Think Tank Spotlights:...Since coming to Think Tank, Portfolio Production student, Mario Leone, has consistently been blowing the CG community away with his stellar work. It seems like every project he produces gets some serious attention. For instance, his first piece, Sony Alpha, received multiple Rookies badges in 2023.
It’s no surprise, then, that Mario is well on his way to living out his dream as a professional 3D artist, having already landed a role at Alps Studios in his native Italy. But before he gets too big for us, we caught up with Mario to chat about his art, process, and future aspirations.
Before Think Tank
Think Tank: What originally inspired you to pursue 3D Art?
Mario Leone: Going back to when I started, I think it was almost 3 years ago, I was a photographer and video editor back then. I also loved movies and I was constantly analyzing their framing, lighting, story, colors etc... until one day I actually asked myself: "how is it possible to make a huge wave look real or a fictional creature or environment look so unbelievably real?" That's how everything started!
TT: What was your experience before coming to Think Tank?
ML: Before Think Tank, I studied at CG Spectrum, but after my first year I felt that I still needed to sharpen my skills in environment creation and focus on photorealism.
TT: What made you choose to study at Think Tank?
In the process of choosing a school, I would say the most important factor is the quality of the student work. The work of the Think Tank’s students speaks for itself, and I am glad to be now a part of this great community.
Working at Think Tank
Think Tank: What was it like coming into the Intermediate Term (skipping Fundamentals)?
Mario Leone: Because I had some previous experience, my prior work was evaluated and I was able to skip Term 1. The intermediate term was amazing– I learned a ton. I made my first proper photorealistic asset (the converse shoe) and I modeled a Photorealistic camera as that term’s final project. I really benefited from it, and although the schedules were tight, I learned to work at a pace that was definitely more production-like.
TT: What has it been like working through Think Tank Online?
ML: I was already used to studying online and I liked that I could choose when to follow the lessons. Whether it was during the week, at night or early in the morning, working at my own pace was possible. Overall, I would really suggest learning online. I’d also add that I am very thankful to my Mentor, Benjamin Hollrigl, who constantly inspires me and gives me very insightful feedback.
TT: Can you describe the project you’re working on with your Mentor?
ML: After my latest project that was a series of natural environments using a pretty unconventional workflow (live connecting unreal and nuke), I am now working on a procedurally generated city, implementing satellite data (OSM) in Houdini, procedural modeling and scattering assets and crowd simulations, a little of FX too.
What’s Next?
Think Tank: Congrats on the recent role! Can you share a bit about it?
Mario Leone: I am working at Alps Studio as a Lighting & Lookdev artist, and although I cannot say what I am working on, what I can definitely say is that it's a very interesting first experience in a studio and I am learning a lot!
TT: Do you have a dream role or studio?
ML: My dream job at the moment is to be a 3D Generalist or Environment Artist at DNEG. I really admire their style and projects, and I am improving everyday to reach my goal!
TT: For artists with experience looking to elevate their portfolio…what is some advice you’d give them?
ML: Crafting a portfolio is a delicate art, but here are some key points that I think are essential:
Starting: publish your art online, don't be afraid, publish everything you do, school assignments, personal projects etc...
Polishing: after you get a little more experienced, maybe you finished your first course etc... archive some of your work and leave only the very best out there.
Create a showreel: this is very important. Keep it under 2min and include only the very best – the first project shown should be the eye-catcher.
Breakdowns: always create breakdowns that explain your thought process. This is what most people are interested in. Never publish only the final render; explain why you decided to create that piece of art in the first place, and in-turn show everyone how passionate you are!
Mario is in the final term of the CG Asset Portfolio Pre-Production & Production program at Think Tank Online. He is based in Italy, and is working as a Lighting & Lookdev artist for Alps Studio. If you're interested in his art and want to connect with him, you can do so through the links below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioleone3d/
https://www.artstation.com/mario_leone
https://www.instagram.com/mario.fbx/
https://www.therookies.co/entries/21323
