Camera Obscura: Mohammad Ali Shakeri is Obsessed with Simplifying
Mohammad Ali Shakeri is all about blending tech with wild imagination, finding endless inspiration in the subtle details of nature.
After 5 years of developing his CG skills, Mohammad started a degree in Civil Engineering, but his heart was always in the Arts. For over two decades he has sculpted digital landscapes that make you question what's real. What really gets him going? Sharing what I've learned and pushing the limits.
LBB> What is your niche craft obsession?
Mohammad> Simplification!
LBB> Where/ when/ how did you first come across this thing?
Mohammad> It is my belief that it occurred to me outside of my art career, during my university studies in civil engineering. Although simplification techniques are traditionally taught academically, few people actually utilise them.
LBB> Was it an obsession straight away or something that has evolved over the years?
Mohammad> It evolved. During my anatomy studies in fine art, I was challenged to consider how to break down human forms into simple shapes and then start on the right foundation instead of drowning in the details. In CGI, our actions are informed by our extensive real-world experience. So what we see in CGI can be simple if we can find it in the real world. With directing a film, instead of having over-complicated camera movements or scene setups, it can serve you to be humble and create something that the audience can easily connect to.
LBB> What are the most interesting debates or conversations you are having around this obsession?
Mohammad> The most fascinating aspect is that if someone is both lazy and intelligent, they will be able to master this technique more quickly!
Convincing clients is always a challenge, especially in TVCs that are client-driven and there is a hierarchy of opinions along the way. In most instances, simplifying and polishing is more beneficial to a project than adding unnecessary details and complications.
LBB> How widespread do you think this obsession is with your peers?
Mohammad> It appears that a lot of artists make things harder for themselves unintentionally.
I am of the opinion that when artists are introduced to simplification techniques and see the results, they embrace the concept.
LBB> Can you share any examples of work where that obsession really came to the fore and elevated the final production? Can you tell us about it and share links if possible?
Mohammad> In every project that I have had the privilege to direct, simplicity is present.
The Clear project is a great example of a simple treatment that has a complex visual.
It looks like a simulation that took a lot design, effort and time. Actually it is a series of simple simulations connected together (like Lego) to produce a beautiful outcome.
Liquid simulations are notoriously tricky and the strategy to create the liquid simulations as separate and modular added a flexibility to the render pipeline. Had we simulated in one go, the project timeline could have been consumed by large simulations that we couldn’t adjust or change.
LBB> For anyone just getting into your field, what advice would you share to help them get their head around this particular thing?
Mohammad> When faced with a challenging problem, take the initiative to break it down. This process is crucial for making it comprehensible; aligning with your existing knowledge and allowing your mind to process it. Once you have found a solution to the core issue, you can then address the complications that arise from it.
