Interview with Habib Bakas

What has always motivated me to create designs is the idea of creating my own universe in the form of a video game or an interactive story. I love creating characters and the environments in which they evolve.

Yes of course! No one but fate pushed me to become a designer! Design is my passion, and I spend every evening working on my own project.

I concentrated on several types of design. As I'm creating my own video game, alone, I have to design environments, items, characters, and their accessories. It's very rewarding, but it takes up all my time!
At the moment, I'm creating the characters. It's a cyberpunk world, so I'm drawing on both reality and fantasy. This leads me to conceive more types of design. Also the level design of the game, and the architecture of the locations.

I don't know myself, because I don't consider myself as a design Legend at all! The only thing I can say and apply to myself is that you have to be interested in many fields, not just design. Take an interest in different sports, for example, or in different cultures, different ways of looking at the world, current affairs, science and its discoveries... You have to be curious about everything, both in terms of culture and design techniques, to see how others approach or make a design, how they do it, and see if we can use their techniques to create our own designs.

In my opinion, a great designer is distinguished from a good designer by his originality, by his approach to design. It doesn't have to be technical, but if the concept is original, something we're not used to see, something we hadn't thought of, then it's a great designer.

For example, if the design is for an object or an accessory, if it works, if it's beautifully shaped, if it's original, if it stands out from the crowd. So I'd say by its originality and the shapes or curves of the object.

Its value resides in its originality. Originality brings copies. Everyone will want to copy and create their own version of this design. To be a pioneer, to have a pioneering design before anyone else, that's what you have to invest in.

I design my own video game or interactive story. This includes characters, story world, cities, props and costumes. I'm fully satisfied creating it on my own, as it allows me to see many forms of design.
If I have time, I create portraits of my loved ones.

The project I had with my friend when I was 15! I'm in the process of realizing it, but with a slightly different vision than when we first imagined it! I think I'll have 3 or 4 years before I finish it. Very time-consuming.

I'd say take time and step back from what you're doing. Time is the best ingredient for creativity.

In my specific field, 3D characters, I'd say "Ibrahim Sefki" and "Ian Spriggs". For drawing, I love "Yoshitaka Amano". As for fine arts, I really like "Gustav Klimt", "Alphonse Mucha" and "Rembrandt". And on the creative side, even though he's neither an engineer nor a designer, but for me, a creative genius, I love "Steve Jobs".

At the museum of "H.R. Giger", the creator of the “Xenomorph” in “Alien the movie. His museum, the particular architecture of some places, his design brilliance in the science fiction genre. I'm also very sensitive to interior furnishings, if the design of the objects has "futuristic shapes”.

I don't have a greatest design yet, I hope I'm creating one. I hope the project I'm working on could be a greatest design. I think the most important aspects are originality, and that it reaches as many people as possible.

Curiosity! Being interested in everything! Do things you're not used to do, see other design styles, other types of design.

I think I'd be a potato farmer on Mars!

Anything that affects us and makes us want to see it. Design is creativity. Design is art that is useful to others.

They're the people closest to me, the ones I love. But also what I see in everyday life that affects me.

I still don't consider myself as a great designer! I have so many things to do and realize, to try out, with all the mistakes I make. It's a long way from considering myself as such!

The constant doubt that I'll never succeed. The gaze of others, whether good or bad. All the repeated failures. But as they say, when there's a will there's a way! It's bound to happen one day!

On video. And broadcast the video presentation of their designs. Don't hesitate to show them at design events too.

This is the realization of my video game project, or interactive story (the exact form is not yet definitive). In 3 or 4 years' time, I'd be delighted to present it to you, especially at an upcoming A' Design Award competition!

The realization of this project, the project that has been with me for several years. To present it to everyone, for free.

My support and advice. Whether it's a look at what the person is creating, or the techniques I use to make my designs. Encouraging them to create. Let them know they're not alone.

It helps a lot! Design can change everything! It brings beauty, utility, something out of the ordinary and out of our monotonous daily lives. If that design is useful and functional, even better. It allows us to escape mentally, and imagine ourselves in another world. Design links all cultures, all peoples around the world.

On my personal project that I've been wanting to create for over 25 years! I'm trying to create a cyberpunk universe around an interactive short film (an interactive story). I'm creating the main characters, sculpting them and integrating them directly into Unreal Engine 5. I can't wait to get the project well under way and show it to you soon. For me, it would be the culmination of my entire design life.

