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Can Creativity Be Automated? A Real-Time Showdown Between Artist and AI
Join us for a thrilling live experiment pitting human creativity against machine automation. In this talk, a veteran 3D artist with over 20 years of experience will go head-to-head with AI to see who can create the most compelling character concept in real time. We’ll explore how an artist approaches 3D character modelling—considering anatomy, reference, style, shape, form, pose, and topology—while the AI simultaneously generates its own 2D concept and transforms it into a 3D design using web-based tools. The session will focus primarily on ZBrush, with insights also applicable to Blender and Mayausers. It’s part technical deep-dive, part creative showdown—will decades of human artistry triumph, or will AI steal the spotlight?
About the Speaker: Adam Dewhirst is a seasoned British 3D artist and modelling specialist with over 20 years of experience in high-end VFX for film, television, commercials, and games. He has held senior leadership roles across major studios, including serving as Head of Assets at The Mill and Head of Creatures and Characters at UNIT Studios. Throughout his career, Adam has contributed to blockbuster productions such as The Golden Compass, The Dark Knight, World War Z, and Guardians of the Galaxy, where his team helped bring Rocket Raccoon to life. With a background spanning studios like Framestore, MPC, DNEG, and Cinesite, he combines deep technical expertise with creative artistry and now also shares his knowledge through education and mentorship in 3D modelling and creature creation. Adam is currently working as a freelance Asset Supervisor, working on such shows as The Witcher, Andor and Alien Earth to name a few.
Date:
4 March 2026, 13:30
Venue:
7-19 Banbury Road, 13 Banbury Road OX2 6NN
Venue Details:
Thames Suite, 13 Banbury Road
Speaker:
Adam Dewhirst
Organising department:
IT Services
Organiser:
Digital Capabilities Team (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
skills@it.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://skills.it.ox.ac.uk/resource-finder#/course/OXFORDXU4U/ST064
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Members of the University only
Editors:
Gabriele Pani,
Zac Latter
