The Creative Journey of Alexey Alexandrovich
A Unique Fusion of Art and Athletics
Alexey Alexandrovich, a talented motion designer and 3D artist hailing from Ukraine, has made a remarkable impact in the intersection of graphic design and sports. His recent collaboration with Synergy, a local company specializing in goalkeeper gloves, reflects his innovative approach to both design and athletic performance. Rather than simply creating a promotional animation, Alexandrovich took it a step further by engaging in goalkeeper training. This experience enriched his understanding of the sport and inspired the design of the Synergy King gloves alongside an accompanying promotional video.
From Graphic Designer to 3D Artist
With a decade of experience in TV and advertising, Alexandrovich’s journey into the world of 3D artistry was a gradual evolution from graphic design. He has been proficient in Cinema 4D for years, gaining significant hands-on experience through a variety of projects. His passion for technology and creative challenges led him to speak at events like IBC in Amsterdam and to compete in high-profile challenges, such as the X-Particles Challenge, where he previously secured a second-place finish before ultimately winning.
Rediscovering Soccer
Though Alexandrovich briefly played as a goalkeeper during his time at a football academy at the age of 12, he had to set aside his sporting pursuits in favor of academic excellence. The COVID pandemic reignited his interest in soccer, prompting him to revisit his former passion. After watching training videos of national team goalkeepers, he sought out personal coaching in Kiev, quickly immersing himself in the skills needed to guard the net. His coach’s encouragement helped cultivate his confidence, leading him to embrace the identity of a designer who also plays soccer.
Innovative Collaboration for Glove Design
The synergy between Alexandrovich and his coach, who happens to own Synergy gloves, sparked an idea. Alexandrovich was eager to design a custom pair of goalkeeper gloves and craft an engaging motion design video to showcase them. The result was the Synergy King model, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that continues to progress with new glove designs.
The Creative Process Behind the Video
Alexandrovich’s workflow for creating the promotional video was straightforward but highly effective. Utilizing Cinema 4D, Redshift, and After Effects, he conceived a narrative that illustrated how a goalkeeper controls not only the ball but also the entire playing field. The narrative evolved into a visual expression where the goalkeeper, equipped with the "king’s" gloves, transforms the surrounding environment as if wielding magical powers.
Crafting Visual Effects and Animation
To achieve the visual effects within the video, Alexandrovich introduced a concept he termed the "3D glitch." This innovative approach involved translating a 2D distortion effect into a 3D realm, resulting in jagged, animated geometry. Inspiration arose from his surroundings during field practice, allowing him to incorporate real-life elements into his digital work.
Redshift played a pivotal role in this process, thanks to its robust shader graph and versatile lighting capabilities. Alexandrovich appreciates how easy it is to manipulate different aspects of light and material parameters, giving him the creative freedom to refine every shot precisely.
Filming Techniques and Practical Application
In addition to the 3D animation, Alexandrovich captured live-action footage using a DSLR camera during his training sessions. This footage served as a reference point for setting up lighting and material effects in his 3D environment, enhancing the overall realism of the project.
The Voronoi Fracture feature in Cinema 4D enabled Alexandrovich to create the intricate effects of broken soccer balls. This added depth and visual interest to the scenes, showcasing both the creative potential of 3D design and the dynamic nature of the sport.
New Directions in Glove Design
Continuously pushing the boundaries of his creativity, Alexandrovich is involved in developing new models for Synergy gloves using advanced MoGraph techniques from Cinema 4D. Collaborating on real objects with digital processes allows for unique designs that reflect a fusion of artistry and functionality. He explores various methods, such as PolyFX and PolyExtrude, applying effectors and fields to innovate in glove design.
Football has proven to be more than a pastime for Alexandrovich; it inspires his design aesthetic and motivates him to create engaging 3D work. The physical activity not only enhances his skills as a goalie but also feeds into his artistic vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Alexey Alexandrovich to combine sports with motion design?
Alexey’s dual interest in design and soccer sparked the combination of his skills. His experience as a goalie provided unique insights that bridged the gap between the two fields, making his designs more relevant and functional.
2. How does Alexandrovich utilize Cinema 4D in his projects?
He employs Cinema 4D predominantly for animation and visual effects, making use of features like MoGraph, Voronoi Fracture, and Redshift for rendering, allowing him to create complex and compelling visuals.
3. What techniques does he use to create realistic animations?
Alexey often combines live-action footage with 3D elements, utilizing reference materials and advanced lighting setups. He also focuses on dynamic simulations and procedural effects to enhance the realism of his animations.
