Tell us something about yourself
I’m Mohamed Saber, a passionate digital artist specializing in photo manipulation, matte painting, and creative compositions.
My work is showcased on platforms like DeviantArt, where I constantly strive to push boundaries and bring unique visions to life.
Creative Process and Inspiration
1. What initially drew you to Photoshop and digital art?
I’ve always been fascinated by the power of visual storytelling, and Photoshop offered me the perfect medium to translate my imagination into striking visuals. Its versatility and endless possibilities sparked my creative journey.
2. Where do you find inspiration for your photomanipulations and matte paintings?
Inspiration comes from everywhere—nature, films, architecture, and even dreams. I often draw ideas from observing the world around me and imagining how ordinary scenes can be transformed into extraordinary compositions.
3. Do you have a specific creative routine or ritual before starting a new piece?
I begin by researching and collecting references that resonate with my concept. I usually sketch a rough idea to map out the composition before diving into Photoshop.
4. How do you decide whether a concept will work better as a photomanipulation, matte painting, or digital painting?
The decision depends on the nature of the concept and the desired impact. Photomanipulations suit surreal ideas with strong photographic elements, while matte paintings excel at creating immersive environments. Digital painting allows for complete artistic freedom.
Technical and Artistic Skills
5. What are your go-to Photoshop tools and techniques when creating complex compositions?
I rely heavily on layers, masks, blend modes and adjustment layers to create seamless and dynamic compositions. The brush tool is also essential for refining details and textures.
6. How do you blend different photographic elements to achieve a seamless look in your photomanipulations?
It’s all about matching lighting, perspective, and color. I use tools like curves, color balance, and hue/saturation to ensure consistency across all elements.
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7. Do you use custom brushes, textures, or plugins to enhance your digital paintings or matte paintings?
Yes, I actively use my custom brushes to add unique textures and intricate details to my work.
These brushes are specifically designed to bring depth and originality to my compositions. You can explore and download them from my store.
8. How do you ensure the lighting and color grading is consistent across different photo elements in a composition?
Lighting is crucial, and I often start by imagining the light source. I use tools like gradient maps and selective color adjustments to unify the elements harmoniously.
Matte Painting Specific
9. When working on matte paintings, how do you balance realism with artistic interpretation?
The key is to integrate believable details and maintaining a sense of wonder. I always aim for a balance between reality and imagination.
10. Do you use 3D elements or photo references to build your matte painting environments?
Yes, 3D elements are useful for creating perspective and depth, while photo references inspire realistic textures and details.
11. How do you achieve depth and atmosphere in large-scale environment pieces?
I use techniques like aerial perspective, scaling, and layering. Fading distant elements and adjusting saturation levels add a sense of vastness and atmosphere.
Software And Workflow
12. How do you organize your Photoshop layers and files to keep your workflow efficient?
Grouping layers by category and labeling them clearly are essential. I also work non-destructively, using smart objects and adjustment layers.
13. Do you use any other software alongside Photoshop for 3D modeling, texturing, or post-processing?
Yes, I often integrate Blender for 3D modeling and use Lightroom for fine-tuned post-processing.
14. How do you handle large file sizes and performance issues with complex compositions?
I optimize my workflow by using smart objects, and periodically cleaning up unnecessary layers.
Challenges and Problem Solving
15. What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome the obstacles?
One challenging project involved creating a highly detailed sci-fi matte painting. Managing intricate details and staying true to the concept was tough, but careful planning and iteration helped me overcome it.
16. How do you deal with creative blocks or lack of inspiration?
Taking a break, exploring new mediums, or revisiting past works helps rekindle my creativity. Conversations with fellow artists also offer fresh perspectives.
17. What common mistakes do beginner digital artists make, and how can they avoid them?
Beginners often overlook lighting and color consistency.
Practicing these fundamentals and studying photography can improve their work significantly.
Career and Industry Insights
18. How do you market your work and attract clients or followers?
Social media platforms, art communities, and collaborations help showcase my work. Being consistent and engaging with the audience is key.
19. What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to specialize in photo manipulation or matte painting?
Focus on mastering the basics, experiment fearlessly, and learn from critiques. Building a strong portfolio and networking within the community are vital.
20. Do you have any dream projects or collaborations you hope to work on in the future?
Creating concept art for blockbuster films or collaborating with renowned artists on visionary projects would be an incredible experience.