Interview
Nate Burghart
Nate is a 3D game artist, specializing in modeling and sculpting. He graduated from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
Nate is proficient in Photoshop, Unreal Engine. Maya, ZBrush and Substance 3D Painter.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“From elementary school to college, I was always drawing in class. I always had some sort of creature, character, or object in my head that I had to get on paper. I loved showing people what I could come up with. While the drawings were usually quick sketches, they started becoming more detailed. Then I progressed into painting environments. Eventually, I started sculpting all my character and creature ideas.
When I graduated high school, I had a friend who was studying computer science. He needed artwork for a small 2D platforming game he was working on, and I animated some characters for him using Microsoft Paint. That’s when I decided to apply to the 3D Game Art program at Full Sail University. Being around artists from all around the world was my greatest source of inspiration. I was learning new styles and techniques, and we were all fueling each other. I started to create entire worlds in the 3D realm, rather than drawing simple ideas.”
What inspires you most?
“My work is inspired by the 7 wonders of the world. I like to tell a story with a lot of details, but without giving away too much in the end. In all my work, I try to convey a level of story on that tier.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My recurring theme is to build a world of wonder. I focus on combining unique ideas and interesting visuals to spark the viewer’s imagination.”
How would you describe your work?
“I like to show people something they’ve never seen before. My goal is to create imaginative new worlds.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Salvador Dali is one of my favorite artists. The worlds he created were visionary.”
What is your creative process like?
“My ideas start out very raw, with an object or character at the center of my work. Then I slowly add details to introduce a story, working on composition and layout. Some of my favorite works were very spur of the moment. Most of my ideas come as a vision. I often find myself dropping everything I’m doing to grab a pencil and paper to sketch out my thoughts.”
“I enjoy conveying ideas and telling stories. Once I have the basis of an idea fleshed out, I think of the details to add to introduce a story. I use details to drive the story of my work.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“Working in the 3D space, I often use a mouse and keyboard, after starting out with pencil and paper. I do some extensive research and collect reference images for certain objects and materials.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“Salvador Dali’s ‘Dream Flight’ is one of my favorite artworks. I like how abstract the painting is, while using elements of realism. It’s an enjoyable light-hearted painting in which every detail is pleasing to look at and tells its own story.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role is to push the limits of what’s possible. Creativity is what moves our society to the next level.”
Website: www.artstation.com
