After one look at Matteus's portfolio anyone would think this is the work of a veteran with a lot of skill, but most of you would be surprised to find out that he is only 17. With an amazing style of that integrates 2D and 3D graphic, age isn't a factor for him. Matteus gives some great advice in this interview. He also talks about going to design school next year, how he creates his 3D work, and much much more. There is a lot to be learned in this interview, so lets get into it!
1. Welcome to Psdtuts+, please introduce yourself. Could you tell us where you're from and how you got started in the field?
Hi, my name is Matteus Faria. I'm 17 years old. I live in the city of São Paulo in Brazil, and I'm planning in the next year to attend a Graphic Design college. I don't remember why I started in this field, I just remember that it was in 2007. I started with little works like signatures and some images for personal use. In the end of 2007, I started to work more with large scale pieces, modeling objects and scenes in Cinema 4D with post production in Photoshop.
2. With all the different routes you could have taken in terms of design, why did you lean towards creating 3D art mixed with Photoshop?
In the era that I started I saw a lot of works with this mix of 3D with some elements created in Photoshop, I liked and applied my own style. I think its cool how objects in the 3rd dimension mix inside of real things, like animals and people, it's something very interesting.
3. "Natures Revenge" is a perfect example of seamless integration of 3D elements and natural stocks. Tell us how you managed to master this style of design.
The concept of this work was to represent the revolt of nature against humanity, it can be an overused concept but I liked the way I represented it. It was very different than what people usually do when this theme is used.
Initially its necessary to observe how the integration will be done, if it will combine or not. When I did this work I applied a material in the render made in Cinema 4D that seemed like an old branch and that combined with the stock that I would work on later. Many times I tried this integration but it didn't work. The secret is to keep trying and searching for better alternatives to make it. You will have some works where you will not get it right on the first try.
4. The majority of your work consists of some kind of 3D elements. What programs do you use to create them. And what advice would you give to designers who would like to start creating their own 3D images.
For my works in 3D, I use Cinema 4D and just in one piece I used Poser, it's a great program, but I didn't have time to work more with it. What I use most is Cinema 4D. And some advice that I would give for those who are starting out is to search through the basic tutorials about modeling, then create your own technique and your own style. The tutorials are made to learn not to be copied, its a question of practice and creativity.
5. "Heartless" is a very interesting and visually amazing illustration of yours. Please walk us through how you created it, and what the illustration means to you.
My idea about this work was to create a person without feelings, without soul, "heartless," so I was adding robot parts that are motherboard stocks, smoke, and in Cinema 4D I modeled some black wires to increase the visual of my work, it was very fun. I really wanted to know how to draw, the maximum that I do is little details and the final adjustments.
6. Throughout your experiences in graphic design, and other studies, what is the most important lesson you have learned? Why do you find it so important? And how do you apply it now to your art?
As I intend to pursue a career with what I do, I do not see this as a job, I see this as entertainment, something that relaxes me when I'm doing it, and, this was the most important thing that I've learned. While I have fun doing it, that's what I'll do, and that's what matters. Don't stop at the first hurdle or the first bad comment about your work, go ahead and don't stop. This is the most important concept. I apply this in my work always trying to improve and create new things. Being happy is what matters.
7. Are there any specific techniques you use when designing that you would suggest to someone who is starting out in the same field as you?
I don't have a "big" technique, what I do is simple. The secret is to use simple techniques but apply them carefully with details, that makes it become big.
8. Thanks again for providing Psdtuts+ with this opportunity to interview you. Any final thoughts for our readers?
You're welcome Emil! Thanks for the opportunity. Have fun with what you do and keep practicing, never give up!
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User Comments
( ADD YOURS )Jeff November 21st
Awesome work!
( )Matteus Faria November 23rd
Thanks man.
( )Howard Hughes November 28th
Dude i do this kinda stuff with crayons.
Simen November 21st
Interesting character, and truly awesome work!
