I Martin Koopman (1954) lives in the North of the Netherlands, Dokkum is my home town. I am married and have two children. After having finished my education I worked as a graphic designer for over 30 years. During those years much has changed.. Digital technology made its debut. As a designer and illustrator I know all ins and outs of these techniques.
The tools I use are Adobe Indesign,
-Illustrator, -Photoshop, Cinema 4D, Autodesk Inventor en Lightwave.
-Illustrator, -Photoshop, Cinema 4D, Autodesk Inventor en Lightwave.
30 years graphic design. Which employers did you work for?
I worked in the studio of a printer. After that for severallarge advertising agencies in the northern part of the Netherlands, the last of which I have worked for for 20 years.
Do you use your non-commercial art to distance yourself from commercial work?
In a way, yes. Here I can use my imagination freely. But sometimes I also do more tradional work, using oilpaint, brush and canvas.
But digital art is what you like to do most?
Yes, certainly. That ’s the field closest to me.
I like working on the computer. You can work on projects and look for alternative solutions and possibilities endlessly. The sky is the limit.
What’s your fascination with aviation?
Actually, ever since my early childhood I wanted to know everything there is to know about it. And isn’t it fascinating that, with these modern techniques, you can bring these old crates back to life through these, almost ‘photo-realistic’ scenes.
This 'Sopwith Camel Stripped'- project, that’s quite ambitious.
Yes, it is my greatest wish to build an aircraft dating from the Great War period. Using the 3D-technique I think it’s possible to get really
close to the real thing.
Is every part really drawn?
Certainly. I use sketches based on factory manuals and technical drawings for reference. Every part is translated into a 3D programm. After that I assemble the aircraft. Every part identical to the original, but digitally manufactured.
That seems rather time-consuming?
It does take up a lot of time. But I’m convinced that I will be able to produce a great document, that will enable everyone who is interested in aviation to benefit from and will give a better understanding of the construction of an historical aircraft.These planes were the precursors of the modern fighter planes.
Is it possible for anyone who is interested to take advantage of my expertise?
Of course, they can always contact me.
