Cinema 4D - Beginnings

This weekend I decided to learn a 3D package. I've always admired other artists 3D work and wanted to learn a software package well enough that I could integrate 3D into my own work from now on. I've chosen to learn Cinema 4D because it runs natively on mac, but more importantly because its nice to look at, has a tidy layout and seems more friendly for designers. I thought that Maya and 3DS Max looked a bit too nerdy.

I spent most of day one (Saturday) studying google and youtube for tutorials on how to navigate my way around Cinema 4D. I learned a lot about modelling and stopped there. Next I'll learn texturing and lighting. After spending the day studying I walked away with this.

It's nothing to shout about, but it was encouraging to see this after one day of effort. 

I spent most of day two (Sunday) out, but when I came home I wanted to get my head straight into Cinema 4D and see if I could create a model from scratch. I had an image in my mind that I wanted to create and this is the outcome. The model looks very similar to how I hoped it would end up. But the textures were nothing like what I hoped for. So, I really need to learn that next. I also had a few dodgy polygons that are hidden by the lighting. Overall I'm pretty impressed with how intuitive this software is and what it allowed me to achieve in two days. Back to work this week, then hopefully get some more time 3D time next weekend :)

Please find my main portfolio at www.leontyler.com 

Dave LaChapelle vs Rihanna [S&M video]

Hey everybody. I'm currently building a new website. Until then please find my images over at

http://instagram.com/datmunkeekid

The reason I'm blogging about this is because as a visual artist I feel quite strongly about what is happening and also see a possible problem arising in the future for all visual artists.

So, this seems to be pretty hot news right now. The story is that Dave LaChapelle is suing Rihanna, or perhaps her video director [Melina Matsoukas], for infringement of copyright over her music video S&M [see below]. The story is that Rihanna's video very closely imitates LaChapelles work to the point of theft. He is currently in a court battle with her [representatives] to the sum of $1million. 

Here are some image examples. LaChapelle on the left. Rihanna on the right.

*Image from Gossip On This .com

There is no argument. Rihanna's video is obviously inspired by LaChapelles work to the point of imitation. But, I don't see a huge problem with this. It's fairly unethical of Melina Matsoukas to imitate LaChapelles work and not credit him [As a video artist herself, she should know better] But, I can't see how it is illegal. The video does not use any of LaChapelles personal work. It has clearly been created by different people. Different sets have been used, different models, different angles, different fashion. The video director has stolen ideas and concepts. But, since when could we copyright ideas? 

"Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work." - U.S. Copyright Office

Apparently LaChapelle has been pushing his case with the notion that his work has been sampled. Music laws are in place which prevent the duplication of other musicians work to use as your own without prior consent. This is great. But, I can't see how his work has been sampled either. None of his material has been sampled in the Rihanna video. Only recreated by other artists. It all seems to me like LaChapelle is pushing his luck a bit. He is obviously upset that his work has been imitated to benefit other peoples bank accounts. 

If he wins this court case, it could mean that artists will no longer be able to recreate, imitate, or express inspiration from other artists work. How many times this season have you seen a photograph of a model stood in a hayfield, or holding a balloon? Should the photographer who came up with the original concept sue them all? What about all the television commercials that imitate youtube videos? How about if I draw the village people? Could they then sue me? Will fan art, or caricature, die completely? 

Andy Warhol drew Campbells tomato soup. Should he have been sued for it?

 

For what it's worth, The video ain't all dat. It's a pretty average music video and doesn't deserve all the attention it's getting. This whole thing makes me wonder if its a publicity stunt on behalf of LaChapelle, Rihanna, or both.

Caution sticker

Just received my virgin media box. It had this sticker on it. I liked it...

Inspiring packaging

Today i bought a "feel good" drink and was intrigued by the bottle for a good 10minutes. Because of this i have decided to share my findings with you. Aren't you lucky!


Heres the bottle...

...its a nice bottle, right? The first thing that i thought was pretty cool about this bottle is that its made from glass instead of plastic. Its not often you get glass bottles any more. I could only really think of this and 'J20'!? 
Anyway,
I went to open the bottle to have some drink and noticed that the lid had a smiley face on it and suggested that i "feel good" by recycling...

...I found that pretty cute and decided to show my girlfriend and her friend. They both agreed that this was pretty cute. It got me thinking that perhaps if i was to draw smiley faces on other items, then, these would become cute also? Maybe bring life to inanimate objects...

eraser

pistachio nut

cheese grater

...As you can see I tried it on a few things and it kinda worked. But, this brings me to the next bit of the bottle. The main label. The main label also has a character on it...

...This character does not have a face at all!? Due to this i feel that the image has no emotion and did not connect with me. Anybody agree? 

Next on the bottle i noticed another character...

..."No Artificial Nasties" 

He really does look like a nasty with his sharp edges and fangs and a hippy-like sign of protest telling us "fruit NOT sugar". Also, the text tells us that the drink is 'lovely' and if we "DRINK GOOD" we will "FEEL GOOD!". Nice use of flowers, again suggesting we are going to enjoy this drink.

Already i was thoroughly impressed with this bottle design and the work put into its creation. Then i saw the other side of the label which suggested that consumers should send in "feel good photos" which they could print on the labels. Mine was a picture that Debbie Hulme had posted...

...Debbie Hulme had put a lot of effort in to creating two gnomes from clay and taken a photo of them next to a bottle of this drink. There was no financial gain for Debbie, i imagine she had been just as captivated by this bottle as i was! I think i'm probably going to send in an image of something that makes me smile too.

Just when i thought this bottle couldn't get any better i noticed one last thing...

...The glass bottle has braille embossed around it. Brilliant! I dont know what it says, but i bet its good.

So, there it is. I realize this has been a long post about something random. But, this is the kinda thing that interests me an i hope it interested you too :D

Just encase you wanted to send your own pictures to them heres the address...

www.feelgooddrinks.co.uk

until next time

stay cool