( )NewBloggerTemplates November 21st
Nice inspiration…thank’s
( )DanteV November 21st
Its nice to see some inspiration that comes from young people. I’m 18 and I’ve done some things too but i’ve never uploaded my works to create a digital portfolio, maybe i will pretty soon.
Still, great interview, and congratulations to Matteus Faria, nice to have someone from southamerica and so young with such talent.
( )Rafael Guerra November 21st
oh man…that could be me. I´m 18, from Brazil as well…
( )Great Work Matteus!
Isis November 22nd
GREAT!
I’m from Brazil too! Guy, you have an amazing work, a pro! I wonder how good you’ll be when you finish your college!
=D
Remember of me when you get your job in W/Brazil or Talent!
=D
( )Bryan G. C. November 22nd
Wow. A lot of people from Brazil (me included, 16)! We could make a club!
( )Very nice work from Matteus!
Shimansky Pavel November 21st
very good!!
( )garza November 21st
exelent tutorial!!!!!!! very good congratoletions
( )Henrik Pedersen November 21st
I like that digital woman ! bloody, and with circutsboard underneath
TOTALLY COOL
( )Asher November 21st
Really appreciate your talent at such a young age.I am 19 and I am amazed by your work
quite an inspiration.
( )Serban Johnny November 21st
Wow ! Awesome creations :p
( )massafakka November 21st
omg v nice work!! thx
( )Tomasino November 21st
Wow Realy realy Awsome
( )the secend Pic Rockkkkkks
Mark November 21st
Brilliant portfolio
( )Mahasesen November 21st
Ave braziilll
( )Matteus Faria November 23rd
hahaha, you here!
( )emmanuel November 21st
aww man the things i could have achieved by now if i hadn’t just been playing games for the las 2 years!! aaarghh!
( )Tony November 21st
Beautiful work!
( )snnaqvi November 22nd
Awesome work
( )BULLET November 22nd
хера себе , классные работы or AMAZING WORKS!
( )Anon November 22nd
amazing especially the “heartless” one.
( )chris November 22nd
random image and shape..wow.. so nice.. and very inspirational..
there’s no limit 4 being an artistic..
( )Nelutu November 22nd
very nice
( )arnold November 22nd
ah
( )I envy your skill. wish I have that when Im 17. nice interview btw
aMs November 22nd
lol, ur joking? the first several works are crap…
( )Matteus Faria November 23rd
Crap is your commentary.
I accept all of type of critiques, but just if they are constructive.
( )aMs November 24th
What kind of commentary do you expect? I definetely don’t like your style, nothing here is really eyecatching. And dude what kind of designer you are?
First work “Eagle shot” is like rip off Peter Jaworowski’s Madin Spain work. These splashes are weak, where has the dynamic gone? Besides, the perspecitve totally sucks, look at the surface, My God…
Next what disturbes me – “Natures Revenge”. What is that? It’s executed well but looks like a copy of Justin’s Maller style.
And all the abstract stuff you uploaded here is nothing special.
Marco November 24th
@aMs
I agree up to a point but Justin Maller’s also not that good as everyone thinks. Watch on DA, his good works are always a result of collabwork and when you see how his collab-partner work you can imagine how much Justin did by himself…but yeah I agree with you that the works here are crap…sorry dude!
Marco
Matteus Faria November 24th
Oh, nice comment again, thanks for the constructive critiques.
About the works that you said, the first one was made one year ago, nowadays you can see a lot of works with water splatters or something similar, was not a copy or a rip (wth) like you said, and the Natures Revenge dont have any copy of Justin work.
And before you say bad words about my work, look for your work (if you have one), anyone is perfect, Im not saying that my work is perfect, but its not a crap liike you said.
Anyway, your words dont affect me, I know when a person is saying things for push me down, dont worry, im never get down with it.
Take care,
best wishes.
Matteus Faria November 24th
Oh, nice comment again, thanks for the constructive critiques.
First of all, if you read the interview Im not a designer, I do this for have fun and relax.
About the works that you said, the first one was made one year ago, nowadays you can see a lot of works with water splatters or something similar, was not a copy or a rip (wth) like you said, and the Natures Revenge dont have any copy of Justin work.
