Artist Spotlight w/ Fenja Vespermann
Mar 21, 2023
First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Of course! My name is Fenja, I am a 3D Designer and Art Director, currently based in Hamburg, Germany.
I am also interested in all kinds of new technologies and I would describe myself as a geek when it comes to nerdy VFX talks. One of my passions is to always learn new things, especially in the 3D world.
Besides that, I also fall for good coffee and love to go for a run.
I am also the founder of hooray studio, a female-led CGI studio focused on 3D design, animation, digital fashion, and innovative experiences in the web3 field.
As a studio in a male-dominated field, I try to break new ground and offer a unique perspective of visual storytelling based on 3D and new digital approaches.
I have been thinking about my stylistic imprint for many years. In the beginning, I really thought I had to start a style and keep it forever. Today I understand that all these people develop their interpretation of 3D over years or even decades. It's a process, some find it sooner, some later, some never, and that's okay.
Can you tell us about your experience and the role you are primarily filling?
I originally trained as a graphic designer and then studied media informatics with a focus on animation and film.
That's when I first got into 3D software and never thought it would be my main business a few years later. When I first started learning 3D, it was really competitive for me. It was very technical, full of detail and there were lots of buttons to click to completely destroy the image. What can I say, I had to learn it because it was one of my classes. It was a total mess and I actually failed this subject TWICE. It was exhausting, but otherwise very interesting because I love challenges so much. That was the beginning of my learning to love 3D. I am totally addicted today!
Even though I love 3D so much, I started working for early-stage startups and agencies, focusing on marketing and UX Design. The reason was quite simple to explain. Everyone always told me that I was much better in this area. So it was much easier for me to find a job. After a few years of working in this field, I decided to start my own business and focus more on my true passions. I finally started working full-time as a digital artist, and I'm really grateful for that.
At that moment, I truly focused on digital experiences and experiment with different kinds of technic like AR and VR.
I really enjoy the mix of psychical and digital pieces, and that’s why I have also a big interest in web3 applications.
When I really felt that all these things came together, I founded hooray studio.
If you could speak directly to the resourcing gods and powers that be, what would be your ideal project?
Although I don't have an exact idea of my ideal project, I enjoy being pleasantly surprised and always exploring new territories. One of my favorite aspects of this work is the careful attention to detail and working with shading, textures, and also different technologies. I experiment a lot and love to develop new ways of technical approaches.
I most enjoy projects where I can establish a positive and collaborative working relationship with personable and knowledgeable people.
Do you have any dream clients?
There are many of companies that I would love to work with. There are some brands that I really love like Rimowa or Adidas.
When it comes to tech, definitely Microsoft and Google. And of course, my favorite high fashion brands are Prada and Fendi.
Lastly, do you have any memorable stories, life lessons, or tall tales you can share from your adventures as a freelancer?
I have been thinking about my stylistic imprint for many years. In the beginning, I really thought I had to start a style and keep it forever. Everywhere I saw designers who have such a unique style that you can recognize them from just one picture. That's exactly what I wanted because I thought that's what today's artists do.
That made me feel very insecure because I couldn't decide and didn't really want to. After all, there are so many stylistic devices and so many approaches to try out. Today I understand that all these people develop their interpretation of 3D over years or even decades. It's a process, some find it sooner, some later, some never, and that's okay.
We all have so much inspiration in our heads and it's up to us to decide which direction to go. That's why I've given up this pressure to be constantly innovative and new.
Since then, I am much more creative and feel a little more like myself.
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