Frenchman Matthieu Roussel has got a great illustrative style that strikes people from the first time they see his work. His character designs and scenes continue to captivate imaginations of all ages. He is currently working on a children's book with the hopes it will turn into something big on French TV.

Matthieu has a great ability to turn his ideas into great 3d illustrations. Among his software tool chest is his 3d app of choice, Strata Pro. See why he uses it and what his future goals are.

S.S. - Can you tell us how you got started illustrating?

M.R. - I always drew when I was a child (not very exceptional for a child!) but I hadn't to choice a profession like many people have to do. Illustration was like an evidence for me. So, after high school I went to Paris and success the national superior school of art déco (ENSAD) I tried a couple of years in the industrial design department but finally I integrated to the illustration department. During this time I sold one or two illustration to a french magazine. I left this school and didn't graduate, it’s not a diploma that makes you a illustrator but practice!... little by little I had many clients , and  my illustrator life began...

S.S. - You have such a unique style. How did that come about?

M.R. - If you mean my 3d style, the real start was after a trip in Canada. Just before I bought my first Macintosh. I asked myself how to be different from the massive "cold" 3d production. When I came back to France ,after visiting this wonderful country, I made an illustration evocating war between settlers and indians (see below). I didn't want to leave paper for ever, so I put on my models this hand-made cut board feeling, and it worked well. Most generally it’s in my genes: I like to do and be different, maybe it helps me in my creativity.

S.S. - How do you come up with such wonderful character designs?

M.R. - I don’t know. I try to do something different every time.

S.S. - Do you have any artist/s that have inspired your work?

M.R. - Not really. I never had a guru or somebody to idolize. I don't think it’s good for the freedom of creativity in which an artist must be. I just keep my eyes open on the artistic production . Nothing is created, everything is transformed.

S.S. - You use other software with Strata pro, but why do you like to use Strata?

M.R. - Strata is very simple to use . Very intuitive. I can build a scene in one day, and I don't think it’s possible with other software.

S.S. - Mac or Windows?

M.R. - Mac of course!

S.S. - What do kind of illustrations do you enjoy doing the most?

M.R. - When I'm not limited by the client's desire, or when I work for me (which is rare unfortunately) I prefer to illustrate science-fiction than little boys with sports shoes on their feet! The best thing today is when I have a book to illustrate.

S.S. - Do you have a favorite illustration that you have done?

M.R. - No, my favorite is the next one, no… the next one…. Heu no the next next one… !

S.S. - Where do you find your work heading in the future?

M.R. - I really would like to make a short or a long 3d animation movie. It’s a dream I have carried for a long time. I have some opportunities but nothing really serious. I dream and I think that's the most important thing, sometimes dreams become reality?

S.S. - Do you have any other artistic interests that you would like to pursue other than illustration?

M.R. - I make paintings every summer outside in nature. Painting houses essentially during my travels. You can see it in my personal gallery on my site http://www.mattroussel.com. I do it for me. Finding again that different feeling other than, pixel, pixel and pixel!!

S.S. - Can you tell us anything about the children’s book Angelman that you have been working on?

M.R. - My first real Album. I spoke about dreams in your other question. It was one when I was a student and I have realized it today. I have another one to do now and many others in my head! I hope it will be published in the united states, to have a large public. In France there are some cartoon companies which are interested in adapting it for a tv cartoon. I'll cross my fingers.

S.S. - What advice do you have for anyone who would like to make a career out of 3d illustration?

M.R. - Drawing a lot with paper and  pencils. I take the risk to be old fashioned saying than everything come across by sketching, but I think it’s true. It’s the best way for experimenting what we want to experiment. To be obstinate, persistent and dogged. To have self assurance. At least having a little bit of a chance and imagination!