And before you say bad words about my work, look for your work (if you have one), anyone is perfect, Im not saying that my work is perfect, but its not a crap liike you said.
Anyway, your words dont affect me, I know when a person is saying things for push me down, dont worry, im never get down with it.
I dont understand why you say this, what is the positive point saying bad words without any constructive thing, this sounds like very imature.
Take care,
best wishes.
aMs November 24th
My point is not to push you down. I have nothing against you man. This site brought many great interviews with amazing designers and you definetely don’t qualify to them.
I’m not saying you’re a bad artist, there is a sparkle in some of your designs. It’s just the thing that there’s a long way before you. Sorry to say all this but conceptually you just aren’t in the right place.
All these abstracts are ok, but it’s like “i have no idea what to create so i will make another abstract crap loaded with floating shapes made in cinema4d, cuz it’s easy to do!” Man, be creative, use your imagination and create something with true concept, not all the abstract bullshit and works that are someone’s style. I mean a real deal.
* About Justin Maller, he is most overrated artist over there, I know that. But your nature work is definetely inspired by his works, you almost totally copied the style. Please don’t defend yourself like “you’re not right it’s something way different” cause we both know it’s not.
Inspiration is a great gift, get inspired and create using your own style.
Matteus Faria November 24th
Well, if its easy to do, why you dont make?
Oh, and you take a look at my new works? cuz they are not in this interview.
And if you read the interview I said about inspiration and own style, just read better.
( )Marc-Olivier December 2nd
I’ll like to see your works aMs. Seriously some more words are just not appropriate and ”crap” was one of them, it’s a design site, not a games community for God’ sake.
( )Will S November 22nd
All his work is VERY dark… too dark for me…
( )Kemet November 22nd
Garbage. Yeah the ability to do this is impressive but the pieces are just ugly. Doesn’t matter what you know it’s how you apply it and present it.
( )b-dub November 23rd
Perhaps that is why he will be attending college. To learn how to apply and present his material.
( )Matteus Faria November 23rd
How about you write constructive critiques?
Comments like yours are nothing to me.
grow up.
( )Pixelkaiju November 23rd
Those Brazilians are a bunch of talented folks! Footbal, dancing, design..
And a nice interview to!
( )ADrian November 23rd
I agree with that
( )Luci November 23rd
Wow amazing work! And he’s only 17? The only way to go is up I guess! I look forward to seeing what Matteus produces in the future.
( )Miked November 23rd
Some of them are rather good.
The introduction was a bit crap though, hardly flattering – to paraphrase:
“His work’s not that great but don’t worry he’s only 17 so lower your expectations”
( )bluetube November 23rd
Um… Poor reading skills. You may want to reread the intro. You’re way off.
Nice interview and nice work for any age.
( )Yashvir Bagwandeen November 23rd
17…Wow…Simply impressive…me…21…keep the passion dude. Mad stuff
( )Aditya November 23rd
Computer nerds seem to keep shrinking all the time! Everyday, I read about a genius who’s younger than the genius I read about yesterday. Why do they have to be so young, it gives me a twang of jealousy I must say.
( )anml November 23rd
For those of you hating on his pieces, why don’t you get interviewed on the tutsplus network?
( )Autonomy November 29th
Word!
( )Jose M. Gonzalez November 23rd
Wow. Amazing. I was just curious how long did it take you to get so good?
( )Matteus Faria November 23rd
About 2 years man.
Thanks a lot all comments. ^^
( )Symon November 23rd
Inspired. Thank you.
( )Jon Cleghorn November 23rd
natures revenge is intense, love it
( )radam November 24th
very nice stuff! incredible with only 17 years, congratulations man.
( )James November 24th
Awesome abstract design!
( )c-ko November 25th
Pretty good stuff here. I think these comments are a bit harsh though, don’t you think? I wouldn’t call this work “crap.” Maybe, “weak in the concept side,” but then again, this is stuff he is doing for fun right now. When he goes to school, he will not get a chance to be this abstract, but he will be able to use his skills to create websites and flash. He’s lucky to be as advanced as he is. I wish I would have been this advanced before I got into school.
