Eva Munnich, 3D artist The CreativeMindClass Blog
Eva Munnich works as an animator and illustrator based in London. As a visual artist, she designs cute characters in 2D/3D. She was a film student at the art academy in Germany as well as worked on many different animation projects. In the wake of a lack of a creative challenge, Eva actively sought new ways to stretch her wings. Three decades ago, she travelled to London to discover its striving lively art scene and she decided to venture into the realm of illustration and character design.
Here you will find out how Eva turned around her creative pathway and learn specifics about her unique X-Files animation project she worked on along with Phil Brookes.
About seeking challenges and changing the direction of your career
Prior to my move to London in the year 2017 I was in a tiny town in Germany and worked in the field of After Effects animator. While there weren't many challenges to my creativity, my skills plateaued quickly and I was very unhappy.
Moving into London and getting acquainted with everyone who is a wonderful animator there gave me a massive push. I felt like: "Damn, I'm running with the cool kids now I need to crank up my stuff. "
After attending at the 2019 Pictoplasma conference, I decided to become part of that universe of odd character creators. The realization came quickly that my characters work most effectively when they're in 3D which is something I'm still learning, that's hard, but extremely enjoyable!
My work was noticed by the folks at Greenhouse Animation, and I'm now represented as director by Greenhouse Animation.
The X-Files project as well as the mystery of disappearing socks
One of the very first project for clients that I created in my newly found style is that of the Covered by Lemonade clip.
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Lemonade Insurance approached me to design a piece to promote the continuous Instagram art collaboration. Because the company is a content insurance company and the concept of adorable household items in trouble immediately popped into my head. This is how the X-Files concept came to fruition.
I spent the last winter locking down and re-watching the x-files. So, involving an abduction from the past was to be logical. But all the characters had to be in the same spot, in the end, in order to stop the animation loop to ensure that none actually get abducted - this was when I came up with an idea of having the washing machine open as well as the single pink sock fly up to the UFO.
As I was creating my UFO as well as giving it little legs, I realized how everything would be put in place. The UFO has lost its sock and is retrieving it!
I find that creating a good story is best done by mixing various things that appear unrelated initially. To make something unexpected take place and also to give inanimate objects a personality by sticking silly faces on their surfaces is what's most enjoyable for me!
Concerning the workflow for animation
My work process starts by drawing sketches of my characters as well as an outline of the story. I made it into an animatic for Lemonade to help communicate the concept and timing. Then, I get into Cinema 4D and model all my characters. Also, this is where I test out materials and make style frames.
Once the animation is completed in Cinema 4D is done, I switch over to After Effects for final touches and compositing. The light beam that is pink, as an example, can be done using After Effects.
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The sound effects, and working together with Phill Brookes
This was my first project I had with a sound engineer, Philip Brookes, and he really did a great job! His contribution elevates the footage up to a new level and makes everything come together flawlessly! This was a fantastic project to work on, and I hope to create more of this one!
We've had a conversation with Phil about the process of making sound effects to be used in The X-Files project. Read the interview with Phil Brookes.
Right now I'm learning more methods to rig characters and to make beautiful textures with Cinema 4D and Redshift. I'm trying to combine 2D animation with 3D, and I'm excited to see where my character design journey will take me in the future!
Ideas for visual artists for changing your career path
Some suggestions I have to anyone wanting to change directions:
- Choose the method that fits your thoughts best, and then take the time to learn it! Moving design is a process that feels like you're required to learn everything there is. It's just not feasible.
- Take your weirdness seriously and never downplay it. Your peculiarity is distinctive. Your artistic voice is unique.
- Take your time and embrace your ideas. Whatever is happening in your mind accept it, and then make your own!
We're delighted by Eva's artistic art, her creative direction she's stepping, and the changes she's made. Here, at CreativeMindClass We believe that artists possess the ability to form paths like Play-Doh that are stunning. We're loving to see ambitions and bold people succeeding. Thank you for sharing your story, Eva!
Head to Instagram to find additional 3D animations of characters and follow her future project. You can explore a larger collection of her works on her website.
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