Rebekah Heppner
3D Artist / Graphic Designer / Illustrator / Video Editor
New Brunswick, CA
www.rebekahheppner.net
instagram @rebekahheppner
Youtube
Pinterest
TikTok
Q What do you do?
“I draw on bygone digital art styles and mediums to create 3D and 2D artwork that has a nostalgic feel and aesthetic to it.”
My work takes on many forms including 3D models and animations, graphic design works, illustrations, and videos.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve enjoyed creating art since I was a kid, even going so far as to start my own company in grade 3, selling zines and other paper goods to kids using an invented currency! Although this was where my passions lay, I didn’t consider pursuing a career in the creative field until I was five years out of high school in the middle of an education degree that I wasn’t interested in. At that point I slowly began developing a portfolio and client base in illustration and graphic design. In 2021 I began working as a freelance artist full-time. It was this step that allowed me the freedom and time to explore other mediums and interests, which is how I found my passion for 3D modeling and animation. I had an amazing opportunity to create a Nintendo 64 style music video in early 2022 which advanced and solidified this path for me.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Because I’ve had experience working in a variety of mediums, I am able to provide a wider range of services to clients–kind of like a one-stop-shop. Although I’m passionate about creating work in my own style, my adaptability allows me to explore alternate styles that align with client goals and expectations, keeping their vision as a priority.
As far as my personal style goes, I don’t think there are many creators producing work with such an emphasis on digital nostalgia, or at least to the extent that I do. I spent a lot of time trying to “create a style” that was trendy and cohesive, but as soon as I loosened up to follow threads that interested me, I started creating work that is deeply rooted in my identity. This means that my “style” goes beyond aesthetic to the methodology and mediums used to create artwork, which results in more impactful pieces.
Q What are you working on right now?
I recently completed work on a not-for-profit campaign, creating a promotional video and accompanying graphics and am gearing up to begin another music video project. On the side I’ve been working on my YouTube channel and learning how to make video games!
Q What’s your style?
Early video game aesthetics (PlayStation 2, N64), Y2k, early computer graphics, simple colours, pixel art, 90’s aesthetics– liminal and dream-like.
A recent music video project that exemplifies my style well: Watch Here!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I enjoy making 3D animations in a nostalgic aesthetic and would love to do more work that incorporates interactivity, especially web-based. Anything inspired by video games or work that allows me to create a new world is always so fun and meaningful for me.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Networking and finding clients whose visions line up with my style (which is fairly niche). I’m grateful for all types of work and am so fortunate that I can support myself doing what I love, however I know there are clients out there who are looking for a style such as mine and I just need to figure out ways to reach them!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Anything related to marketing. It takes so much time to develop marketing strategies which takes away from time that I could spend making art.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I don’t regret getting my Bachelor of Arts degree (in history and psychology), but I think I would have told the high school version of me that the creative field was a plausible option when it came to choosing a career. When I was young (and maybe specifically in the small town that I grew up in), being an “artist” wasn’t presented as a realistic route to support yourself and working in the computer science field wasn’t generally pushed as an option to women. I was always drawing, working on the computer, and making paper-based video games (paradoxically) and wish I could tell my past self “you should go to school to be a video game developer or 3D animator.” I think this would have expedited my journey on this path, but I made it here eventually :-)
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to market and network when I have such a specific niche in mind. A lot of marketing advice online seems to be very broad or unauthentic.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love making 3D animated music videos! It would also be incredible to make models and environments for video games with retro aesthetics or to do more web-based interactive 3D projects. 3D animation projects don’t always have to be massive either–I love making smaller work for social media content, marketing, and small businesses as well. I appreciate projects that teach me something new and push me into different spaces, so I’m open to a variety of opportunities!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I feel like I have two types of ideal clients: One would be a client that has a very specific and clear idea of what they want and the other (somewhat opposite) is a client that is willing to trust my process and art style and is looking more-so for the creativity and aesthetic that I can offer. What I value most is clear communication!
Q What is your rate?
It’s different for every project! I appreciate when a client comes to me with a budget so we can work together to develop a plan that works for both parties. It usually averages to about $250–$300 CAD/day.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Reach out via my email (rebekahheppner@gmail.com) or through my website (www.rebekahheppner.net) with your idea. Once we start the discussion it’s helpful to have a budget, a storyboard/plan, a timeline, and references ready, or we can have a meeting to iron out a concept and plan.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
A creative I admire is Intranetgirl. Their work/style is incredible and they are an awesome part of the creative community, making stylish and helpful YouTube tutorials.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By playing old video games :-)
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.