Art studio.(Frank Vitale)

From digital illustration and motion graphics to animation and visual effects, professional artist Frank Vitale of Phoenix has done it all while working in the film, broadcast, gaming, and publishing markets. A formally trained artist, Vitale now works only with digital software. "Using the computer as an artistic tool is so different from using traditional media that I can't even compare them," he notes. "With the computer, the final output is what ultimately counts; it's all about the piece you've developed. Conversely, with painting, sketching, or even pottery, it's more about the processes and the journey, rather than the end result."

Currently, Vitale's work is concentrated within illustration and game development, two vastly different disciplines. With illustration, Vitale says he is free to explore software features; with game development, he must adhere to strict image guidelines while producing compelling imagery. For the game development and illustrative work, he primarily uses Discreet's 3ds max and Adobe Systems' Photoshop, though he has used Strata's Studio Pro extensively in the past. For generating corporate animation and motion graphics, he also uses Adobe's After Effects.

In addition to creating digital content, Vitale also lectures at trade shows and schools. For further information about Vitale and his work, visit his Web site at ...