New horizons

Think different Tanya Combrinck looks at the tools that are helping 2D artists push their work into exciting new realms and dimensions

- Tanya Combrinck

More and more artists who have used 2D painting tools for years are expanding their craft into other dimensions and mediums. It's clear that 3D software in particular is opening up new channels of creativity.

Some are going beyond 3D and into AR and physical sculpture. Others are learning game engines. All of this is made more accessible by tools such as Blender, Affinity Studio and Unreal Engine being free to use, making it easier than ever to try new things.

Concept artist Jordan Grimmer tells us that learning Blender has been a turning point for him. “It has completely changed how I approach creating images and has removed barriers when it comes to experimenting with different workflows,” he says. “For example, I may use it to create a simple block-out for an environment shot, just to help with perspective and lighting, and then paint over it in Photoshop. Or I might get more in-depth and model a few assets for my own scenes.”

Getting to grips with 3D can be a challenge, and like many, Jordan found other 3D software overwhelming when he tried to learn it. But Blender was different. “I think with Blender being free and accessible it’s allowed me to learn at my own pace, and there are so many resources out there to help you along. It’s now an industry standard in my field of video games, too.”