Developing the Eye Part 2: The Art of Subtraction
There is a famous quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothin... ...g left to take away."
In 3D, we often do the opposite. We treat our artwork like a resume. We try to cram every skill we have into a single character.
"I need to show I can do hard surface."
"I need to show I can do fur."
"I need to show I can do complex cloth simulations."
The result is a Frankenstein monster. It is technically impressive, but visually exhausting.
The Trap: Horror Vacui (Fear of Empty Space) When a Junior sees an empty space on a model, they panic. They feel the need to fill it with a greeble, a scratch, or a texture. When a Senior sees an empty space, they protect it. They know that the empty space is what makes the detailed space look important.
The Fix: The "Delete" Pass Before you call a project finished, try this exercise: Save a backup of your scene. Then, start deleting things.
Delete that third belt buckle.
Delete the dirt layer on the boots.
Delete the rim light that is hitting the back wall.
Ask yourself: "Did the image get worse, or did it get clearer?" Surprisingly often, removing elements makes the focal point stronger.
Taste is Curation. Your job is not to build everything. Your job is to decide what matters.
Rule #2: If it doesn't support the story, cut it.
Read more
