Fox’s Got Talent April Winner recreated the Vista of Cliff from ‘UP’

Fox’s Got Talent (FGT) is the stage for all Fox Renderfarm users to show off their excellent CG artworks.

We are so pleased to announce that FGT April Winner is Mr. Nguyen Hoang, a CG Artist from Vietnam. He is also a VFX Supervisor from Silver Swallows Studio, a post & production team in Da Nang, Vietnam, specializing in 3D/VFX, Audio production and concept art. In addition to working on team projects, he also creates personal artworks. With the exquisite details and imposing composition, his Houdini artwork White Cliffs made him the FGT April Winner.

• Nguyen Hoang
• VFX Supervisor & CG Artist
• From: Vietnam

White Cliffs © Nguyen Hoang

Process Breakdown

In the exclusive interview, Nguyen Hoang talked about how to create the beautiful oil-painting-style artwork.

Fox Renderfarm: Hi Hoang, could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hoang: I began my career in computer graphics in 2013 as a freelance CG artist. In Vietnam, not many people know about the CGI industry and how it works. This career was my dream job when I was a child. So, I could say I’m feeling lucky.

Fox Renderfarm: How do you feel about being the April winner of Fox’s Got Talent (FGT)?

Hoang: This is the first time that I got an award from an online contest. That was a big surprise for me, I’m so happy and I want to thank Fox Renderfarm for the contest.

Fox Renderfarm: What’s your inspiration for this wonderful artwork?

Hoang: That was inspired by "UP" - an animation movie that I love so much. You guys can notice that the house is similar to the house in UP.

The film UP

Breakdown of White Cliffs

Fox Renderfarm: How long did it take to finish the artwork?

Hoang: A week, I spent on the terrain mostly.

Fox Renderfarm: What software and plugins did you use to finish the artwork?

Hoang: Houdini, Redshift and Nuke.

Fox Renderfarm: The beautiful color and warm light make the work look like oil-painting-style, how did you match the color and set the light?

Hoang: I first determined the mood for a peaceful place. Then start to work on the color on each asset and prop.

Fox Renderfarm: Have you met any difficulty in the creation? How did you overcome it?

Hoang: The most difficult thing is the cliff. Because everybody now the terrain always comes with the height map, so I have to find a way to displace the cliff by the slope mask in Houdini. I'm still a Houdini beginner so this gave me a lot of experience.

Fox Renderfarm: Technically and visually, which is your favorite part of this work? Why?

Hoang: Lighting. Because the overall mood comes with the lighting.

Fox Renderfarm: When did you encounter CG? Could you briefly tell us the story of your educational and work experience along your CG journey?

Hoang: I remember when the filmmakers oversea started to implement CG in movies, in Vietnam, we still have no TV to watch. During university years, I tried to learn VFX by myself. We almost learned from online tutorials until now.

Fox Renderfarm: As a CG artist and VFX Supervisor, which artwork or project you worked on impressed you most, why?

Hoang: That was our first movie called "Vietnam Airwar: The First Swallows". Cause it's my youth.

Trailer of Vietnam Airwar: The First Swallows

Demos shot from Silver Swallows Studio

Fox Renderfarm: How did you keep yourself inspired and motivated? What do you do to improve your professional skills?

Hoang: Usually, I watch Artstation every day to learn from the best artists all over the world. And another way to improve skills and motivation is to join a contest. It really helps me.

Roy's Gas Station © Nguyen Hoang

Coming To Gank © Nguyen Hoang

T54 Tank Vietnam Military © Nguyen Hoang

Fox Renderfarm: How do you feel about Fox Renderfarm’s cloud rendering services?

Hoang: I was used many render farm services before and there are many things about Fox Renderfarm that make it outstanding. First of all, the support service is really really good and has a quick response. Besides, the submission, job monitor... are all easy to use.

Fox Renderfarm: Any other things you wanna share with CG enthusiasts?

Hoang: We are in a difficult time for everyone so instead of worrying we can use this time as a time to learn more or to create artwork. Then submit it to Fox Renderfarm to make it shine.

Will you be our next WINNER? Click here Fox's Got Talent and submit your artwork rendered with Fox Renderfarm. Shine your talent now!