AnimeNYC 2024 Spotlight: DOPEPOPE
Josh B.
The Kaiju genre is one built upon a foundation of art and artists, from the original special effects master Eiji Tsubaraya to modern day MonsterVerse director Adam Wingard. To paraphrase an old saying: “It takes a village to make a movie.” Hundreds of artists, writers and directors have shared their talent all in service of these giant monster movies. This year, while at AnimeNYC, I had the privelige of speaking to someone who’s worked on modern Kaiju films, and is a diverse talent in their own right; a man who goes by the name of DopePope.
DopePope is a creature concept artist who has gotten to work on Hollywood films, television shows, designer toys, collectibles and video games. He primarily works with the ZBrush program to create digital organic sculpture to create bizarre creatures for whatever requires them. Most recently, his work can be seen in the blockbuster film Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, as DopePope was the designer for the Sea Serpent Kaiju Tiamat seen in that film. DopePope has also been working with Titanic Creations to produce collectibles of other Kaiju such as Gorgo, Yongary and Pulgazary. He also collaborated with Seismic Toys to make official Ultraman collectibles of Kaiju Gomess and Gigantron. Needless to say, the man has been busy.
Joshua Brafman (JB): So, how long have you been making your art, and what are some of your biggest inspirations?
DopePope (DP): I’ve been at this professionally for decades. I was a freelance illustrator since the early 90’s, mostly for the fashion industry. In 2013, I discovered digital sculpture and it totally changed my career trajectory into what it is today. I’ve always been inspired by giant monster (Kaiju) movies, dinosaurs, horror, sci-fi, and anything strange and twisted. But even just observing nature in all its beauty will be just as inspiring.
JB: What was it like creating Tiamat for Godzilla X Kong? What challenges did you face designing her?
DP: I had the privilege to work with Legendary on designing Tiamat for their MonsterVerse. It was very challenging, as it was over a short period of time, and went through several iterations. I absolutely loved every second of it though! It really helped strengthen my skill sets necessary for design. It’s one thing to design for myself, and an entirely different thing to design for a director. There’s always an attempt to read minds, to capture a design that is in someone else’s mind’s eye. It’s definitely not easy, but incredibly satisfying.
JB: What do you think of Tiamat’s inclusion in the upcoming game Kong: Survivor Instinct?
DP: I’m thrilled she’s appearing in the game. It’s a bit too soon to see in what capacity, as it’s not slated to be released for a bit, but I’d love to see her kick some ass! I’m looking forward to playing the game.
JB: What’s your favorite Kaiju film, and how has it influenced your art?
DP: Hmm. I can’t pinpoint my favorite film, or kaiju, as it fluctuates. I love them all. Godzilla Minus One is fresh in my mind as a standout. As well as Godzilla x Kong because my design of Tiamat appears. But really, I love them all.
JB: Finally, do you have any advice for someone looking to get into 3D Sculpting?
DP: I always tell people to practice using the software every day, no exceptions. It’s got to be done daily, to build those creative muscles, and to dominate the user interface. The UI is always one of the biggest obstacles when starting a new software. The only way to get rid of that fear and intimidation, and turn it into second nature confidence, is to get in there once a day, every day, and use it. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts, pallets, tools, and how they work, and over time you’ll be blazing through projects. But if you don’t, it’ll never happen.
It was a true delight to meet one of the industry’s foremost Kaiju sculptors at AnimeNYC, and I sincerely appreciate his thoughtful answers to all my questions. DopePope is a truly humble, wonderful person and it’s a delight to know that he’s helping to shape the MonsterVerse along with so many other talented people. You can find DopePope online via his Instagram, Twitter, or Artstation pages. For more spotlights on independent artists, be sure to check things out here at RGN99.
