Mikael Johannesen
3D Digital Artist student / 5th semester - Trainee at Ghost
Nationality: Danish
Age: 31
Future dream: To work in the USA with visual effects.
 1. Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I have always wanted to do effects, to visualize energies. But I ended up doing a business degree prior to really getting into it.
2. What made you decide to enter the 3D Digital Artist program with TRUEMAX? And what are you doing during the current semester?
As I mentioned, I was very interested in doing 3D effects, but I didn’t know how to get into the 3D business. That changed when a friend told me about the fact that TRUEMAX was offering 3D instruction. TRUEMAX’s curriculum and contact with the 3D industry impressed me, so I started the program. We worked with 3ds max in the basic course, 3D Fundamentals, and then concentrated on learning Maya. I brushed up on 3ds max in a single weekend. Right now I’m doing my Trainee semester. I’ve been with Ghost as a trainee for 6 months, and I will stay here another 6 months. I work on visualizing energies, so it’s perfect.
3. How did you hear about TRUEMAX?
Through a friend – and through adverts.
4. How much 3D work had you done by the time you arrived at TRUEMAX?
Several years as a hobby. At one point the question presented itself: “How do I take the next step towards the professional level?” I wanted to move forward.
5. What is the most important thing you have learned during your time at TRUEMAX?
Cooperation – how the whole process works together in synergy. That what you do is part of the whole. The way TRUEMAX has introduced process work has been great: You start out working in small groups and later on, the groups get larger and larger.
6. Have there been any surprises during your 3D education?
The guest instructors. That TRUEMAX could attract so many “Hollywood types”. Really excellent 3D people.
7. Which 3D areas fascinate you the most?
Visual effects – visualizing energies.
8. What inspires you the most when it comes to 3D?
Nothing in particular. When I see something I think is cool I look closely to see how it’s been done.
9. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Working abroad in the 3D industry.
10. What advice would you give someone thinking of entering the 3D program at TRUEMAX?
Take everything seriously. You have to learn to adjust, and to communicate. Get as much out of it as you can, because you will need everything you learn when you enter a workplace. Learning how to plan and prioritize your work is an important tool when you get into the working world.
The interview was made January 2006. |