Meet Rafael Serralheiro | 3D Environment artist for Games

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael Serralheiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Embarking on my artistic and creative career was not a right-away calling but a passion that evolved over time. As Maya Angelou (American writer) beautifully said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” My journey into the world of art was a gradual awakening.

In a family that predominantly worked in the business world, my early affinity for creativity often found itself in the form of play. “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,” Pablo Picasso said. In my case, I grew up playing many video Games, watching Animated movies, and shooting small stories with an old Camera with toys. As I played with toys and embarked in my imagination, after all these years, I now began to understand that during that time, I was expressing my artistic abilities, even though it was a distant reality for me.

Video was the first medium that truly resonated with my creative spirit. The power of video allowed me to create narratives, invoke emotions, and capture moments. I was not a kid who grew up drawing or painting. I have always seen technology as a tool to express myself creatively.

For a long time, I worked with photography and video. However, it was not until I realized the vastness of the creative potential of 3D and CGI that I truly found my call. I delved deeper into my childhood passions, such as animated movies and video games, and the answer has been within me all the way. This newfound knowledge propelled me further into pursuing my artistic career as a realistic and achievable goal. Keeping my creativity flowing and my inner child active throughout adult life!

In embracing creativity, I discovered that there are no limits to what one can achieve and that the journey of creation is as important as the destination. This journey, molded by my evolving passions and the support of my family, has led me to a career where I can craft, innovate, and bring worlds to life through my artistic vision.

Ultimately, when I was young, I never thought I would grow up to become an artist. But back then, I was already a creative child. It was not until I tried many different mediums and art forms that I realized what spoke to me. So, in the end, I pursued a creative career because I had the chance to try and fail. And had the curiosity to explore.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nowadays, in a world full of talented artists and creative people, it’s difficult to distinguish our work from others. However, in my opinion, it’s important to create the kind of art that we would love to see. For instance, if I’m inspired by a movie that takes place in the medieval period, I would still create it even if others are doing the same because I’m passionate about it. The key is to add your own taste to it. In my case, my work is usually set in the past or the future but with a historical aspect to it. I enjoy creating environments and worlds that are situated in a particular period, universe, or real location. This allows me to research different cultures and understand their core values. Besides, I love sharing my approach to overcoming obstacles or mental blocks when working on projects. So, I document my progress as much as possible, hoping that it can help others in the future.

As a 3D Environment Artist for games, I find discovering new ways to solve the same problem fascinating. Even though my work is based on traditional 2D, 95% relies on technology. Therefore, new tools, ideas, and creations are consistently emerging. What interests me the most in this field is seeing how innovative people can be and learning from them. In digital art, people are always kind and helpful, ready to share their feedback and techniques, which is rare.

Art and creating art came to me as I matured into adulthood. I had a hard time finding the medium I was most comfortable with and what I wanted to convey through my work. I used to get stuck with the usual questions, like what I want the viewer to feel and the main goal of my piece, regardless of the medium I was working on. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that creating art is not just about answering these questions. Instead, it’s about building universes that inspire me, whether from a video game, a recent travel experience, or a new culture I’m interested in. My primary goal is to enjoy the process of creating and indulging in references, stories, and ideas. Now, as I progress, in the creation of my work, I will eventually find out the other questions I had before. This approach allows me to create more efficiently without getting stuck on one idea for too long. As a good tip I once was given the faster you decrease the time between the moment you have an Idea and the creation of your art, the better. It might not be your masterpiece, but at least you will be ready for the next piece much sooner and improve by creating more. And not get frustrated and stuck in one single idea for a long time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
L.A is an incredible place. Every time I have friends coming over, it’s always an adventure. The city is a beautiful melting pot of cultures and people from all over the world with different backgrounds, making it rich and diverse. When my friends visit L.A for the first time, I make sure to take them to certain areas and places that are a must-see. Firstly, Santa Monica Beach, the Pier, and Venice are usually some of my first stops. We take a walk along the beach, seeing everyone working out and enjoying the beach, as well as biking and skating. This area has a great vibe, with various restaurants and shops around. It’s always a great welcome area. For good food, I usually avoid the areas right next to the beach and prefer to have a good meal in Abbot Kinney Blvd where you will find better food and many stores to shop around.
Another mandatory place is to stop by the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. Instead of driving to a nearby place to grab a picture, we do the Hollywood sign hike. It’s very enjoyable since they get to see the great view of the city during the day as well as appreciate the Hollywood hills natural life.
Next, I always take them to Griffith Observatory, one of my favorite places in L.A. We visit during sunset so they can see the unique orange and pink skies of L.A as well as appreciate the city at a different time. I also recommend watching the observatory show in the main room. Even if my friends are not super into astronomy, they always leave the room amazed by the experience. Around the area, there are two fantastic restaurants that I would love to shout out to: Gold Burger in Los Feliz, which, for me, does the best smash burger in town, and the second one is Loupiotte Kitchen. If you are looking for a fancier dinner, it’s still affordable with fantastic quality food. It’s one of my favorite places.
Downtown is also a must-visit for the museums and fantastic architecture in every corner of the area. But one of the best things about DT is the variety of food you find there. From the Art District to Little Tokyo, you have it all. Little Tokyo has a special place in my heart and is an area I always take my friends to when I’m in DTLA. I recommend spending some time trying different foods. But my place of choice every time I go around is usually Chinchikurin since they do fantastic okonomiyaki, and it’s always an amazing surprise to my friends who have never tried it. And if they are down for more comfort food, one of the best ramen I have had is right on the next street, at the Daikokuya Little Tokyo.
Additionally, I recommend visiting Silver Lake for its beautiful green parks and the lake, as well as the variety of food options available there. These spots are perfect for experiencing the local life of LA. In conclusion, when my friends come to LA for a couple of days and want to check out the main attractions of the city and still experience great food in beautiful areas, these are the places I would take them to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout our lives, we meet various people who leave an impact on us, either through their actions, teachings, or words. In my journey, many individuals have been crucial in shaping me into who I am today. Firstly, my family, especially my mother, Maria Serralheiro, has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and supported my ambitions. She taught me to be persistent, to be focused, and to believe. Her background in business made her an excellent mentor, and I am incredibly grateful for her unwavering support.

Additionally, my best friend and partner, Carolina do Lago, has been instrumental in shaping my creative and artistic identity. She has influenced my perspective on the world and how I pursue my dreams. Her creative talent and insightful critiques have made me a better artist and person. She has been a constant source of support, inspiration, and encouragement, and I am forever grateful for having her in my life.

In my academic journey, I have been fortunate to have encountered two teachers who will become lifelong friends. Ricardo Ferreira, a VFX Compositor and Supervisor, pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to pursue my dreams abroad. Without him, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to join the Gnomon School of VFX and pursue my passion. I am immensely grateful to him for his guidance and support.

Lastly, Jon Arellano, an Environment Artist at Santa Monica Studio, has been one of the most insightful instructors I have ever met. He teaches at the Gnomon School of VFX. He has helped me discover my passion for creating environments and worlds for others to enjoy. I will always be thankful for his guidance and wise words about art, industry, and life. I just learned so much from him, and I am super thankful for everything!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who have impacted my life significantly, including those not mentioned here. Without your support and guidance, I would not have achieved what I have.

Website: https://www.artstation.com/rafaelserralheiro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rafaelserralheiro_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-serralheiro/

Other: Recent article – https://80.lv/articles/learn-how-to-texture-native-american-environment-using-substance-3d/

Image Credits
Rafael Serralheiro