Bruno Amezcua

Back in 1995, Toy Story didn’t just introduce audiences to a jealous cowboy doll and an eager space ranger. It introduced the world to the idea that computers could build an entire feature film. Until then, animation was painted frame by frame. Suddenly, filmmakers had a digital canvas, and the results felt both futuristic and deeply human. Kids saw toys come alive, while adults glimpsed the beginning of a storytelling revolution . From Wireframes to Wonder In those early days, every detail was a challenge. Animators had to build characters from wireframe skeletons, then layer on textures and lighting to bring them to life. By today’s standards, the visuals of Toy Story look simple, but in the mid-'90s, they were jaw-dropping. That leap from static computer models to expressive, talking characters set a new standard for what audiences expected from animation. Competition Sparks Creativity Pixar’s success didn’t go unnoticed. DreamWorks soon rolled out Antz and then struck gold w...

Setting the Stage With Light Every animated story begins in darkness—literally. Before lighting artists step in, a CG scene is just a collection of models and textures floating in black space. Adding light doesn’t just make things visible; it sets the stage for how audiences will feel about what they’re seeing. A sunrise can symbolize hope, while harsh fluorescent lights in a sterile lab can stir unease. This is why lighting is often compared to a director’s voice—it tells you how to interpret the moment. Guiding the Audience’s Eye Naturally One of lighting’s superpowers in animation is directing attention without shouting for it. In a crowded cityscape, you don’t need neon arrows to highlight the hero. A carefully placed spotlight or brighter color temperature can subtly draw the viewer’s focus. This mirrors how photographers use light to frame a subject. Think about a scene in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” where the glow of city lights naturally pulls your eye to Miles swingi...

Every masterpiece starts with a sketch, and every sketch relies on fundamentals. Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or refining your craft, mastering the basics of artistic drawing is the difference between random doodles and intentional artwork. Think of fundamentals as the grammar of visual language—once you understand them, you can communicate anything through your art. Let’s break down the essentials in a way that feels approachable, practical, and ready to use in your daily practice. Learning to See Like an Artist The first step in drawing isn’t about your hand—it’s about your eyes. Artists train themselves to see shapes, lines, and values rather than objects. A chair becomes a series of rectangles and curves; a face becomes shadows and proportions. Try blind contour drawing, where you sketch an object without looking at your paper. It may feel odd, but it sharpens observation skills and helps you let go of assumptions about what something “should” look like. D...

Cinematography is the art and science of capturing images for film and animation. It goes beyond simply pointing a camera at a scene; it involves crafting visuals that support the story, evoke emotions, and immerse audiences in the narrative world. From camera angles to lighting, lens choices, and composition, every decision a cinematographer makes impacts how viewers interpret the story. In modern filmmaking and CG animation, cinematography integrates technical expertise with artistic vision to bring narratives to life. The Language of Camera Angles Camera angles are a fundamental tool in cinematography. They guide viewers’ attention, create perspective, and define the relationship between characters and their environment. High-angle shots can convey vulnerability, while low-angle shots emphasize power and dominance. Eye-level shots foster relatability, and over-the-shoulder or point-of-view shots immerse audiences in a character’s perspective. In CG animation, virtual cameras enable...

Cinematic photography is more than just a visual style—it’s a crafted experience that evokes mood, emotion, and narrative. By borrowing techniques from the world of film, photographers can transform static images into frames that feel alive, as if part of a larger story. This approach combines elements such as lighting, framing, editing, and color to immerse the viewer in a specific atmosphere. Whether it’s the soft glow of golden hour, the tension of a shadowed alley, or the quiet of a desaturated street, each choice contributes to the emotional resonance of the image. With the right gear, thoughtful planning, and a strong understanding of cinematic language, photographers can elevate their work beyond documentation into visual storytelling. Mastering this style takes time, experimentation, and a constant eye for the details that shape impactful scenes. The following sections explore key components that help create this compelling aesthetic. 1. Defining the Cinematic Look in Photograp...