PSD tuts are about learning technique. There isn’t really a focus on concept as much as there could be. So why are we as a group picking on someone who actually does have the techniques down pat?
( )Fº November 26th
funny that when i was 18 i did alot of 3d+photo mixes now that i realize im 27 thats old school..nothing new to me nor anyone on the business.
A tip – seek for innovation
keep the spirit
cheers
( )Chris Halderman November 27th
Been checking your photostream at flickr for a while. Awesome work!
( )desi November 28th
You rock !
( )all the best for you !
Alvaris Falcon November 28th
Impressive work! I love the Eagle Shot (may be I’m a Chinese
), it gives me some spiritual senses according to East Asian’s philosophy.
Nuclear Fusion is a bit darker for me, I personally feel it would be good if the entire graphic is shiny, but it’s just my personal preference.
What impresses me the most is Natural Revenges. Natural Revenges is totally fresh for me, the perspective and blur did give me some inspiration. I love the way it presents, very sharp and very true.
I thought what you said is true, “don’t stop at the first hurdle or the first bad comment about your work”. My experience is no matter how bad the comment is, I would simple smile and type ‘Thank you!
’
And that’s all, just keep on your great work!
( )Alvaris Falcon November 28th
Oops sorry, it’s Natures Revenge! Focused too much on the graphic!
( )Paulo November 29th
Parabéns! É sempre muito bom ver um compratriota tendo destaque internacional pelo seu trabalho..
Continue assim.
Best wishes.
( )Autonomy November 29th
Matteus – great work and keep it up! I like your pieces and the fact that they are evoking some strong criticism is great because that means they are evoking reaction – and some people’s work never even reaches that point. You are a force to be reckoned with and it’s going to be exciting to see where you go in the upcoming years.
Thanks Emil for featuring a great talent!
( )Hoku27 November 29th
Wow, impressive work. Good luck in school !
( )Jinel November 29th
I so like it
( )MiKe November 30th
Yo your work is crazy! especially for only being 17. I’m 17 also and i used to think i was pretty good till I saw some of your work. It seems I have alotttt of catching up to do….
( )Tim December 2nd
Nice work Matteus!
I must ask though, how much does Cinema 4D and Photoshop cost in Brasil? And what do you charge for your work? I’ve been saving for years and I still can’t afford to upgrade from Photoshop CS2, let alone purchase C4D!
Nice use of form in “Pressure” by the way, I like that.
( )christian tobler December 2nd
Great Stuff bro, You really have a talent that most can’t imagine to have.
Your right not to let the negative comments get to you, your work would be in the top 10 students at my old university. Most people get into this without having the passion, keep up the great work!
( )CNANDO December 2nd
UAL , INCRIVEL MESMO ,
( )Aviv Meidan December 4th
Amazing pieces.
( )I lovew all of them.
If some ppl did it before and it looks almost the same style, doesn’t mean you copied it. You have your own style with the dusty and splatty and shiny and sparky and colory and amazingy XD.
I like all the colors and all the shapes.
About the fist work – I don think the colors really match each other.
But it’s absolutely amazing.
Good job. Thanks for inspiring me.
Chaz December 4th
I’m shocked reading these comments, people saying bad things about the work your doing.
I’m 19, doing a degree in graphic design and couldn’t make anything that good…no one doing the degree at my university could for that matter.
If you came on here saying look at my amazing work, i’m better than you…fair enough but you have only done an interview and took your time to do so.
most of these are awesome and at 17 your an inspiration.
( )Hunny December 7th
Wow I’m 29 years old and haven’t even peaked at getting THIS good yet. Kudos.
( )Yuvraj December 14th
I am very impressed ! great going going keep it up !
( )Lucas Loyola December 16th
Parabéns pelo seu trabalho…
( )Muito bom ver um brasileiro por aqui.
Negreu Andreas December 28th
preety portofolio, i have 18 too ….
( )