Dan Couto — Photorealistic 3D CGI Illustrator, Toronto

Dan Couto is a Toronto-based illustrator who uses the magic of CG to visualise engaging characters, realistic scenery and gorgeous product renders for global brands across a wide range of categories. He is vastly experienced, highly creative and adaptable, and his clients praise the professionalism he brings to every project.

Coming from a photography background, Dan was one of the first artists in Canada to add 3D to his creative arsenal and has led the field ever since. The talent to create such striking imagery is one thing, but clients also appreciate the way he communicates the possibilities and complexities of CG in a fun and accessible way. Influenced by comic book and fantasy artworks, the world’s top fashion magazines and painters ranging from Caravaggio to Klimt, it’s no surprise that Dan’s compositions are so eye-catching.

Approach

Dan brings a photographer’s eye to his work however his compositional sense is informed by the graphic approach seen in comic book panels and page layouts. Colour treatments and so forth are driven by the nature of the project. His creative palette includes Cinema4D, ZBrush, Houdini, Blender, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Key Software

Cinema4D, ZBrush, Houdini, Blender, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Styles

There are two main styles in Dan’s body of work. The first is photo-realistic 3D imagery. The second he characterises as ‘movies-on-paper’ – using characters, CGI, digital assets and 3D software to create worlds and tell stories.

Client list

Some of Daniel’s clients include Air Miles, Harlequin Books, Harper’s Bazaar, Glen Moray Whisky, Tim Horton’s, Listerine, Petra Foods and Growers Cider.