Sterling Osment’s love of beauty and storytelling led him to pursue a career in visual effects and animation. Here he shares his creative process, the latest techniques, and the future of the industry in the world of visual effects and animation.
Sterling Osment has been captivated by moving pictures since childhood. With an eye for beauty and a mind brimming with stories, Sterling pursued a career in the visual effects and animation industry. Having worked on a range of award-winning projects, spanning fiction and documentary, Sterling believes that a picture is worth a thousand words.
Q.
What inspired you to pursue a career in visual effects and animation?
Sterling: I love to create, make, and design. So many inspiring films have influenced my career.
Sterling: Adobe medium and Gravity Sketch design and creative using VR as a primary sculpting and design tool.
Q.
Can you describe a particularly challenging project you have worked on and how you overcame any difficulties?
Sterling: 9 times out of 10 all projects hold a challenge to overcome, staying flexible and creative in the process is important. Small tests lead to broader solutions.
“Small tests lead to broader solutions. 9 times out of 10 all projects hold a challenge to overcome, staying flexible and creative in the process is important.”
Q.
How do you approach working on a project for a client and what is your process?
Sterling: Quoting is half the work, the rest is planning, production, and communication.
Q.
Can you discuss the different styles and techniques that help you create a compelling project?
Sterling: Using VR to create designs for sci-fi ships, and 3D printing to visualize the perceived or directed product.
Q.
Can you describe a particularly challenging project you have worked on and how you overcame any difficulties?
Sterling: Sculpting and 3D printing a suit for film, this was then prefabricated to foam latex – the spec was from concept art and I was responsible for the digital sculpting and pipeline to manufacture the suit to 3D print, which I also was responsible for the dimensional accuracy of fitting the actor and printing process. Overcoming this was a process of testing and checking, the final parts were then double-checked for fitment. Attention to detail is key.
Q.
Can you discuss your experience working with a team, and how you collaborate with other departments?
Sterling: As a VFX producer I know the importance of a production pipeline and working with teams and departments to keep a smooth efficient workflow connection. Relationships are important in team development.
Q.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in animation and how do you incorporate them into your work?
Sterling: I think it’s exposure to industry technique, as well as my own driven interest to pursue creative technology.