The current project, on which I work hard every day. It's a whole universe, and I see many different aspects of design (architecture, character, objects, costumes, accessories). It's my design dream!

From a technical and artistic point of view, I'd love to see the development of a digital museum, where you can see works and designs in augmented reality. Virtual designs all over the city.

From a professional point of view, I'd like to see the industry give more chances to people who don't have a diploma, who don't necessarily have a voluminous art portfolio, to give them a chance to prove what they can do with an art test. No pre-selection of candidates, but directly give them an art test.

I think the design field is moving towards augmented reality or virtual reality. Seeing designs directly at home, or in the streets, wherever you are. Seeing them in 3 dimensions, with augmented reality glasses or your phone. There's also the question of AI, which generates designs by copying those of real designers.

It depends on the project. But on the latest project I'm currently working on, it's several years of work. It all depends on the project.

I gather as much information as possible on the various aspects of the design to be created. The history of the object to be designed, how it works, what already exists. Is it an entirely original object? A phase of iconographic research is very important. Then comes the sketching stage, in search of possible silhouettes for the design. Once the shapes are defined, the materials and textures of the design are researched. And finally, the final composition of the design, with a view to its presentation.

My motto is “nothing is impossible” and everything has to be created!

That's a very good question. I think there's an original design, and then there are many forms of design based on it. An original design that sets new trends.

For me, it's a major, even essential role. Technology is all about connecting with others, and therefore giving everyone access to design, no matter where they are. Technology also makes it possible to design in 3D. Augmented reality is a game changer in the field of design.

I use my pen tablet and Photoshop to draw and conceptualize first ideas very quickly. I use "PureRef" which is a mini program that allows you to bring to the foreground lots of images you've collected. I use Zbrush for virtual sculpture, maya (3D) and Blender, Adobe substance painter and Mari to paint objects and characters in 3D, and Unreal Engine 5 to integrate them into a video game engine and design the world I'm thinking of.

Color, materials and light play a fundamental role in design. It gives design an artistic vision. Something dark or colorful can evoke different emotions and moods. It's all part and parcel of the mood, the universe you want to give your design. Light is just as important.

I don't expect them to ask me questions about my designs, just to like or dislike what I do. Let them tell me what it provokes in them when they see the design, and not necessarily look for the real meaning of the design. Everyone is free to give their own interpretation and the use they see in the design. That's the best thing for me!

It gives me immense joy and drives me to create my own stuff and share it with others.

Yes of course! I love talking to other indie solo creators and game developers who are in a similar situation to me. I chat on Discord. My ideal design partner could be anyone, as long as they're happy to create and contribute their vision.

I don't feel that I'm influenced by anyone in my designs. I'd say it's a universe, a style that influences me, or if someone influences me, I'd say H.R. Giger. For universes, it's science fiction, or anything from the cyberpunk world.

I hardly read any books. I'm more of a cinephile. I love movies and TV shows. For my design, I'd say the Alien universe, Predators, InterStellar, Starship Troopers...

With workshops, master workshops (tutorials). Lots of practical tests to see what works and what doesn't for me. Lots of mistakes and failures. Exchanging with other designers on social networks such as Discord. The exchanges and advice are invaluable! It makes you see things more clearly, and opens you up to other techniques.

With anyone who loves design, there's nothing better than an art or design enthusiast.

The recognition of others, and of professional juries is the most beautiful thing for a designer, and I would even say before having a job, a professional in this field.

My favorite color is purple and Hazel. My favorite food comes from Italy, homemade" lasagne", but also from France as a speciality from my region (Haute-Savoie, called "Tartiflette", and "tarte au citron"). I used to love summer, but now I prefer autumn. My favorite brands are Alienware (Dell) and Apple! I can also say that I love all animals, even the ones that are considered dangerous. Pugs are fun dogs!

A producer I used to work for told me exactly what he wanted, I couldn't do it the way I wanted, and at the end it was really ugly, but he loved it! I'm ashamed of it, and I'll renounce that design forever! Now that there's AI, people like him have to enjoy themselves!

Seeing others succeed in creating what they want, their success and their happiness in showing it. Music also helps me a lot.

I'd say no! but I can reassure you that even today I'm still not one! haha

Everyone will be ultra-connected. We'll have chips embedded in our bodies, quantum computers that will be part of us. We'll be able to exchange information around the world, without the need for physical devices like smartphones or computers. They'll be inside us, and we'll be able to directly create what we're thinking and share it instantly.

