Sebastian Gromann is a freelance Concept Designer working in the entertainment industry currently living in Berlin, Germany.
Portfolio: www.sebastiangromann.com
Art Station: http://www.artstation.com/artist/SebastianGromann
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sebastian.gromann
Sebastian Gromann’s Current portfolio examples:
HOW DID YOU STRUCTURE THE PORTFOLIO THAT LANDED YOU YOUR FIRST GIG? DID YOUR PORTFOLIO CATER TO THEM SPECIFICALLY? OR WAS IT MORE GENERAL?
In 2011 I was contacted by the amazing Tobias Mannewitz (whose concept work for the Game Of Thrones series you have surely seen already). He was browsing the artwork I posted on a German forum called digitalartforum.de and invited me to their Studio KARAKTER. At that time I was beginning my studies at a university in Berlin and hadn’t thought of applying anywhere since I felt that my works weren’t reliable enough. Speaking of which, at the time, I hadn’t set up a proper portfolio as I have now.
If time allows I always try to match my portfolio to the client’s needs. I also remind myself that my portfolio is only as good as the worst image displayed.
HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM OTHER ARTISTS? (RENDERING ABILITIES? DESIGN SENSIBILITIES/ STYLE? BRUSH WORK? ETC). WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ARTIST WHO WANT TO OBTAIN A “STYLE” TO THEIR LOOK.
This is a tough one, Eliott. I read about the style question a lot and I think that artists, myself included, shouldn’t worry about obtaining a certain “style” too early. Style is something that develops over time, it´s kind of the essence of an artist reflecting his aesthetic beliefs and preferences. I wouldn’t recommend copying someone else’s style. Instead, figure out why you are so attracted to this particular way of painting and analyze the artistic influences.
You should concentrate on painting the stuff you like the way you like. Style will rise slowly but steady, no matter what.
Speaking of myself, I like to see “style“ as being a traveling case labeled with stickers. My preferences change quickly depending on the subject I’m currently into and with each studied topic I’ll add a sticker. Right now, for instance, I love to study cinematic framing and let that flow into my daily work. This way my stickers are constantly stacking and determining the look of my travel case – therefore my artistic style.
This concludes part 2 of our interview with Sebastian Gromann . If you haven’t already, be sure to head on over t o Sebastian Gromann’s Words of Wisdom to read more..
All images used with permission by the artist. ©Sebastian Gromann
