Episode 07: Designing Quirky 3D Characters with Cesc Grané
Combining product design, graphic design and art toys, Cesc Grané has developed a unique 3D character design style.
Cesc Grané is a freelance digital illustrator who has been specializing in 3D character design since 2007. Originally from Manlleu (outside Barcelona), Cesc previously lived in Qatar before moving to Tokyo where he is currently based.
Ugly Vegetables
Did you know that approx. 20% of produce or more gets thrown out for cosmetic reasons like weird shapes, odd colours or blemishes? Cesc’s ‘ugly vegetables’ family created for EYEYAH!, are deformed and adorable at the same time.
“Some vegetables don't have the right shape, but it doesn't mean they are ugly. They are just different. I enjoy buying ugly vegetables because it reminds me of this project.”
‘Virus and Defenses’
The project was originally commissioned for an educational video game, where Cesc was given the freedom to do whatever he wanted with his characters. Hence, he sought to create entirely different characters for each of the viruses. These characters would go on to become a reference point for his subsequent commissions.
‘Because there were so many, it was very fun for me to work on because I was trying different eyes, shapes and body parts.’
Anti-Renu
Cesc also designed characters for ReNu, an eye care company. These characters had names and personalities.
‘They gave me the colour palette for each of them and the personality for each character. The reference they gave me were my own - the viruses I did before.’
Watch the full video here.
Doha Artist in Residence Programme
Cesc was part of the artist in residence programme in Doha from September 2016 to June 2017 where he created 12 characters and 3 sculptures inspired by contemporary Qatari culture.
The Doha Artist in Residence Programme is an annual nine-month residency program, from September to June, where artists are given studio space on one of the five floors of the Fire Station building. This programme which includes mentorships, working with curators, open studios and access to the building’s facilities provide artists residing in Qatar an opportunity to hone their craft. They are also given the opportunity to showcase their artworks in the Garage Gallery at the Fire Station by the end of the programme.
Find out more about the programme here.
Kinder Chinese New Year Mascots
Cesc worked with Kinder to come up with a character to celebrate the year of the Rat. The characters took Cesc two years to develop and were incorporated into the packaging and made into plush toys.
Monster Village, Guangzhou
When Vanke Central Park Mall in Guangzhou (China) was being built, they asked Cesc to select 10 of this characters to be displayed all around the mall.
‘In Asia, characters are very important. People - old and young - identify themselves in the character. They feel connected to the character somehow. People like to have fun.’
Current Projects
Cesc has been working on Sofubi Toys (soft vinyls) in Tokyo. He is planning to create a story behind the characters he created and is looking into the production process as well.
Sofubi characters are made one-by-one and hand-painted and are usually produced in small amounts to ensure quality over quantity.
‘One guy introduced me to like a factory here in Tokyo. And I've been going there many times and they show me the process, how they do it. It's been very interesting to see how, how they do this. And finally, I can make my own toys. I plan to make a whole world around these characters.’
Advice
‘Don't try to follow what other people do. Because in the end, you have to find your own way.’
Recommendations
Cesc came across Little Boy: The Arts of Japan's Exploding Subculture by Takashi Murakami in an exhibition, recommends it to those who enjoy learning about Japanese art culture.
He also enjoys watching movies and recommends The Yin Yang Master.
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