Yousef Alhaddad is a distinguished VFX/3D artist whose journey from Saudi Arabia to the United States exemplifies cultural adaptation and professional excellence. He has made significant contributions to blockbuster films like “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” “The Flash,” and “Black Adam,” showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and technical prowess.
Yousef’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries has established him as a key figure in digital artistry, shaping unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Thank you, Yousef, for sharing your insights and answering our questions.
IMAGE: YOUSEF ALHADDAD
Q: Yousef Alhaddad, you’ve been a crucial part of Made By Things since 2022. As the lead 3D artist, how has your technical expertise and creative vision impacted the company?
A: My time at Made By Things has been exceptional. In my position, I have worked on various significant projects that combine technical know-how with creative flair. One standout project was developing 3D characters for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. These characters were meant to interact with young patients through interactive screens, aiming to engage and entertain them.
Balancing the visual appeal of the characters with the technical demands for real-time interactions was a distinctive challenge. It provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities and technical skills. Seeing the positive effects of this project on both the audience and my own professional growth has been immensely fulfilling.
Q: In September 2023, you led the “Dream Come True” advertisement campaign for Provide Company. What was that experience like?
A: I had the exceptional opportunity to lead the Dream Come True campaign as the main 3D artist. I oversaw all aspects of the 3D art process, such as modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and rendering.
My aim for the project was to push creative boundaries and introduce fresh 3D ideas. The characters I designed were central to the campaign, representing the innovative ethos of Provides. Seeing the final advertisement come to fruition and create a significant impact was immensely satisfying.
Q: In January 2024, you spearheaded a project for Torani. Can you tell us more about that?
A: The Torani project presented an exciting challenge as I transformed their beloved 2D characters into striking 3D creations while maintaining their authentic charm and brand identity. By combining Autodesk Maya with our team’s proficiency in Cinema4D, we established a hybrid production process that leveraged the advantages of both software platforms.
This method not only maintained the core of Torani’s characters but also enhanced them for dynamic showcases at prominent industry gatherings like IFT FIRST and Americas Food and Beverage Show. It was incredibly rewarding to see our creations captivate and engage numerous industry experts and buyers.
Q: Before joining Made By Things, you worked at Eyeline Studio powered by Netflix. What were some highlights from that time?
A: My time at Eyeline Studio was a pivotal experience that allowed me to contribute to several major Hollywood productions, including Black Adam, The Flash, and Aquaman 2. In my role, I specialized in post-processing volume-captured geometry and textures, which played a crucial role in elevating the visual quality of these films.
Notably, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom enjoyed significant box office success, and my meticulous attention to detail and technical proficiency were key factors in shaping the overall outcome of each project.
Q: Your journey from Saudi Arabia to the United States is quite inspiring. How has this transition influenced your work?
A: Transitioning from Saudi Arabia to the United States has brought about a profound journey of geographical and cultural change. This shift has significantly influenced my professional endeavors by exposing me to diverse perspectives and new opportunities.
Engaging in cross-cultural partnerships has enabled me to adjust and create in ways I had not previously imagined, resulting in the accomplishment of several prominent projects. This stands as evidence of the global talent synergy and the impact of diversity in fostering achievement.
Q: You’ve also collaborated with several other companies. Could you elaborate on these experiences?
A: I have worked with prestigious companies like Seedify Fund, BUCK Design, Otherworld, and Blackbook Studio. These collaborations have not only shown my versatility but also highlighted the impact of my work.
For example, my 3D animation project for Provide received two award nominations from the Iowa Motion Picture Association and won in both categories. These experiences demonstrate my dedication to pushing creative boundaries, whether by creating immersive art installations or designing low-poly landscapes for Apple Maps.
Q: What do these awards mean to you?
A: Being recognized by the Iowa Motion Picture Association with awards such as the Award of Achievement for Animated Entertainment – Short Form and the Award of Achievement for Digital Marketing is a great honor.
These awards serve as validation for the hard work and dedication I have poured into my projects. It is truly rewarding to see my efforts acknowledged and to know that my work is appreciated by others in the industry.
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