Today we’d like to introduce you to Louie Tucci.
Hi Louie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Los Angeles from Toronto, Canada to pursue a career in computer graphics design. Very quickly, I was afforded an opportunity to join Pixologic Inc. Makers of ZBrush and gradually worked my way into the position of Brand Manager. This happened at a time when the software was relatively new and not as globally recognized as it is today. ZBrush is a digital sculpting application that allows artists to realize fully rendered digital sculptures and take those sculptures from screen to print by way of 3D printing. The software literally changed my life and propelled me down a path that continues to unfold.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In a strange way, my personal struggles facilitate a foundation that makes me resilient, or at least I like to think so. Clear paths to support systems are hard to see when navigating rough waters. I’ve noticed lately that finding help and guidance is somewhat burdensome for young people. This is especially true in cases where post-secondary education is not an option. I’ve been working with high-school students for the last several years in the areas of design and media in an effort to provide access and opportunity to new and emerging technologies. These interactions with young people provide invaluable perspectives.
I would like to take a moment to pause and give thanks to all the people who served as gatekeepers and guides through the dark periods of my own life, and there were many. It takes a long time for some of us to figure out where we think we might like to go…In my case, I spent years involved in many subcultures and fell into a great number of pitfalls before coming to an awakening about the possibilities of becoming a fuller self. Much of what drives me now is a need to facilitate opportunities for others, specifically young people, to reach their fullest potential. There is no denying that certain circumstances are significant drivers in the overall perspective one might adopt as a response to certain traumas. At this stage in my life, introspection and allowing myself to seek help when difficulties arise really provide stability and make overcoming hurdles a manageable undertaking.
When you are working inside a fast-paced technology-driven sector, there is a constant need to continue growing and learning. I see it like a form of martial arts. You continue to work beyond a black belt. There really is no end in sight. I guess what I’m trying to say is struggles don’t fade into the distance as we arrive at some imaginary finish line. If you are involved in continually trying to push yourself further, you’ll invariably encounter challenges. The way we deal with the challenges changes accordingly and in concert with our lives experiences…and I like to think at this point that I’ve had many lived experiences. (Chuckle)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My role as Brand Manager with Pixologic Inc. Makers of ZBrush really helped to cement my relationship with artists around the world. I’d say connections to other like-minded creatives is something I hold dear. My area of specialty is digital sculpture and design. I am currently working as a digital sculptor designing toys and installation pieces. My recent work includes the HBO Game of Thrones Emmy Party centerpiece along with principle sculpting for the first-ever officially licensed line of toys for The Prisoner television series starring Patrick McGoohan. It’s incredible how much fanfare that line of toys has garnered recently. When asked to do the work, I hadn’t really heard of the show. It was a short-lived series in the 1960’s but maintains a cult following.
I’ve also maintained teaching positions at academic institutions like the Gnomon School, Laguna College of Art and Design and Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. Throughout the year, I also facilitate lectures for members of the animation, illustration and costume designer’s guilds by way of the Art Director’s Guild of America. Those workshops are always an incredible learning experience because I’m fortunate to sit with other working professionals and hear about various challenges within the professional pipeline.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I really enjoy listening to music while creating artwork. One album that finds its way into constant rotation is the 2019 Nights In EP by Hiyasu. The album is fantastic. I should preface this by letting everyone know it’s about eight minutes total with only four tracks. Often, I just let it play on repeat. Another great record is the Helen Burns EP by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers released in 2012. Good stuff! I recently discovered an album called Open Window by Feeding Goats published in 2021. Most of the time, I look for natural extensions of the kinds of sounds found on early electric Miles Davis records. The energy is right.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.louietucci.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louietucci/?hl=en
Image Credits:
Headshot: John Skalicky HBO Game of Thrones, Emmy Party: Gabor Ekecs, Designs by Billie Butchkavitz, Digital Sculpture by Louie Tucci
