This week we have the amazing VP artist Speed Star on deck. We dive into their thoughts on 2077, their art and what they would like to see from 2077 franchise in the future as it pertains to virtual photography. Take it all in and comment below your thoughts and if you have someone else you'd like us to interview. Enjoy!
First can you tell us a little about yourself, where you grew up and what attracted or inspired you to get into this art form?
I’m V Speed Star, but most people call me Speed or Speedy. I’ve lived in different countries around the world. I first discovered virtual photography when I participated in Cyberpunk 2077’s first ever Photo Mode contest #Shutterpunk2077 back in January 2021. I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep on taking captures after the contest concluded, and I’m glad I stayed!
How did you learn this form of digital art?
It went back to my childhood when my father used to take me to rooftops taking pictures (actual film photography) of airplanes landing on the runway. I mainly take landscapes in real life, and I took some of the techniques I learned in real life photography and applied them in virtual photography.
What drew you to cyberpunk 2077 or/and the cyberpunk genre as a whole?
I’m always fascinated by the Cyberpunk genre, especially franchises such as The Matrix, Bladerunners, Ghost in the Shell, etc.
What message, to you, does the cyberpunk genre imply or relay as a viewer, fan of that aesthetic?
In the world of Cyberpunk, we (as players or virtual photographers) can have the freedom to expand our imagination and creativity. There are endless possibilities in the Cyberpunk world, and it helps to connect us all (fans, gamers, and photographers) with its beauty.
What drew you to the 2077 game specifically? What keeps driving you to keep making content for it?
The game's characters, architecture, music, storyline and vibes are the reasons why I kept going back to make content. Although the game's default Photo Mode isn't the best, it challenges us to think differently in order to take that "money" shot!
What about the 2077 characters specifically got your interest? All time favorite NPC in 2077 and why?
When I watched the initial Cyberpunk trailer, I was mesmerized by Melissa Rory and her Mantis Blades instantly. Then I was fascinated by Jackie Wells' trailer with Male V because I wanted to find out more about his backstory. My favourite NPC in 2077 is the one and only Judy Alvarez. I love what Judy stands for as an individual, and her personality towards V & other characters in the game.
What tools do you use to make your art? How long does it take to go from idea to posting a pic?
As a console player/virtual photographer, I only use the game's default Photo Mode to take and edit my captures. I just started learning how to use Photoshop and Lightroom in early 2022; however, I still edit most of my captures using only the game's vanilla Photo Mode. I hope to demonstrate no matter which platforms (whether last gen or next gen console) we use, we can all take great captures when we put in the time. I sometimes spend hours just to take a few captures. In some cases, a vision came into my mind when I was doing something so random like washing dishes. If that happened, I would fire up my console and start capturing.
What photo/GFX tools that are not in 2077 would you like to see in the sequel Project Orion?
As a console gamer/virtual photographer, I would like CDPR to implement new features to their default photo mode such as custom lighting, availability to swap in-game characters such as NPCs, flexibility on camera angles, and enhancing depth of field settings in the upcoming Project Orion.
How long have you been doing this art form?
I started my virtual photography journey in January 2021.
Do you think these are skills you'd like to make a career of on some level or you prefer it as a hobby?
Becoming an in-game capture artist is definitely one of the best ways to get into the gaming industry. Personally, I would prefer it as a hobby.
And finally what are the socials people can find you, and do you do commissions? Thank you for your time!
I can be found
on Twitter, Instagram, and Vero under the username: @vspeedstar