INTRODUCTION
Hi, my name is Yoan Bonnet, and I'm from Paris, France. My journey in 3D began during my studies, where I discovered software such as SolidWorks and Catia, mainly oriented towards industry. These early experiences allowed me to develop a solid understanding of 3D modelling and computer-aided design (CAD) concepts.
Subsequently, I continued my studies in a completely different field: programming, web development, and web design. This training allowed me to acquire varied and complementary expertise, thus enriching my creative and technical approach to digital design.
Alongside my studies, I have always had a great interest in the field of art, spending many hours on software such as Photoshop and Illustrator. However, my greatest passion lay in the field of digital special effects. At the time, the most popular software was 3Ds Max, but its price was out of reach for a simple student. So I started looking for free or open-source alternatives, and that's how I discovered Blender.
This discovery was a real eye-opener for me, although it took a while at first because Blender's interface was neither intuitive nor attractive—it was a real "gas factory." It was from version 2.8, with the complete overhaul of the interface and software, that I really started to devote time to it. This new version, which is more user-friendly and powerful, allowed me to develop my skills in modelling, animation, and digital special effects in a more efficient and enjoyable way.
Today, I work as a project designer and 3D designer at AVR Ingénierie, in the field of civil engineering. With my brother, we founded our own company, "Digital Monster Co.", specialising in 3D imaging, with Blender as its main tool. This company allows us to realise our passion for 3D and carry out varied and innovative projects.
INSPIRATION
The inspiration behind this work mainly comes from a customer commission. The client provided us with detailed specifications, including a “mood board” with visual inspirations from various brands operating in a similar field. This moodboard defined the desired aesthetic and atmosphere, guiding our creative process.
The circumstances of this creation are therefore directly linked to the client's request, who wanted a specific result inspired by references from brands known for their visual and technical excellence. We analysed these inspirations to understand the key elements to integrate into our own creation.
By combining the client's requirements with our own influences, we have created a work that meets expectations while reflecting our expertise and passion for 3D imaging.
PROCESS
For the creation of this work, we followed a rigorous process and used a combination of hardware and software to guarantee a high-quality result.
Step 1: Taking Measurements and Modelling
Firstly, we collected the produced samples and took their measurements precisely using a calliper; this step is crucial to ensuring that the 3D models are realistic. The modelling was carried out on Blender, of course.
Step 2: Photography and Procedural Texturing
Then, all products are entitled to a high-definition photo shoot, the aim being to capture as many colours and colour variations as possible, as well as imperfections and defects, which is very important for realism. Most textures are then recreated procedurally; if the texture is really too complex and requires too much creation time, we resort to photogrammetry and transfer the texture to a cleaner and lighter mesh than that obtained by photogrammetry.
Step 3: Creation of the Assets Library
Once all the articles, products, and decorative elements have been modelled and all the textures have been created, we create an asset library dedicated to the client, which will allow us to compose our future scenes with the magic of drag and drop.
Step 4: Staging and Lighting
The staging and lighting of the products come from both inspirations shared by the client and proposals from us when we find certain compositions, lighting, and decorative elements relevant, which could add an additional touch to the final result. Then the ideas are crossed, some are retained, others are rejected, and sometimes they are mixed.
We then carry out a multitude of test renderings until we find the one that the client will like best.
For lighting, we use the Pro Lighting Studio addon to save us time at the start, even if we later refine the exact location of the lights, their intensities, and their colors. In this scene, it is classic 3-point lighting.
We also use the Photographer 5 addon for everything related to depth of field, focus, bloom, streaks, vignetting, etc.
RENDER: AGLAE Bougie
More shots of the candles:
Aesthetic shots for the brand:
Thank you for reading! Feel free to check out and connect with me on my social media.
About the Artist
Yoan Bonnet is a 2D and 3D artist from Paris, France, currently working as a designer and 3D modeler at AVR Ingénierie, and is also the manager and co-founder of Digital Monster Company.
