This BMW 2002 Is A Model Of Perfection

Allow us to introduce you to Lisbon, Portugal-based João Elias and his work. Elias is a 3d modeler and animator who works for a variety of clients, creating architectural and product visualizations. In his little spare time he decided to pursue a passion project honoring one of his all-time favorite cars, the BMW 2002. His production company, briktop, has won multiple awards but what we’d really like to highlight is the BMW 2002 animation, which he executed from start to finish, by himself (well, maybe with some help from Led Zeppelin). Make sure you check out the animation, because it’s really tough to believe that it wasn’t filmed–just look at these renderings (!)–and read the interview to find out what he’s planning next…

Q: What projects are you currently working on?

A: Right now, I’ve just finished a full 3d animation spot for a German TV channel. Meanwhile, I’m working on a solo project, which is gonna be my first shortfilm video production with a lot of visual effects in it, no cars though…

Q: Was it hard to start your career as an automotive artist/designer?

A: Basically I started my career as a 3D visualizer doing a lot of archviz (architectural visualizations), but always pushed myself in my little spare time to make something different, more personal, more challenging, things I personally like to be involved with… and one of those things is definitely cars. So in order to pitch myself, I decided to create a full cg animation of my favorite car: the BMW 2002. From modeling through animation and rendering, I tried to achieve a cinematic look to the atmosphere srrounding the car, giving at the same time, all the attention to those little details only a car lover/3D modeler would appreciate. Shortly after this, I began to receive some commercial automotive projects. So what started as personal hobby, became my professional line of work.

Q: What is your favorite subject to model?

A: I like to model personal items, objects with history. Things that some people might see and relate to.

Q: How did your passion for 3D modeling and vintage cars begin?

A: It started back in college, when I was first introduced to 3ds Max. I was just beginning to learn how to model and finding out the infinite possibilities of the 3d world. As soon as I got a hold of it, what was going to be my first model? A car, obviously! As always, my passion for cars started with my father. When I was about twelve-years old, he gave me a collection of fifty miniature classic cars as a present. So from that point, I already knew what a Stingray or Spider was, but without really knowing what their actual names were.

Q: How does the creative process start?

A: My first thoughts are always: make something different. I plan everything in my head and then start getting lots of references and figuring out how to make it possible. Open 3ds Max and let the magic begin…

Q: Do you own or aspire to own a vintage car (and which one)?

A: Unfortunately I don’t own one right now as I don’t have a garage to store that special car yet. But as soon as I have, it’s obviously going to be the BMW 2002 and possibly a Porsche 911 Carrera… Who knows?…

Q: As an artist, when you look at a car what do you see?

A: The lines, the colors, the essence…

Q: Do you have an all-time favorite car?

A: Yes, I have a lot of favorites, but I think my favorite at the moment is the Mercedez-Benz 300SL Gullwing.

Q: Where do you like or would you like to see your videos displayed most?

A: On every car community channel around the world that would appreciate it.

Q: What is your favorite era of motorsport?

A: Probably the ’80s. I love this era!

Q: Is there a classic that you’d like to redesign for production today?

A: I’m not in favor of redesigns, I’m all old-school. I think what was created in the past, should stay in the past. It’s what makes it a classic… but that’s just me.

Q: Given the chance to design or model anything, what would you like to do, that you haven’t yet?

A: Well, I guess it’s gonna have to be another car right? Remember that 300SL I told you about?…

If you haven’t yet, check out Elias’s BMW 2002 animation!