I'm in the process of creating an interactive story in which everyone will have a part to play and contribute to the story. I look forward to sharing my current project with them. See you soon!

I don't have a company. I'm an independent creator, and I'm focused on creating interactive 3D work.

For me, design is the artistic expression of one's thoughts, how we see the surrounding things, and how we can rethink them or adapt them to what we think. Design is linked to art. Being able to express visually what you feel, what you think and what you want to show to others. Sharing it freely, and making it accessible to all at no cost. Design is about reshaping something that already exists, according to your own ideas.

It's the creation of characters, their faces, their outfits according to the world in which they are located. And creating the worlds in which the characters find themselves, fantasy worlds, especially science fiction.

It's a character called "Ornica" from the project I'm working on. I'm looking for clothes and accessories that will be useful in the world this character evolves in. I'm really interested in thinking about the usefulness of the accessories and clothes this character wears.

The first thing I created as a professional, when I was working at Eden Games, a company that at the time was part of Atari, was character clothing and accessories for the game "Test Drive Unlimited 2". I had to sculpt them in 3D (with Zbrush), paint them virtually (for the textures) and integrate them into the game engine.

My favorite material is my graphics tablet, drawing on photoshop, sculpting virtually in 2brush, painting them with Substance Painter, and finally integrating them into a video game engine which is Unreal Engine I've always preferred to draw or create on the computer. Virtual art is exciting!

At the end of the day and especially in the evening! haha! It's the only time when my mind is at rest, when everyone else is asleep!

The most important aspect for me is the history of this design, what is the history of this object, has it been used before? For me, design is all thinking about the history of what we create. And the environment in which it fits.

A great joy, especially when I know which direction to take. Sometimes a little sad when I don't succeed!

Proud! not because I did it, but because I went as far as I thought I could, overcoming all the technical difficulties, but also the time constraints and doubts about what I was doing. To see something through to the end is to tell yourself that you can do it!

I honestly don't know. I'd probably say, once you've decided that the design is finished, that there's nothing left to correct or do. Or maybe we've done all we can, and we're showing it as it is.

Sorry, but I can't judge whether a design is good or not. For me, judging a design shouldn't take place. Rather, it should be whether the design touches me personally or whether I'm not sensitive to what I see.

A designer must ensure that his or her design respects the environment, does not contribute to the deterioration of nature and the ethics of the design components (that it is not morally reprehensible).

In my opinion, the future of design is virtual. Augmented reality (not virtual reality). Being able to see designs anywhere in the real world. That several people can share the same design, no matter where they are on Earth. The future of design isn't A.I! Because everyone's afraid of AI, that it'll replace designers, but AI doesn't think, it copies what already exists. Designers will always have their role, and even using AI as a creative support, why not.

I haven't tried to do any exhibitions, as all my time is devoted to the realization of my life's work (a project I'm working on alone and which is taking several years).

My inspiration comes from what I feel on a daily basis, it can be about things I see that affect me (discrimination, violence, things that provoke emotions). I create a story and an alternative world, and all the things in that world I try to realize them in 3D. For me, music plays a fundamental role in the creative and visual process. Music allows you to concentrate fully on what you're inventing, isolating yourself from all distractions (social networks, outside noises, people calling on the phone). I try to detach myself from that, and that's why evenings are the best time to create! Less distraction, more freedom!

I don't know if I have a predefined style. I hadn't really thought about it. In fact, I attach a lot of importance to realism, but alternative realism, like science fiction or cyberpunk.

I live in France. I am French and I was born in France. My mother is French and my father Moroccan. I am of mixed race, french blood and moroccan blood. But my culture is French, Catholic. In my life, despite having French blood, I've been the victim of discrimination, especially today, in these troubled times! This has a profound impact on how I feel and on what I create! I've stopped using social networks (except those with a professional or artistic purpose). My current creative project is in line with this, and aims to highlight all the beautiful French values that seem universal to me, that of equality, freedom and fraternity with all the people on this Earth! I love my country more than anything, for all its values, but I also love other countries! For example, my favorite countries are Italy and England, Japon! I feel my culture in the things I create, but I think that art is universal, all human beings feel emotions.

I work for myself and what I want to present to others for free.

