Introduction
Embark on a captivating journey into digital art with Kevin Jaeger, an accomplished Art Director and Digital Artist. Kevin’s passion for art and design has been a lifelong pursuit, transitioning from childhood dreams of illustration to mastering graphic design, animation, and 3D in advertising.
What began as a skill-enhancing endeavor evolved into a profound medium for self-expression, defining Kevin as both a designer and an artist.
Background and Career
Can you share your artistic background and what started your interest in digital art?
I have always been deeply passionate about art and design. As a child, I drew extensively and aspired to be an illustrator. My enthusiasm for digital art ignited while working in an advertising agency, where I gained skills in graphic design, conceptual work, animation, and 3D.
Initially, digital art was a means to enhance my skills and evolve as a designer. However, it quickly became a medium for expressing myself and my vision, steering me more towards being an artist.
Could you describe your typical creative process from idea to completion?
My creative process always centers around the concept. It begins with an ideation phase, where brainstorming, reference gathering, and insight collection are key to developing a deeper meaning for the work. Once the concept is penned down, I move on to shaping the visual concept, involving mood exploration, sketching, and refining the desired look.
The execution phase follows, selecting appropriate tools based on the concept and intended aesthetics. This phase involves a continuous cycle of working on the project and aligning it with the initial concept and visual plan until completion.
Given your extensive professional experience as a digital artist and art director. Can you share some key milestones or projects that have significantly shaped your journey as an artist?
Rather than a few significant milestones, my journey has been shaped by numerous smaller ones. Throughout my career, I’ve had the fortune to collaborate with many passionate and talented individuals, learning immensely from them. A key aspect that has molded me is working creatively full-time for over a decade, allowing substantial room for learning and improvement.
A major turning point was transitioning to an independent artist, moving away from full-time agency employment. This shift opened up a world of possibilities and freedoms, enabling me to choose my focus areas without the constraints of company directives. However, this successful transition owes much to the valuable experiences and insights gained during my previous agency roles.
Inspirations
Who are some of your artistic influences and favorite artists (digital or otherwise)?
Some prominent influences include Daniel Arsham, Virgil Abloh, and Ye. In the realm of digital art, I particularly admire the works of Auguste Lefou and Catelloo. However, this is just a brief glimpse into a much longer list.
My inspiration spans a wide array of fields, encompassing pottery, sculpture, drawing, photography, fashion, product design, architecture, and, naturally, digital art. I strive to remain as open-minded as possible when finding inspiration.
As an artist based in Germany, are local art scenes, events, or communities particularly inspiring your creations?
Absolutely! Engaging with the visions and methodologies of other artists is not only motivating but also sparks my creativity. Art, to me, is a form of communication, and isolation hinders dialogue.
Connecting with fellow artists is essential and greatly influences my work. Additionally, I have a strong passion for collaborative projects, which I find particularly enriching.”
“Conceptual Still Life” Project
Let’s delve into your project, ‘Conceptual Still Life.’
What inspired the concept behind this work?
In early 2023, I delved into classical photography techniques, to enhance my 3D work. “Conceptual Still life” was created, based on techniques from the photo studio Paris se quema. It visualizes everyday scenes I encountered en route to my office in a bustling city – construction sites, traffic, and trash.
The series features compositions of objects representing these themes, all intertwined with colorful organic structures, adding a striking visual contrast.
Can you describe the key elements and techniques used in this project?
The key elements of ‘Conceptual Still Life’ lies in its concept and composition. The objective was to craft engaging compositions using existing, unaltered objects. Each base is also constructed from objects relevant to the theme.
The incorporation of organic structures introduces a layer of surrealism, distinguishing the work from traditional photography.
Were there specific challenges you faced while creating Conceptual Still Life, and how did you overcome them?
Creating ‘Conceptual Still Life’ didn’t present significant challenges. Experimenting with new techniques naturally meant stepping out of my comfort zone, but as this was a personal project without strict deadlines, it was an enjoyable and exploratory experience.
Personal Touch
What are your artistic goals, or is there a particular project or theme you’d like to explore?
In the upcoming year, I have many exciting projects lined up. January marks the start with an exhibition in my hometown, Hamburg, showcasing my latest experiments with sculptures. I’m currently delving into VR/AR sculpting, 3D-scanning, and 3D-printing.
Additionally, I will attend courses in figure drawing, sculpting, and pottery, aiming to blend these traditional techniques with my digital expertise. My overarching goal is to continue exploring the intersection of the physical and digital realms, with a particular focus on sculptures.
I also aim to share my art globally through more exhibitions.
What advice can you give aspiring 3D/Digital artists looking to break into the industry and develop their unique artistic voice?
For aspiring 3D/Digital artists, the key is to network and connect with others in the industry. Share your work actively and infuse it with passion and dedication. But above all, ensure that you always enjoy the creative process.
Having fun while creating is crucial in developing your unique artistic voice.
Conclusion
Kevin Jaeger’s artistic journey from childhood dreams to becoming an independent digital artist showcases the incredible potential of digital mediums for self-expression. His transition from traditional illustration to mastering design and 3D in advertising, and eventually breaking free to explore his own vision, serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists.
With projects like ‘Conceptual Still Life,’ Kevin can uniquely turn everyday scenes into visually striking compositions, challenging artistic norms.
As he continues to explore new frontiers, Kevin Jaeger stands as a beacon of creativity. He emphasizes the joy of the creative process and the boundless possibilities in the world of digital art. Connect with him on his website, Behance, and Instagram to be part of his exciting artistic journey.
Visit his website at www.kevinjaeger.de to experience the full spectrum of his talent, and follow him on Behance and Instagram for a closer look at his evolving portfolio.
Nyx, General Manager and Editor at Vertex Mode, is a seasoned 3D Artist in gaming and film, sharing insights on Digital Art and its creators.
