Studio V: This week I'm speaking with the very talented Gtirob01. As one of Simviation's multiple JC winner & runner-up finisher, as well as several podium finishes in the monthly best of comps, it's no secret that Rob knows his craft well. So let's dive in and get to know him a little better. Hello rob thanks for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself with us.
Gtirob01: Thanks for the opportunity to give a little of my own flavor into these forums. I came to Simviation not long after I was given FSX as a gift from my girlfriend. As with most new people to FS, I had lots to learn. I've never had any of the previous FS versions, but did use the old Jane's F-15 simulator several years ago. Ever since I was a kid, I had always loved flying, and have always wanted to fly. I did get to fly several times in many Cessna's, and a Piper Archer II. In fact my very first flight was in a Cessna 182rg, and flew out of cloudy and rainy Montgomery Field in San Diego. I remember it like it just happened yesterday! Currently trying to save enough money to begin earning my PPL... but that will take lots of time!
1. StudioV: What are some of your other hobbies aside from flight simming and screenart?
Gtirob01: I am an automotive mechanic by trade (Honda), so naturally I love tinkering with things. Be it a car, a computer, or even a plastic model... anything to keep me occupied. I guess you can say that I like to get my hands dirty! I'm a big racing fan (Sorry, not one bit a nascar fan! haha). I prefer racing like DTM, F1, WRC, and things of that sort. When living in San Diego, I surfed often, went snowboarding many winter weekends, and entered my own car into various car shows. I have posted photos of my car here before, but in case you have not seen them, I have a 2001 VW GTI (where my screen name comes from) with many, many modifications. Another thing I've done that most would not expect from a California boy.... I played ice hockey from about 5th grade all the way through high school, and even continued playing in adult leagues after high school. Played center for the San Diego Jr. Gulls. Yea, I like to keep busy!
2. StudioV: It's a known fact that you're very good at editing screenshots. What inspired you to edit and do you have any hints for the "new editor"?
Gtirob01: Honestly, I have no idea where my inspiration came from! lol. If I had to narrow it down I'd say it is because I always loved art classes and photography in school, and enjoyed creating things. For new editors I'd say to really get to know your program. Be it Photoshop, Paintshop, whatever... know its limitations and features. When I began, I had no clue what "layers" were, or how to use them. That was a key for me once I learned how to use them. Also, make multiple copies (layers) in case you mess something up. You can just go back to the other copy and start over.
3. StudioV: Do you feel that composites have an advantage over edited screenshots, and why?
Gtirob01: Yes and no. I believe that a composite is made to look as real as possible, while an edit is to let a little of your artistic side show. Both are art, but I feel you have a little bit more freedom to have fun with a straight edit. Composites take much more time, and take a lot of concentration to cut out your subject. But I do not believe that one has an advantage over the other so long as they are done well.
4. StudioV: In your opinion, what makes a good edit and/or a good screenshot?
Gtirob01: Originality. It's always nice to see something different. A different angle here, another color there, cropping the right areas... they all contribute to a good shot. We all get a form of "writer's block" when it comes to screenshots... but just keep at it. Explore different angles, colors, effects.
5. StudioV: Obviously, you need the right software to do a good quality edit, what programs/plugins do you use, and do you favor any particular effects?
Gtirob01: I work with Photoshop 7. Have many plugins that include; Filter Forge photo effects and frames, "Flood" from Flaming Pear, Virtual Photographer from optikVerve Labs, Luce, and a few addons from Red Paw Media. My favorite plugin has to be Flood. There is just so much you can do with it. As for standard Photoshop filters, I often use the High Pass filter to sharpen the image. I also use the gradient map feature quite often to get a nice mix of colors in my shots.
6. StudioV: You've won the JC contest multiple times, as well as the monthly best ofs, what do you think is secret to the success of your shots? Which was your favorite winning shot?
Gtirob01: Going back to one of the previous questions, I believe that originality is a key. With the JC contests, the shot is subjective depending on the judge. So as the rules say... look at what the judge has posted for examples and go from there. Sometimes a simple shot rules for one judge, while for another a full edit/composite is the way to go. Look at their posts to see their style, likes, and preferences. And also, try to go with an aircraft or paint that you don't often see. That's one of the main things I try to do.
My favorite winning shot... that's a tough one. But If I had to say just one, it would be a shot that was a runner-up for best of edited in June 2009. Its a shot of a Tomcat (of course!) just after a trap on the Nimitz, and is turning off to park. The shot was created to give an eerie, dark, stormy... yet cinematic effect.
7. StudioV: How do you view the world of screenart now, compared to a year ago? And do you see this area of FS remaining strong for a long time?
Gtirob01: Working with FSX, there have been so many high quality addons released both freeware and payware, that you can make your shot look very real. I have seen some shots posted by others that looked like actual photographs. I didn't see a whole lot of that just a year ago. FSX appears as if it will be around for quite some time, so I do believe that screen art will get better, and will grow. I go at it like I'm taking an actual photograph, and I believe others may do the same
8. StudioV: What is your current favorite addons, and what makes them so special to you?
Gtirob01: My most recent addition, and one of the biggest changes to my FSX has to be REX. That program just makes everything so realistic with the high definition cloud textures, to the wide array of ocean textures available. The FTX sceneries are also a favorite of mine with the great looking airports and surrounding areas.
I have 2 very different types of aircraft that I always seem to default to. The Project Opensky 777-2/300, and of course the F-14. With the 777, it was the huge engines that got my attention. Even though the Posky 777 was intended for FS9, I wanted to figure out how to make it work well in FSX. So myself and a few others on this forum (Daube for one) set out to make things work. How could you not love that VC... it looks incredible! Problem is, people were having a lot of trouble installing all the necessary items to get it to work. So one day I just decided to put it all together and upload it to SimV. So far so good! And with the Tomcat, well.... just see the next question.
9. StudioV:
8-)
Great read
