About Me
Hello, my name is Jared Modina, I am a self-taught creature designer and 3D sculptor. I draw and sculpt creatures, both original from my imagination or redesign monsters from both movies and video games that I grew up with. I have always loved monsters since I was like 4 years old, especially movies such as Godzilla, Gamera, Ultraman and more. I started drawing when I was about 6 years old, starting from animals to dragons to monsters that I saw on TV. I simply make monsters so I can show how unique and wild my imagination can be and to entertain my audience. When people enjoy looking at my work and tell me they love my creations, it’s a satisfying feeling that inspires me to keep going while taking in feed back on what I should make and what I shouldn’t do. Every piece that I do is a challenge and an opportunity to learn new techniques while growing up as an artist. I started out drawing and painting traditionally, then got into digital in photoshop when I attended college. I enjoy creating monsters both traditionally and digitally, whether I’m using photoshop or ZBrush. To me, it’s a very satisfying feeling that I’m able to reach a fine balance using both traditional and digital media to create, especially applying traditional techniques in ZBrush when sculpting monsters.
FAQs
Did you ever attend an art school to gain your skills?
I didn't really attend an official art school, I attended a community college and applied for the art and design program. The program includes courses for illustration and animation. Most of my courses were more foundation based such as human anatomy, basic drawing, perspective and color theory. I did took individual courses from GNOMON School of Visual Effects and College for Creative Studies that relate to concept art and 3D sculpting. But when it comes to ZBrush, I’m mostly a self taught artist.
How long have you been drawing?
I have been drawing since I was around age 6. So up to now, I’ve been drawing for 17 years.
Why do you make particularly monsters/creatures?
It’s hard to explain, but I feel like monsters from video games and films just have a cool factor to them, especially those with a design that’s pleasing to the human eye. As a kid, every time I see a cool looking creature, the first thing I need to do is draw it and try to create my own creature based from it.
How do you make your art and designs so good and unique?
For me personally, it all comes to time and planning. I don't believe that creature design should be rushed. Most of the time, I have a clear visual on what I want my monsters to look like and I treat all my monsters like art with care. It’s also important that my monsters standout and don’t look generic or something that we have seen so many times. It’s all a fine balance of having my monsters look a bit realistic and exaggerated from reality because you want your monsters to look aesthetically pleasing for your audience.
What is your favorite creature design from film or games?
Godzilla is my favorite monster design of all time. He’s the best, most iconic and recognizable monster in cinema history. With Godzilla, Japan has definitely made the coolest and unique monsters.
What inspired you to get into creature design?
It actually started with animals such as sharks, whales and dinosaurs. I loved these animals when I was little and just drew animals. At the end of the good creature design starts with animals and plants. Also movies such as Godzilla, Ultraman and Gamera were big influences when it comes to creature design.