analyzing how to achieve balanced and cohesive compositions helped me build a strong foundation.
In hindsight, starting with 3D software earlier and having more structured learning opportunities could have accelerated my progress. But combining practical experience with a solid grasp of composition has been crucial in my growth as an artist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a CG Artist specializing in Environment Art for Video Games. I’ve always emphasized composition and lighting in my work. I chose 3D Art as a career after studying Film. I fell in love with the medium and after plenty of research, I stumbled upon Gnomon School of VFX, Games, and Animation. I admired the incredible quality of work the students had; I was really in awe. Moving to another country to bet on a dream sounded surreal and really intimidating, but I made it my #1 goal to build a strong portfolio and eventually apply to their program.
I am currently in my final year of studies at Gnomon, ready to keep growing professionally, building a career in this industry I’ve always admired.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing growth. It’s incredibly satisfying to see how my work evolves over time and to know that I’m contributing to the creation of something that inspires or brings joy to others. Making art is fulfilling because it’s about feeding the souls of others and sparking inspiration.
3D art, in particular, can be challenging and overwhelming at first, with its steep learning curve. But there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing your skills improve and your creations come to life. The progress and evolution in your work are what make the journey so worthwhile.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I’m passionate about showcasing aspects of the culture of my country that I haven’t necessarily seen represented in games before. This goal not only inspires me but also motivates me to become a better artist. Seeing growth in my work is also incredibly inspiring. It’s fulfilling to observe how discipline and dedication are reflected in the quality of what I create. Becoming a better artist every day will always be the goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saforerol.artstation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santiagoforerolopez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-forero-767043225/
