Learn how top artists work with Ballistic’s newest tutorial title

Creative Essence: Creatures showcases the wonders of top creature creators, says 3D World technical editor Rob Redman.

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Ballistic Publishing has a reputation as one of the best producers of digital art books around, with many titles in its extensive catalogue. The publications all feature large amounts of inspiration, bringing fresh talent and new ideas to artists around the world.

The only area they fall short on is training content. While many of the books do contain some training, the balance has always been in favour of the art, which isn’t a criticism - it’s just the way it is.

With this in mind, Ballistic created the Creative Essence series, which aims to put the focus much more on practical inspiration. I say practical inspiration, rather than tutorials, because the training is not in-depth. You won’t be shown any step-by-step or click-by-click processes here.

Ballistic created the Creative Essence series, which aims to put the focus much more on practical inspiration

Ballistic created the Creative Essence series, which aims to put the focus much more on practical inspiration

Personally, I think that is a good thing, as this volume looks to really define working practices, rather than spoon-feeding you procedures.
If you want to learn how some top artists work; what’s in their minds as they create their creatures and where they find inspiration, then this book is for you.

That isn’t to say there is no information from a 'how to' point of view though. There is much in this book that will enlighten you as to how to approach a new project; from which render passes are useful through to some fine illustrations showing the development of a model.

Eight artists deliver artwork and training and, although their styles vary, they all offer real insights into their working methods and what inspires them.

Rob Redman is technical editor of 3D World, as well as a 3D trainer and generalist with an extensive portfolio.

Liked this? Read these!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of eight full-time members of staff: Editor Georgia Coggan, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Ecommerce Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Editor, Digital Art and 3D Ian Dean, Tech Reviews Editor Erlingur Einarsson and Ecommerce Writer Beth Nicholls and Staff Writer Natalie Fear, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq.