EAI and Callaway & Kirk Join Creative Forces

Posted on December 18, 1998

Engineering Animation, Inc. has announced that it has been working with Callaway & Kirk Company to produce 3D computer-generated art for David Kirk's new children's book, Nova's Ark. The book marks the first time a world-renowned children's author and illustrator has used high-end 3D computer graphics, instead of hand-painting, to illustrate his work. Nova's Ark will be released in March 1999.

"This unique marriage of art, children's literature and 3D computer graphics sets a new milestone in the children's publishing industry," said Nicholas Callaway, editorial director and publisher at Callaway & Kirk. "EAI's computer-generated graphics bring Kirk's masterful paintings into a 3D world where colorful characters, exquisite landscapes and breathtaking scenes leap off the page and come to life."

To create the images, Kirk first makes a precise line drawing, then a concept color oil painting. Next Kirk, working with a team from EAI, builds 3D digital models of the characters and scenes in wireframe. Texture mapping and lighting design follow, with finishing touches applied using digital paint software.

The book, published by Callaway and Scholastic Press, will introduce a robot named Nova and a new galaxy of characters in a mythic space adventure story about Nova's journey to discover the ultimate source of power in the universe.

"The Miss Spider books have earned Callaway & Kirk a stellar reputation in children's publishing, and EAI is pleased to have created computer artwork that captures the richness and beauty of Kirk's unparalleled artistic style," said Linda Lannon, senior director of business development at EAI. "EAI is excited to join forces with this worldwide leader in children's publishing."