"I Have a Penchant for All Things Exaggerated"

Ammolite’s creative director Teresa Fogolari isn't afraid of a grotesque aesthetic or two. Her work pushes the boundaries of reality, blending surreal scenarios with real shapes. Here, Teresa takes a look back at the beginnings of here career in 3D and motion design and the projects she are most proud of.  

Why did you decide to make the move to your new company? What is it about the team there that clicks for you?

I knew someone there and would see the company's work on her socials, and I loved them for the aesthetic, the concepts, and their visuals. I knew they would understand my vision and let me create in my own style. Meeting the team is what sealed the deal for me: they all share the same work ethic, and they made me feel welcome and part of the company from day one.

How did you first get into the industry? What was your very first job in the industry?

Before starting my 3D design career, I worked with fashion brands like J.W. Anderson and Chalayan within their image departments, operating within graphic design. A couple of years ago, I landed my first 3D job at Lucy Hardcastle Ltd, where I stayed in a freelance position for a year and a half until I joined Ammolite.

Where did you learn your craft (film school? Mentored as a runner? Self-taught?)

I graduated from BA (Hons) Creative Direction for Fashion at University of the Arts London less than a year ago. But everything I know about 3D, AR and VR is entirely self-taught. As these are relatively new disciplines, there were no 3D-related courses when I enrolled. However, I am extremely satisfied with my degree, as it taught me to bring my own vision into a discipline that mostly involves technique.

Before doing what you do now, did you work in any other field/ have any different career paths?

Aside from two years of working part-time while at University within graphic design, I have always worked in 3D. At the studio where I was before, and when freelancing, I have taken on a wide array of projects: from advertisements to music videos, from website content to print.

And which creative talents in your field have inspired you in your own career?

As a director, Terry Gilliam as always been a massive inspiration to me, as well as musical productions like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or photographers such as David LaChapelle. I am forever inspired by Terry’s crazy scene designs and stories. I have a penchant for all-things exaggerated, as well as for very grotesque aesthetic, which to me is what The Rocky Horror Picture Show is, and LaChapelle’s works embody out of this world fantasies in an absolutely unapologetic way.

What was your first creative milestone in the industry – the project you worked on that you were super proud of?

The first big project I worked on was a Prada editorial for Yoho! Boy directed by Lucy Hardcastle, where I created all the 3D elements. With Lucy Hardcastle we worked with photographer Lusha Alic, and stylist Jamie Maree Shipton to add CGI background to studio-photos. We created surreal and deserted landscapes, in which we placed the models for the editorial. I enjoy combining real and CGI graphics, as it really helps envisioning realities that are beyond what we know, but not so surreal as to be unbelievable. 

And what recent projects are you proudest of and why?

I am very proud of the AGR x Playstation Portable project, done in partnership with Sensergy. It was the first big production I overtook as a creative director for 3D. I also still love all the works I have done for the Italian jewellery brand ANAME, where they allowed me to create in complete freedom.

What really drives you creatively?

Pop culture and a good story. I like to create visuals that speak very directly to the public, and that support a narrative behind the aesthetic. 

What are the aspects of your work that you really obsess over?

The narrative I want to share with the public. Bringing to life storylines that work with minimal acting involved requires creating environments and atmospheres that speak for themselves.

How would you describe your approach to your work?

A very organised approach that involves plenty of research and planning. When I get inspired, I like to plan out my vision before approaching production. 3D design can take longer to create, especially when it involves building custom models from scratch. This kind of approach allows me to focus more on details once the main part of the work is in place.

When it comes to enjoying the creativity of others, what sort of thing excites and inspires you?

I have a penchant for exaggerated alterations of one's appearance. I love artists as James T. Merry, drag queens as Hungry, or the duo Fecal Matter.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

I am passionate about all things digital. I love learning about new technologies from an academic standpoint. I have worked on a few projects exploring biases in AI, or current perception of it by the general public.