The Art Of Droids

Self-taught artist Paul Johnson shares his droid renders and explains why Autodesk’s ART renderer is perfect for astromechs.

- Paul Johnson

Self-taught artist Paul Johnson shares his droid renders and explains why Autodesk’s ART renderer is perfect for astromechs

Self-taught artist and Star Wars fan, video game producer Paul Johnson has crafted a niche for himself amongst film fans with his series of Star Wars themed renders and projects.

“Like many in the entertainment industry a massive influence on me entering this field was Star Wars,” says Paul. “I guess I was at the perfect age when the first film came out, seven years old, and it has been a big creative influence and inspiration ever since.”

With each new Star Wars project, Paul has aimed to teach himself new techniques and hone his self-taught CG abilities. Modelling and rendering the droids from his favourite film franchise looked like a great way to improve his skills.

“Initially I did R2-D2 as I figured he is a cylinder with a half-dome on top, how hard can that be? I imagined it would be an easy introduction to modelling,” explains Paul. “Well, as it turns out, R2 has a lot of hidden details. Once I started to research the droid I found that a significant amount of the modelling I had done was not accurate. That then started me on a cycle of madness that goes on to this day. With every new updated blueprint – the guys over at the R2Builders club have done an amazing job of researching and documenting every measurement and part – and render engine I move onto, R2 comes over with me and I update him.”

R2-D2 updates

Paul is quick to admit to his obsession with R2-D2. Each time the artist looks to test a new render software or update he pulls his model off the virtual shelf and gets to work.