Why You Should be Creating Things that Scare You to Death - Yas Vicente

Yas began dabbling in 3D at university. One of her teachers had introduced her to the program Cinema 4D and she decided to ask him further about it. She’d always loved playing Sims - this whole concept of being able to create interior spaces dazzled her. So as soon as she saw that she could create any interior space she wanted, she was hooked. And that’s pretty much how it all began.

What steps did you take at the beginning of your career?

I studied a masters degree in Trazos to learn about 3d motion and post-production. And after that I worked for a motion graphics company where I mainly did 2D and text animations which I wasn’t a fan of, so I decided to stop working for a bit until I could create a more interesting portfolio. Right after I published my first personal project I was called by a Norwegian company to create some really cool 3D pieces that were very in line with what I wanted to continue learning and practicing. During that job I was given the opportunity to join JVG studios in Madrid which I enjoyed a lot. After spending a year with them my partner was contacted by Buck LA to work with them on site. I obviously wanted to join him because I thought it would be a great experience to live abroad and my plan was to get a tourist visa and find work there. When he joined them he boasted a little about my portfolio and it turned out they wanted to take me on as well, which was amazing! Working at Buck has given me lots of opportunities as I made a few contacts there, which enabled me to work with Man vs Machine and Future Deluxe. 

What drives you to make personal projects?

Creating personal projects has always led to new opportunities for me. While I was at Buck I continued making loads of personal projects so I was called by other studios in LA like Man vs Machine and Tendril. Also I always find the need to create my own things outside of specific briefs and I try to fit those projects in between client work or on weekends. I think the trick is to make short projects that allow for self improvement and make a great Behance project or page on your portfolio.

I really love that personal branding you created and how you integrated it in beautiful 3d images. Have you noticed a change in your freelance business since then?

Over at Buck I made a really good friend who happens to be a branding designer and she offered to create my personal branding as a birthday present! The personal branding helped unify my style and from then on we’ve both been called for new projects and opportunities, so that’s been great. It’s helped me communicate clearly what my style is and where I want to go with it.

What's your process when tackling new projects?

I start by analysing the brief to understand what design elements will be needed and what style they’re looking for. Then I jump straight into Pinterest to create moodboards - I pick up all the visual references I can and I find that they help organise my thoughts. Then when I go to the 3D program it looks very different, but I guess that’s the point; my head is filled with so many different references that I end up mixing them and creating something new.

Lastly, what would you recommend to people who want to reach your level of expertise?

I feel that working a lot on your portfolio helps. Try to practice all types of still images, not just the things you like doing. Get out of your comfort zone and also try things that scare you to death! I used to be terrified of interior design. I thought I would never be able to do it, but after giving it a go, I realised I could create something decent and from then on I haven’t stopped creating countless interiors because I love it so much. 

Practice all types of 3D designs. Try creating landscapes, set design, interior design, so that you have a feel for all of these types of design solutions. You never know what kinds of opportunities may come up and you want to be prepared! That's really what pushed me to practice interior design: I saw a possible opportunity of creating interiors for a company, so I practiced beforehand. 

It’s also super important to learn by copying from the best; try creating that mountain you loved so much from the design you admire and understand the textures, lighting and composition through observation; what is it that makes that piece work so well?

After that, try specialising in what you love, because that will help you get the type of projects you enjoy working on. Specialisation also positions you in a specific area of design solutions, so when someone needs an interior design they are more likely to call me.