Artist insight Authentic art
CRAFTING WORLDS THROUGH MEMORY
Discover how Carla Cordelia incorporates elements of her daily life and memories into one-of-a-kind environment concepts
Artist PROFILE
Carla Cordelia
LOCATION: US
Carla is a visual development artist in animation, specialising in environment art and colour keys. She has worked for Netflix and Zag Studio Paris, bringing imaginative worlds and compelling stories to life through her concept art and paintings. www.cordeliacarla.com
When I watch a film, the thing that stands out to me are the environments. Places really set the mood of the entire movie. Growing up, it was the movies Ratatouille and How to Train Your Dragon that made me realise good world-building is what it takes to create an amazing, immersive film. I often imagine myself as a character walking around, exploring the places I watch. Intentionally crafting each painting with little stories that invites the audience to experience can be a step to take when working on a concept. Having travelled and lived in different countries, I’ve noticed that sometimes what it takes to push your art further are the little details.
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USE ENVIRONMENT DESIGN TO TELL STORIES
When I design a location in town or city, I think about its age, the many stories that it has witnessed, and how well it has been cared for. Has time worn it down, or left subtle marks? These questions shape how I build the scene. No alleyway or shop is ever flawless – there are always cracks, scuffs and signs of wear. Those small imperfections add authenticity and depth, turning an ordinary setting into one that feels alive and rich with narrative.