Animator & Concept Artist
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ITZEL RAMIREZ
Animator & Concept Artist
Itzel Ramirez1
Teapot
3D Studio Lighting
The purpose of this project was to model a low-poly object with realistic textures, providing the opportunity to explore different types of studio lighting techniques to achieve an appealing and polished appearance for the object. In order to achieve a realistic style, I made the textures as realistic and detailed as possible to convey a narrative related to the teapot.
Software: Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
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Interior Scene
3D Modeling
In this project, the main goal was to model an isometric interior scene that possesses visual appeal even viewed from a distance while still using low-poly modeling techniques. I modeled a Japanese-themed interior which serves as a three-dimensional representation of a room fit for an anime setting.
Software: Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
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Octopus Ice Cream
Low Poly Model
The objective of this project was to create a low-poly model with stylized textures, aiming to imbue it with a distinct 2D aesthetic. This involved focusing on texture elements primarily within base color layers, where lights and shadows were meticulously painted manually. Through the creation process, I intended to work with limited geometry while still achieving a believable silhouette. As such, most details that do not affect the silhouette were handled during the texturing process.
Software: Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
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Bamboo Fountain
Fluid Simulation
The purpose of this project was to create a fluid simulation of an object or scene. I decided to model a bamboo fountain that would eventually be integrated into my exterior scene. For this process, I used the physics properties to generate the fluid simulation and dynamic paint to create an animated texture when the cascading water makes contact with the water in the bowl. To ensure visual consistency with the overall aesthetic of the exterior scene, I imparted a stylized, anime-inspired appearance, allowing me to further refine my skills in working with stylized textures.
Software: Blender, Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
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Exterior Scene
Particle Simulation
The purpose of this project was to model an exterior scene that could interact with particle simulations. In this case, I designed a Japanese-themed environment reminiscent of a haunted or spiritual shrine. Within this scene, I created various objects that help to narrate a compelling story and enhance overall intrigue. To align with the fantastical ambiance I aimed to achieve, I opted for stylized textures, thus departing from realism and embracing a more whimsical and imaginative style.
Software: Blender, Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
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Rhapsody of Sodom & Gomorrah
Background Design
During my internship at RJ Animation, I created the background designs for an animation music video titled “Rhapsody of Sodom & Gomorrah.” In the creative process of this project, I drew inspiration from the Middle East and Biblical cities that helped me as references for the landscapes. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project, as it allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture and art style, expanding my horizons beyond my usual creative influences.
Software: Photoshop, Procreate
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SamuraiCat
Animated Short
Software: Illustrator, After Effects
Audio: YouTube, Freesound
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Dragons
Infographic
This infographic aimed to inform about the two most popular types of dragons: European and Asian. To enhance its visual appeal, I drew inspiration from Medieval-era aesthetics and fantasy, presenting it as an animated journal, aligning seamlessly with the topic’s context and immersing the viewer in that period. The primary emphasis of the infographic revolves around delineating the characteristics and mythical origins of these types of dragons.
Software: Photoshop, After Effects
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Aiko
Character Design
Aiko is a character I designed as the main protagonist for my story “The Magic Gecko.” She portrays a little girl facing challenging circumstances. Aiko comes from a humble background, residing with her ailing mother. Her personality is characterized by timidity, kindness, and a constant sense of fear. Despite her fears, she wholeheartedly cares for her mother. Aiko’s modest attire consists of a weathered and patched blue yukata, reflecting the hardships she endures.
Software: IbisPaint X, Photoshop
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Gecko
Character Design
Gecko assumes the role of the story’s second main protagonist. He is a magic creature with a penchant for aiding those who have extended their help to him in the past. He saves Aiko from a wolf and heals her sick mother. He is rescued by Aiko when unexpectedly he gets hurt in the forest. Gecko is a small creature, boasting a pink hue adorned with vibrant yellow spots. His endearing appearance features a plump tail and four iridescent horns that radiate magic.
