Creativepool profile: creativepool.co.uk/freelancedirectory/LeeRay
Website: lee-ray.com
" I am an experienced Artist and Illustrator with a B.A.Hons Degree in Product Design and 16 years experience in creating Concept Design, Illustration, and CG Models for Video Games, Books, Film and T.V. I have a strong ability to translate verbal and written briefs quickly into workable designs for your projects. I enjoy a challenge and relish working in new genres. "
How long have you been a Freelancer for?
I have been Freelancing since the end of 2009.
Describe your work in one sentence.
Conceiving and visualising ideas to fulfil the needs of the script.
Who are some of the clients you have worked for?
BBC, CBBC, Endemol and Retort.
What's the most important thing you've learned in your line of work?
Flexibility and speed.
What attracted you to your chosen field?
I always wanted to work in Entertainment Design; I wanted to be one of the first to visualise the script and brainstorm the possibilities.
Tell us about your best project to date.
Luckily for me all of the TV shows I have been involved in have been great experiences: I enjoyed the freedom of working on a kids TV show, HOUNDED, designing the variety of vehicles and locations where you were limited in time but not necessarily ideas. The 99s with Endemol was an education in trans-continental production and solving some of the cultural problems that arose when visualising props and vehicles for the show. Recently I have been involved in three pilots for new shows, V-Sign, A Saucerful of Secrets (with Johnny Vegas), and Deadbeats for BBC3 a Supernatural sitcom where I finally got to design some characters.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
I like to think I have a unique eye for interpreting a brief and quickly incorporating feedback. I learnt a long time ago not to be precious about my work.
If you could work on any project for any company/organisation, what would it be and who would it be for?
I am actively pursuing work as a concept artist within the Film Industry; it is quite a hard area to break into without connections. Realistically, I really want to get onto Dr. Who. I have sent work in and hope my connections at the BBC will put in a good word. However, they are quite a closely knit unit, so....one day.
What frustrates you the most about your job?
Having people approach you and assume you’ll work for free. I usually find these people consider Art and Design a service they shouldn't have to pay for.
What pearl of wisdom can you offer to someone thinking about starting out as a freelancer?
Be prepared to work very hard just to get a paid job and when you do always be looking for the next one.
If you could have ONE super power, what would it be?
Freeze Time....you never seem to have enough of it.
What's your favourite bit of kit?
I recently invested in a Wacom Cintiq 21ux and I have to say its completely revitalized my approach to digital art. I always struggled using a traditional Tablet; that physical break from where the pen touches to where the stroke appears has always been an issue for me. I could use it but it always felt like I was drawing by proxy and the other guy had had a few, if you know what I mean.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
One of the few people I know who really liked Luc Beesons The Fifth Element.
What's your favourite song of all time?
Too many to name here. I do tend to listen to classical or Film Scores while I work.
What is your favourite app?
Sketchbook Pro Mobile.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook for fun, Twitter for work. When I finally get something interesting to say.
Eat in or out?
Both, depending on mood and finances.
If you would like to step into the Creativepool Spotlight, email through some examples of your work
