ISSUE 8 /

A PLACE TO LEARN, DISCOVER &
EXPLORE THE EVER CHANGING WORLD
WE DESIGN IN!

✍️ Henry Cheney 

We’re here to keep you inspired and informed, with a special focus on the intersection of four key areas:

Why these four? Because together, they define the future of creativity. At HBC Visual, our love for CGI has driven us to explore its transformative power across industries, and the rapid rise of AI is rewriting the rules of design.

Yet, we remain grounded in the timeless principles of creativity: the artist behind the tool will always matter.

MENTAL MUSINGS/

It’s that time of year again when we look back on last year and think about what we want to get out of this year. I find it a strange time personally. I don’t know if this is because when I was younger I never really set about doing a New Year resolution, or if it’s as I’ve gotten older, I keep thinking what I wish I’d done! Whatever it is, we are almost forcefully given a bookend, which seems to give us a blank slate to start the year over. We spent New Year in Scotland this year, and the beauty of nature up there has left a lasting impression on me heading into this year. I want to be more like the sun up in Scotland. The sunrise and sunset are stretched out, like the sun isn't in a rush, it's taking its time to enjoy its journey across the sky and doing it right. So this year, I want to be more like the sun in Scotland, taking my time to enjoy what I'm doing and doing it right. ☀️

CGI

In the world of CGI, one software consistently surprises people: Blender. This completely free and open-source software has been around since 1998. In recent years, it's been making waves, with growing recognition of its capabilities across various industries. Once primarily seen as a tool for hobbyists, even major studios are now embracing Blender. We've been diving deeper into Blender this year and are excited to explore its potential further. If you're unfamiliar, check out the Blender showreels – they're truly impressive 4.0 showreel

Architecture

In the world of Architecture, we love it when we see something that makes us think, 'Huh, why wasn't that done before? I wish I'd thought of that!' This car park in Shenzhen was one of those. Often a place with shocking lighting, exposed services (not your chic industrial interior design type) and a general sense of being forgotten, the car park quite often will be your first point of entry to the building if you're driving. So, why shouldn't they be an outstanding example of what the building has to offer? We love it and think this should be a lesson on how to take the ugly aspects and make them shine. Project by DDDD Creative Company.

Design

our inherent desire to consume seems insatiable. Big corporations are masters at fueling this desire, with entire industries like advertising dedicated to selling us more. Globally, we're reaching a critical juncture where the need to curtail consumption and reduce reliance on raw materials is paramount. The pursuit of endless economic growth and unchecked consumption is simply unsustainable. This Dezeen article resonated with my own thoughts on the matter, and I believe this topic deserves much deeper exploration.

Technology

In the world of Technology, for this issue, we are going to geek out a little and focus on the raw technology behind what we do, Graphics cards! With the recent Nvidia CES they have showcased what will be the next generation of GeForce RTX 50 Series (Blackwell). Not sure when we will get our hands on one of these little beasts, but it will be great to see what leaps forward the industry can take with this new tool.

Doodle

Instead of relying on AI-generated images, we invite you to doodle! Sketching isn’t just for fun—it’s a way to unlock creativity and explore new ideas. Each issue, we’ll feature one doodle, and soon, we’d love to showcase your creations.

🎨 Grab a pen, unleash your imagination, and get doodling! 🎨

If you found something inspiring here, share this newsletter with a friend!

Stay curious, stay creative.

In every issue, we’ll surprise you with something new and exciting. From quirky discoveries to essential tools, our bonus content will keep you inspired and informed. So, make sure to check back each issue for your dose of unexpected delight.…🧐 

Here’s some fun for you, and also a great link back to the earlier mention of Blender. The artist CoolioArt has remade a couple of scene from the classic Jurassic Park, but now with Scientifically Accurate Raptors! If you ask me they’re even scarier with feathers!

AUTHOR /

Henry Cheney is the founder of HBC Visual, a visualisation company supporting designers, architects and developers to bring their projects to life.

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