I've always wondered. I failed for several years to work again, for a design company, even after working at Eden Games! No company was ever interested in me! And yet I have several university degrees in Design! I gave up, and now I'm working as an indie solo game developer on my own project! I don't care about working for a company! the most important thing is to create, designing something, and do what you think!

I think it's very banal. I think about the stories behind what I'm creating (characters, objects, scenery), and I start by researching what already exists. Study their concepts, analyze what I can bring to these objects that already exist. If I'm designing something that doesn't exist, I try to get as close as possible to something that does exist, and I tweak its design to fit my own. Then I push the concept further and try to make the thing credible, if it's going to exist in this world, how does it work? Then I create the thing in 3D.

My favorite design item at home is my bed! I'm kidding! It's a lamp and a shelf (piece of furniture) that's quite artistic (original design). I don't have 5 design items at home. Because I prefer to give beautiful things to others. I don't like to keep beautiful things for myself, I don't need them, and I don't feel the need. For me, design is virtual!

Coffee, coffee and more coffee! Fortunately, I don't smoke! haha. I start by doing my housework for the day, thinking about what I need to do and how to deal with the creative, technical difficulties I face. I do, re-do and re-do again until I think that's what I want. I listen to a lot of video game music, film music and a lot of rock'n'roll! It helps me focus on what I need to create! Then at the end of the day I walk around in town for an hour or 2 and see people having fun, walking around, doing sports. It helps me appreciate life. I'm always looking at what I'm doing, even when I'm cleaning, so I can see where I need to work on my design. Like the title of a song by one of my favorites bands, Nine Inch Nails, “Every day is exactly the same”.

With pleasure! Even if others professionals, tell you that what you're doing sucks, isn't beautiful, or isn't right, you've got to keep going! Appreciation is subjective, and the most important thing is to keep creating until you like it for yourself! You may find that what you're doing isn't great at all, but that doesn't mean you can't make another design in the meantime, and come back to the design you've made that you don't like, and rework on it. There's nothing better than taking your time, getting things done and being patient!

The positive things about being a designer are the creative freedom and the intellectual ability to conceive things. As for the more negative points, they are the time it takes to create things (time consuming), and the way other people look at our profession, especially in France, where some people really wonder if it's a profession, and to look for a real job when you're not employed by a company!

Always listen to yourself and do what you feel, never listen to others, because they don't know any more than you do! Having their opinions is important, but don't do things the way they see things, otherwise they'll just have to do it themselves, or even better, ask the AI to do it!

Be curious about everything and anything! Open-mindedness is the best way to think of things you'd never have thought of yourself! Open-mindedness, and sharing knowledge with others in professional networks such as LinkedIn or Discord. There's nothing better in the life of a designer than free and open sharing!

I use my pen tablet and Photoshop to draw and conceptualize first ideas very quickly. I use "RefPure" which is a mini program that allows you to bring to the foreground lots of images you've collected. I use Zbrush for virtual sculpture, maya (3D), substance painter and Mari to paint objects and characters in 3D, and Unreal Engine 5 to integrate them into a video game engine and design the world I'm thinking of. For books, I use PDF versions, and I have a number of them, particularly on virtual character sculpting (“Anatomy for Scultors” for example).
My sources of inspiration tend to come from films and TV series!

It's really very hard morally indeed! Just for one of my characters, it takes me over a year to create it! Designing it, sculpting it, painting it, rigging it, integrating it into Unreal Engine! And then, I have to make others characters, create environment props, buildings, and do a bit of programming. It's hard but exciting! You just have to get on with it. There's nothing like being patient and getting on with it!

A lot of time!

Is this your real job?

I'd say my job at Eden Games.

I no longer work for others. I work for myself, on my own project. There's nothing better!

Science fiction, cyberpunk! I love this universe because it allows you to create an alternative reality that's also believable. Inventing objects, environments, outfits, and characters: it's all so exciting!

To create my interactive story project! This project will take me a few years, probably another 3! And then present it to Epic Games (Unreal Engine 5, at “CNC : French word meaning “center national du cinéma et de l'image animée” for in english "National center for cinema and animated images").

I develop my design myself, alone.

For the moment, I'd rather not say, but in the near future, I'll be delighted to present it to you at an upcoming “A' Design Award competition”.

People can contact me here :
1. LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibbakas
2. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nini_noisette

The question is, what does the “A' Design Award competition” mean for me? I'd say it's one of the finest rewards designers can receive! Recognition from professionals and academics all over the world is the best reward you can get! Even before having a job! Thank you!