iAMDA’s Take on Autodesk’s Creative Studio Suite

Those of you who’ve been following our Facebook posts may know that a few of us recently voyaged to Las Vegas to attend Autodesk University’s Creative Studio Suite. A spin-off from last year’s mobile digital art gallery exhibit (coordinated by Autodesk Sketchbook’s Chris Cheung and curated by the lovely and uber-talented, Susan Murtaugh).

Happy to report that the Creative Studio was absolutely awesome! Time for a massive debriefing!

From a real life size (and fully functional) R2D2 replica and very popular DIY LED light and marshmallow shooter stations to live demos, talks, presentations and life drawing sessions–the creative studio exuded instant inspiration for anyone who was lucky enough to stroll in.

The 5000 square foot room included a gallery of images created by 10 ‘cream of the crop’ mobile Sketchbook users (including many members of the iAMDA community). There was also a beautiful “Art for Hope” exhibit coordinated by Viz Media, to raise money and awareness for the victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake.  Gorgeous images and they’ve produced an ebook for download (all proceeds going towards rebuilding Japan.) You can check it out (and even buy the $5 e-book) here!

Another big hit was Wacom Cintiq and Epson Station–fully stocked with some of the best comic artists on the planet!  A joy to stand and watch–as there was always some interesting image emerging on display screens.

Folks like Jay Shuster of Pixar; the insanely talented and exclusive Marvel artist, Phil Noto; Daniel Simon (creator of those awesome Tron Legacy cars!); industrial designer, Spencer Nugent;  Jacques Pena and Shaun Mullen, concept artists and illustrators extraordinaire (also mobile); and comic artists, Billy Fowler, Matthew Fletcher, Chris Uminga and Kyle Runciman (Autodesk Sketchbook artist) could be found at any given moment–either at the live work stations or on stage any time of the day!

Not to mention there was a fabulous line-up of mobile digital artists to include Benjamin Rabe, Deb McMillion, Susan Murtaugh, Sal Navarro, John Halliday, Luis Peso, Matt Connors (and of course, yours truly .  (You could always find this group huddled around the “future models” a live figure drawing station in the studio–awaiting the next talk/presentation)  Even us folks at iAMDA gave a little pow-wow talk about Mobile Digital Art, iAMDA and the growing community of artists who’ve migrated towards making creative use of every day mobile devices.

Tons of information and ideas were exchanged throughout the event. And we were absolutely blown away by how easy it was to chat with ALL the artists in attendance.  Everyone was open and willing to share ideas–even offering up on-the-spot demos!  We even got a quick marker lesson (yes, there was an analog supply readily available) from the a real talent, Jackson Root of Copics.

All and all it was a grand experience and exposed many to the great things being done with digital technology–very diverse and exciting display.

Major shout to Chris Cheung of Autodesk Sketchbook who did an amazing job with this event and to his delightful team for bringing together such a diverse and open group of creatives.

Already looking forward to attending the next one. And hoping more folks from the mobile digital community will come out and join us–as it really is the sort of inspiration you just don’t want to miss!  So be sure to look out for the next (and we’ll keep you posted too!)

Pics to follow…very soon! promise!