Interview with Nicolo Paolino

Winner of Tomorrow 2019 Challenge

MARCH, 2020

Software Used :
3dsmax
Corona Renderer
Forest Pack

The challenge of Tomorrow 2020 has started, and this is a perfect time to share with you this interview with Nicolo, the winner from last year. This interview tells about his journey before and after the Tomorrow 2019 Challenge.

Nico, let’s start with a bit of a background about you before the Tomorrow 2019 challenge. Your way to ArchViz up to the time just before the competition.

Speaking about my background, I can say that I’ve studied architecture and graduated in Milano. After that, I’ve been working a few years as an architect both in Milano and in Mexico City.

I love architecture, but I’ve always been fascinated by the visualization side of it. That is why I decided to focus on learning ArchViz the right way three years ago when I’ve decided that I wanted it to be my job.

I’ve attended a Master’s Class at SOA. and then worked in Milano until the end of the competition.

I can define myself lucky since I’ve always found on my way (both in Mexico and in Milano) great people very passionate about ArchViz, who helped me fall in love with this job more and more.

“Lost Books” – Tomorrow 2019 Challenge.

Entry by Nicolo Paolino.

What did you think about when you first learned about the Tomorrow competition, and what made you join the competition?

I thought that it would’ve been an excellent opportunity to prove myself in an ArchViz competition, without even thinking about the prize (never thought I could win it).

“I was talking to a friend who was supposed to join it as well, and he challenged me to try it. So we both started it, but he never finished it – lucky me, I guess!”

Please tell us about your process during the competition – from concept to final delivery.

Well, since I haven’t done any competition before, the first thing I told my self was to keep things simple. I needed to be competitive, so at least I had to follow all the rules.

First of all, make realistic images. So I stick to the plan, found good photo references, lighting, and color palettes of the actual Library and surroundings, and I tried to follow them.

Of course, some things changed during the process, with new ideas coming up. I’ve also tried to set the views from the very early stage and stick with them, avoiding finding myself with too many options to chose from.

Once I set the views and lighting, I started with the shaders. It was crucial to get the right materials and textures to make a realistic image of an existing building.

I tried to do as much as I could in 3D, leaving just small final adjustments to the 2D post-production.

So, WINNING! How was it like?

And then yes, the unexpected. When I received the first email from Tomorrow’s team, I thought it was a standard email they sent to all the participants.

Then I realized that it wasn’t!

And then, at the end, when I was told that I was the winner, of course, I couldn’t believe it, and it has been one of the strongest emotions I’ve ever experienced in my life.

“It took me a while to actually realize what had happened!”

Tell us about what happened next – starting to work at TMRW!

What can I say…

Everything happened so quickly, and in a few weeks, I was in Göteborg, Sweden. Working for one of the best and most famous companies in the world and side by
side with such great artists, I couldn’t even imagine I would’ve met.

I didn’t have much time to think about it, but when such a great opportunity comes knocking at your door, you can’t do anything but open it.

“Lost Books” – Tomorrow 2019 Challenge.

Entry by Nicolo Paolino.

How is the work in the office going now? tell us a bit about the office culture too.

Working at Tomorrow is excellent. At first, I have to admit that I was really nervous and probably not even ready for that, but I found an excellent team that is not only great in creating stunning images but is also great in making you feel part of a family.

I moved to a country where I didn’t know anyone at all, and they made me feel comfortable and part of
something since the first day.

Last but not least, I’m learning so much every day working with this team (and I still have a lot to learn, of course). They’re all very inspiring.

“Lost Books” – Tomorrow 2019 Challenge.

Entry by Nicolo Paolino.

What would you say to someone joining the upcoming competition?

I know it can sound commonplace, but the only thing I can say is to have fun doing the competition and work hard, giving the best.

It pays off. Don’t be afraid to do a “wrong” image as far as you follow the few simple given rules from the start.

What is next for you?

I think that what’s next for me is to keep working hard, trying to improve day by day and learn as much as I can from the great people I work with, aiming to become the best artist I can be.

So, what do you think of all this so far?

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