IAMAG is pleased to present you an interview of Juan Luis Mayen, the first 3D Speed Sculpting Winner of IAMAG Master League. He won the competition live during IAMAG Master Classes, sponsored by Wacom. He participates to the competition live during IAMAG Master Classes, that happened in March 2016 in Paris and he’s won a Cintiq 22 HD Touch
Challenge Yourself: Enter the 2017 Edition of IAMAG Master League
IAMAG : Can you tell us a little bit more about you ?
Juan Luis Mayen: I am a Spanish architect and illustrator based currently in Córdoba (Spain), but probably moving soon. I work as architect but also keep working on 3D and illustration, mainly in competitions and personal projects. I feel competitions are very encouraging, as you have to deal with deadlines and with many great contestants, so it is always a challenge and it is very rewarding when the results are good, and if there’s no victory, you always have a new portfolio piece done at your best.
IAMAG: How did you heard about IAMAG Master Classes ?
JLM: I have been following It’s Art Magazine since many years ago, and it is a site I visit quite often to read some of the articles. I was tuned to the event from the beginning of the announcement of the IA Master League, and then I knew about the event. I felt it was a great opportunity to begin attending this kind of events and meet many top artists in person.
IAMAG: What pushed you to participate to this first edition of IAMAG Master League ?
JLM:I participated for two reasons: the first was to obligue myself to do speedsculpts and improve my skills, as speedsculpting was something I had not done in the past. The second reason was the good prizes, but I never thought I would be able to reach the final. At first I was doubting a lot to participate, as I thought that being a weekly challenge could be a bit overwhelming, but finally I felt encouraged to do it and the result was great.
IAMAG: About the online competition, how did you feel about it ?
JLM:Every week when the topic was going to be announced, I was looking forward to know it, and since the moment I knew it, started to think about what to do. Sometimes it was a bit hard, as I can imagine a lot of stuff, but everything had to be done within one hour. The deadlines seemed a bit tight sometimes, but this pushed us to a good level. Also, the fact that we had some warm up sessions before starting the competition helped to get used to it and relax a bit. Finally, the result is that I enjoyed a lot and this competition kept my creativity alive.
IAMAG: The Master League Finale was live in front of 300 people during IAMAG Master Classes, how did you prepare & lived this experience ?
JLM:During the event I was very nervous, until the final started. Then, when I knew the topic and the countdown was running, I felt more relaxed and enjoyed a lot, as I could manage to get an idea of what to do about the subject. To talk about the subject (‘The Evil Mermaid’), I liked it a lot, as fantasy is my favourite style. I think it was good that I didn’t think too much about the fact that I was in front of 300 people during the competition, as this allowed me to focus on my work. I didn’t even want to look at what my competitor Yosuke was doing, to decrease pressure and make a good sculpt.
IAMAG: About the IAMAG Master Classes, what did you thought of the event & the people that you met, was it a good experience for you as an artist ?
JLM:I think this has been an unique opportunity for me to meet all these great artists, who have developed a key role in films and videogames I enjoy a lot. It was great to know their processes and thoughts directly at the conferences and at lunch/dinner with them. To say more, I see it very difficult to have a similar opportunity in the future, and I think I took advantage of it. I think it helped me to look at this industry from a different point of view.
IAMAG: What did the competition brought you for you work today as an artist ?
JLM:The competition, apart from the skills I got, made me be more confident about my work. One important thing to emphasize is that now I focus more on having good finished pieces in my portfolio, as it is the only way to try to stand out among such huge amount of strong artists.
IAMAG: Who & Why should 2D & 3D artists join the competition next year ?
JLM:I encourage everyone with a passion for 2D or 3D to join next year, as they will be rewarded with much better skills and if they get to the final, it will be an unforgettable experience. Also, the way it is configured, helps you focus on your field and the topics make you to be very creative.
IAMAG: Will you be there next year ?
JLM:I hope to be able to join the competition again and, if possible and work allows it, to be in the event. I follow all the Master Classes groups and social media, and it looks that next year there will be also great speakers. I really wish to be able to go to Paris again and enjoy this event which is getting bigger each year.
IAMAG: Final Words ?
JLM:As said above, I would repeat this experience, and encourage everyone to join. Think of it as a good opportunity to meet many talented people in the same place and make good friends.
