Bobby Rebholz: Interviewing the Talented Creature Designer Behind Netflix's The Sea Beast - JamesWroteThat

Who is Bobby Rebholz?

Bobby Rebholz is a concept artist and creature designer known for the Netflix original series The Sea Beast and his work in film and AAA games for more than a decade.

Before we start, I wanted to say thank you to Bobby for taking the time to be part of this interview. It’s always a pleasure to discover the behind-the-scenes and insights from the most talented and creative artists.

What influences do you believe have contributed to the development of your unique style in visualizing and depicting creatures?

Bobby: I was an ’80’s child and I grew up in the golden age of horror movies. Movie creatures and dinosaurs were the biggest influences.

As an educator in the field, what foundational steps do you consider essential for individuals looking to pursue a career as a creature designer in today’s industry?

Bobby: The first thing I ask my students is “Do you like the idea of being a concept artist or do you actually like the concepting part?” If they answer it with liking the concepting, then I would say learning animal anatomy is absolutely key to being a creature designer.

If you had to choose one project as the most significant in your career, which one would it be and what makes it stand out to you?

Bobby: Definitely helping to create the creatures in the 2022 film The Sea Beast on Netflix. It was the first time I got to see my name in movie credits.

For aspiring creature designers and concept artists, there’s often a quest for the perfect tools, be it software, sketchbooks, or drawing tablets. Could you describe your preferred work setup, whether digital or traditional, a specific chair, a desk etc. when starting a new project?

Bobby: I’m old school! The majority of my creature work is traditionally drawn and scanned in (unless the project requires a final digital illustration). I use a 4B from Faber Castell and sketch on Moleskine. I’m also on Photoshop every day because of my environment work. My current chair sucks so I’m in the process of finding one but it’s essential to have a nice desk and chair.

In a world inundated with online resources, the significance of traditional knowledge sources like books can sometimes be overlooked. Are there any particular books you’d recommend for studying concept art and creature design?

Bobby: Definitely! Some that have really helped me are James Gurneys’ Color & Light, The Art of The Last of Us, Art of Deus Ex, and Terryl Whitlatch’s Science of Creature Design.

Are there any exciting personal projects you’re currently working on? And could you provide a glimpse into what lies ahead in your career trajectory?

Bobby: I’m continuing a personal project called Ecor-117 – a fictitious planet with deadly creatures.

Have there been any recent movies or video games that have particularly caught your attention? Additionally, do you have any recommendations for upcoming studios, directors, or productions worth keeping an eye on?

Bobby: A game I’m intrigued by is Beautiful Light. I have to be caught up on movies, though!