James Tralie - Q&A For Sphere Las Vegas

H+ Creative is proud to showcase artwork from additional artists on the grand, immersive canvas that is The Sphere in Las Vegas. XO/Art showcases professional artists’ work on the world’s largest, most technologically advanced canvas. Here with us today is one of the most recent H+ Artists to Debut in 2024 — James Tralie invites us into a lush, ethereal environment with a strikingly detailed fusion of organic and architectural forms, evoking the tranquil beauty of a secret garden at dusk.

H+: Having worked with some impressive brands & clients as well, from NASA to Warner Music, