In line with the growing industry, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, organised a world tour to promote their best Swiss designers’ works in major Hollywood productions in Malaysia.

The three-day exhibition, held at e@Curve, Petaling Jaya, was hosted by The One Academy and supported by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC).

Invited to promote their works and give talks on creative design were Swiss digital artist and technical director Nicolas Imhof and Swiss art director and visual consultant Christian Scheurer, who have contributed their expertise to numerous feature films and blockbuster movies.

The One Academy joint general manager Tan Chin Wee said: “The Swiss Design in Hollywood event will present an interesting creative platform where both local and international artists converge to discuss and exchange creative ideas.”

Switzerland Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Urs Stemmler said: “It is important to learn from each other, and I am sure these two designers are not only here to teach, but also to learn from their peers in the industry.”

He added that that part of the role of an embassy was to promote an intercultural exchange.

“The event will contribute to the discovery of the innovative and artistic dimension of Switzerland,” he said during its launch.

MDeC manager Hasnul Hadi Samsudin said that come 2012, there will be approximately 13,000 jobs in the multimedia field in Malaysia, therefore requiring a lot of capable graduates.

“Of course, we will also need need quality graduates to produce the best work,” he said.

Asked how long it takes him to complete a design, Scheurer said: “It really varies depending on the design. A sketch can take from five seconds to five weeks.”

Apart from producing his own works, Scheurer is also a teacher in an arts centre, teaching senior entertainment.

“I guess teaching would be my contribution to the next generation,” he said.

So is there a future in digital art?

Scheurer said: “You cannot predict what will come, but every five years, technology makes a jump, and a revolution comes about.”

However, “In art, it will either get more realistic through a realism based trend, or less realistic but more expressionistic.”

Whichever way it goes, Scheurer reminded aspiring designers to retain their individual touch to their work.

“Digital design and illustration is not just for Hollywood; you have to remember to produce your own projects.”

He admitted being “old” in the industry, as he does very little 3D art.

“Young people today will need to do more 3D art because they will be behind otherwise. Hopefully the programmes (to create digital designs) will become cheaper and more accessible because at the end of the day, they are just tools.”

Scheurer added that it was also important for rising designers to explore different parts of digital art, as flexibility is key.

The event showcased work by leading professionals in the animation and film industry, and featured a behind-the-scenes video by Imhof and Scheurer on how the animations were conceived and created.

An array of printed digital artworks produced for many movies such as The Lord of The Rings, Hellboy and Ratatouille, and featured artists such as H R Giger, John Howe and Simon Christen.

Imhof and Scheurer also paid a visit to The One Academy to share with students insights into the digital media industry.

During their visit, the speakers focused on their sample works, and gave tips on how to be outstanding in the industry.