Software: IbisPaint X, Photoshop
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My Monstrous Adventure
Animated Short
This project is a short film animation I created about a witch and her loyal feline companion. In the story, the witch conjures a portal to an alternate realm, revealing a captivating yet enigmatic world brimming with charm and intrigue. However, beneath its adorable exterior lies a hidden and terrifying secret.
Software: Photoshop, After Effects
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Surrealism Painting
Digital Illustration
The goal of this project was to capture the style of Surrealism, where I bizarrely combined ordinary objects to create unexpected and illogical juxtapositions that could make people look more into the details I portrayed in the design. This painting was created as a design for publicity to promote my art in products.
Software: Photoshop, Procreate
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Ukiyo-e Poster
Digital Illustration
The objective of this project was to create a film poster, drawing inspiration from two distinct art styles and eras from Japan, showcasing the fusion of Ukiyo-e and anime aesthetics. To achieve this, I drew upon the artistic influences of Studio Ghibli’s distinctive art style and the artworks of Utagawa Kuniyoshi as my guiding references that helped me portray a scene that vividly captures the enchanting blend of Japanese folklore. I incorporated essential elements of Ukiyo-e art into my poster, employing vibrant and flat colors, gradients, bold lineart, a nature-oriented theme, a simple background that helps isolate and highlight the main subject, and calligraphy that describes the visual narrative.
Software: Photoshop
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Art Nouveau Book Cover
This illustration drew its inspiration from the artistic style of Alphonse Mucha, to create a design for a book cover. Within this design, I intended to imbue the essence of Mucha’s distinctive art themes, showcasing a woman adorned with flowers that represent her beauty and the transient nature of life. My admiration for Alphonse Mucha’s work motivated me to create a piece that emulated his aesthetic yet infused with my art style.
Software: Photoshop, Procreate
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Ukiyo-e
Lofi
Animation
This project is an illustration I created inspired by the art style of Utagawa Hiroshige, a Japanese Ukiyo-e artist considered the last great master of that tradition. My objective for this project was to animate the illustration to serve as a background for a Lofi music video. This animation aimed to convey the same evocative ambiance and emotions that Hiroshige’s prints evoke in people during his time.
Software: Photoshop, After Effects
Music: “Sake” by LofiGeek
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Kinetic Type
Motion Graphics
The purpose of this project was to combine text and motion to make an audio more engaging and impactful. In the process of creating this motion sequence, I selected an audio clip from one of my favorite anime series, “Demon Slayer.” Given the expressive depth of emotion in the characters and their dialogues within the show, I aspired to animate an audio segment that had an impact on me when I first heard it. I focused on utilizing effects and visuals to convey the tone and mood of that moment.
Software: After Effects
“Set Your Heart Ablaze” by Ufotable, Inc.
Original by: Koyoharu Gotouge
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Title Sequence
Motion Graphics
The goal of this project was to create a title sequence for a horror film, requiring me to manipulate images, videos, and audio to convey the film’s synopsis and context while harmonizing with the story’s overall mood and tone. In the process of designing this motion sequence, I drew inspiration from the motion-picture title sequences of Saul Bass and the memorable opening credits of the movie “Seven.”
Software: After Effects
Sources: Pixabay, mixkit, Pexels, iStock “March From The Scaffold” by Pete Davis & James Banbury
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Ramune Ad
Animation
The primary object of this advertisement was to showcase and promote a Japanese carbonated soft drink known as Ramune, highlighting its diverse flavors. Capitalizing on the drink’s popularity at Japanese festivals during the summer, I aimed to create visuals that captured the essence of this season and conveyed the enjoyable and refreshing nature of Ramune. To create the aesthetics for this advertisement, I sought to integrate 3D models and vector assets. This approach not only aimed at producing visually appealing artwork but also served as an opportunity to experiment with new techniques and enhance my proficiency in 3D animation using After Effects.
Software: Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter, Blender, Illustrator, After Effects
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