When it comes to the look and visual style of a movie, TV show, or video game, it all starts behind the scenes with the concept artist. That applies whether the title in question is an adaptation of a pre-existing property or an all-new, original idea. Take, for example, our recent highlight ofDanar Worya’s work onThe Last of Us: Part IIwhich showed off the early designs for now-iconic moments and levels. So it’s with that in mind that we shine ourIndie Spolighton accomplished concept artist, digital painter, and visual effects artistDidierKonings, whose work can be seen on the big and small screens past, present, and, of course, future.
Konings worked full-time at a design studio in Los Angeles for the last five years. As the Lead Digital Matte Painter and Concept Artist, he worked on several blockbusters (Wonder Woman,Rampage,Stranger Things, andMouse Guard, to name a few,) and delivered iconic concept design work and memorable visual effects for those high-profile productions. Just this year, Konings began working in partnership withMauricio van HasseltatNightroad Studios LLC, which specializes in concept art and other production and development services. Nightroad Studios is also aligned with StommelHaus, run by DP and ColoristClifton Stommel. Together, the studios develop their internal projects in the form of short films, like Koning’s award-winning short,Uncario.
Nightroad Studios andStommelHausare currently developing that short into a feature film with a financial partner, a screenplay byEvelyn Stommeland directed by Konings himself. The flagship short, directed and designed by Didier, was shot in Iceland, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles, and recently won awards for Best Director, Best Sci-fi Short, Outstanding Achievement in Production Design, and was a runner-up for Best Short Film at the Los Angeles International Film Festival (Indie Short Fest.) We can share a few visually striking looks at that short below, in addition to much more.
Today, Konings will be showcasing his work on the in-limbo feature adaptation ofDavid Petersen’sMouse Guardduring a special appearance onPetersen’s ongoing (and free!) OnlineCon. We can tease a few behind-the-scenes looks from that project below, but Konings has also shared more of his individual contributions to major films and super-popular TV titles.
Just a few of Konings' current claims to fame include:
Be sure to tune into the convention throughout the weekend, andhead over to Konings' siteandArtStation showcasefor much more info on his career, experience, and to find out what’s in store for his professional future (hint hint, there are some big titles on the way!) A sampling of his work follows below:
X-Men: Dark Phoenix
Mouse Guard
Stranger Things
