Photo courtesy Shawn Patrick Tilling
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People often think of watching 3D films as entering another world, but few filmmakers facilitate that transportation more than Shawn Patrick Tilling. Artistically known as Shon, he is an award-winning 3D artist known for his 3D world-building with charming and appealing character designs and endless imagination.
In his latest 3D animation film, “Meet Cute,” Shon crafted a remarkable tale of a chance encounter between two individuals at a bus stop. The film spans merely 2-3 minutes but weaves a beautiful, heartwarming story with compelling characters and exquisite animation.
His films reflect outstanding technical craftsmanship and emotional connection, a true combination of art and craft. Released in October 2022, “Meet Cute” has been showcased at international film festivals and has received outstanding praise, such as winning a Gold Remi Award at the Worldfest Houston International Film Festival and Outstanding Animation Award at the Norway Fjord International Film Festival, among many others.
It has also been played accompanied by a chamber orchestra in a historic theatre in Chicago and shown as part of the British Animation Festival at the British Museum. To describe his work, the first adjective that comes to mind is “heartwarming.” It is a feeling an audience gets after watching a movie like “Meet Cute” and can’t help but feel there’s more to life than they can see.
After receiving a Jury Award Special Mention at the Premiación El Ojo Iluso Animation Festival, Jorge Zambrano stated, “I invite you to watch this beautiful story that I loved; it touched my heart.” Shon showed his audience dreams, love, and happiness, the three main themes of his short films. “Meet Cute” exemplifies this as it is always met with happiness, laughter, and joy from the audiences who experience it.
Shon’s intricate creative process
Behind the screen, a lot of talent, techniques, and skills go into his work, developed to a high level over many years of practice. Not only does he have a unique style in creating his own cute and appealing characters, but a defining characteristic of Shon’s work is his attention to detail.
Everything the audience sees on-screen is considered, from camera movements to staging and editing. Even for the titles, the audience can anticipate the mood, themes, and pacing of what is to come. What’s truly inspiring about Shon’s work is the complete control he has of his medium. Like a master conductor leading a 100-piece orchestra through a pitch-perfect symphony, Shon crafts a beautifully rendered film experience. This testifies to the passion he has for his craft, delivering nothing but excellence and his unique artistry.
Shon Tilling: Born for 3D
Shon always had a deep love of animation as a child. As an early adopter of digital art, he would sit for hours in front of an early computer his parents bought, creating plot graphics and losing himself in these worlds of imagination. In his mid-teens, he saw his first 3D animated film and knew instantly that this was what he wanted to do in life. So, he started his artistic journey, creating his 3D animated films and learning as he went.
Fast forward to his 30’s, Shon had spent years creating content. His directing style evolved to combine strong visuals with highly sophisticated but personal themes. From a reflection on creative inspiration in “Marco’s Dream” (1998) to the Muppet-inspired animation of the curiosity-driven “The Hole” (2002), he explored his ideas while developing his style and techniques. Then came his internationally acclaimed 3D short film “A Tiny Tiney” (2004), showcased in festivals in Italy and shown in magazines, art galleries, and museums.
These short films also caught the industry’s attention. As a passionate 3D Artist, Shon has always strived to understand every aspect of 3D filmmaking, from modelling, texturing, animation, and lighting to visual effects. This desire to learn led him into the 3D animation and visual effects industry, where he thrived as first a lead artist on multiple Emmy-nominated productions like the television series Stargate: SG1, but later as a CG Supervisor for nominated shows for the Canadian equivalent Gemini Awards. This experience shaped him into a very rare, well-rounded artist and leader and made him an invaluable part of leading blockbuster TV shows and films. Throughout this time, he continues to develop and grow through the production of his short films, solidifying his place as a respected and valued talent in the 3D industry.
Hands-on involvement in 3D film popularisation
Beyond creating his short films and leading industry projects, Shon also supports, actively communicates, and celebrates the wonderful world of 3D animation. He has given master classes in countries such as America, Canada, and China to teach and develop the next generation of 3D animators and filmmakers.
Through impassioned presentations showcasing his professional knowledge, skills, and affinity, he motivates and inspires people to learn, understand, and fall in love with 3D animation, regardless of their age or background. From young people who may have an interest in a career in the industry to seasoned professionals who may be interested in creating their independent work, Shon is very supportive.
Sharing his story and personal experiences along with his knowledge and passion developed over many years, he believes that regardless of where people are from or the challenges they face, they can always pursue their dreams and find their voice. “3D is a great way to tell your story, regardless of what language you speak,” Shon mentions.
No signs of stopping
Having done 3D animation at a high level for the last 28 years, Shon shows no sign of stopping. Following “Meet Cute,” Shon has already started working on his next projects. He has many engaging stories lined up, such as his next short film, “Li Sa So,” which will feature a day in the life of a charming robot wandering around a park on a journey of discovery.
Speaking of it, Shon shares, “Just like my previous films, I want to express something people all over the world can relate to but done in my own charming and appealing way, and that pushes me as a 3D artist. I love bringing my imagination to life, turning ideas and experience into cinematic art, and I truly hope people around the world, regardless of culture, can appreciate and enjoy my work.”
Shon stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the 3D animation field, transporting his audience to enchanting worlds, touching their hearts, reminding them of the magic that exists beyond what is seen, and presenting the world with the limitless possibilities of 3D animation.
