Featured Artist: Loay Ahmed Maher Shaban, London, UK
Loay Ahmed Maher Shaban 2024
Loay Ahmed Maher Shaban, 3D Animator @ Black Kite Studios
Loay Ahmed Maher Shaban is a talented 3D Creature Animator with a deep passion for creature animation. Renowned for his exceptional acting choices and dynamic, believable mechanics, he has proven to be a reliable and skilled member of his team, even when faced with complex and challenging shots.
Loay's professionalism is complemented by his warm and friendly personality, a good sense of humor, and a positive outlook. He thrives as a team player, maintaining excellent relationships with both peers and supervisor. eyond his technical skills, he is celebrated for his kind heart and great personality.
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What inspired you to pursuing a creative career in 3D Animation?
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Okay, let's start from the very beginning.
I graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in El Menoufia, Egypt. I enrolled in this faculty thinking that I was destined to become an engineer. Already in my first year, I started volunteering in many student activities such as the IEEE Menoufia Student branch, Enactus Egypt, etc.
Through my volunteer life there, I started to discover some aspects I never knew I had; art, animation, and creativity in all its forms. It didn’t take long for me to realize I was completely captivated: I fell in love with it.
That's where and how my journey began!
Long story short, I graduated in 2014 and and immediately started my career as a motion graphics artist. Around the same time, I began teaching myself visual effects (VFX). This dedication paid off when I landed my first VFX role as a junior generalist with TrendVFX.
What made your journey to focusing on creature animation so memorable for you?​
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I have never forgotten my first passion, animation.
After a year as a generalist, I was lucky enough to get a position as a junior 3D animator iwithin the same company. This opportunity was greatly influenced by the remarkable Alaa Afifa and his amazing courses, which played a pivotal role in my growth.
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During my two years as an animator at Trend VFX, I had the privilege of contributing to some of the most successful sequences for top broadcast shows in the Middle East. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the guidance and expertise of my animation supervisor, Mahmoud El Manakhly.
Check my IMDB
After that, I wanted to improve my skills in creature animation and I joined the, CAW (Creature Animation Workshop), the best creature school from the ledge animator Danu.
That is the most memorable experience that changed my understanding of animation.
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After that I joined the Viskefi UK forces. working on the most realistic creature shots.
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After that I joined Windmill Lane in Dublin for 2 months, where I worked on the Elk sequence for the Joe Pickett season 2 TV show. Following that, I joined Black Kite Studios forces, working on very cool commercials featuring creatures.
And this is just the beginning ! I will keep going and keep pushing my muscles to their peak!
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What tools are you familiar with using in your work?
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​I'm using Maya, Unreal, Arnold, After Effects, and Photoshop, and I'm very familiar with Unix (CentOS distribution) and ShotGrid.
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What’s your big dream Loay? Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
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​​​​My dream?
I've always dreamed of working with Weta FX, and I hope that one day, that dream will come true.
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What advice can I give?
My advice for aspiring artists: Never let anyone steal your inner peace. Keep pushing yourself, not for others, but for your own growth and passion!
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How has GridMarkets helped you ?
Currently, I'm working on personal projects like Alpha Lion Showing Off and Miles Morales New Power.
GridMarkets has been the perfect solution for my rendering needs, delivering fast results at an affordable cost! I rely on GridMarkets for all my freelance work, as it has never once let me down.
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Is there someone special you'd like to thank for their support?
All the credits goes for my amazing wife Elham Amer, pipeline developer at BOT VFX . She has been supporting me and encouraging me to be the best version of myself. I wouldn't do anything without her help.
I would like my dear friend Mohammed Barghout, lead 3D asset at trend VFX for amazing Lighting, shading and render.
And of course my dear friend Mohamed Abd Elaziz, VFX supe for his work on FX simulation and comp both shots
And finally special thanks for the great supe James Bown on his notes and support on the Spiderman personal shot.
Thank you Loay!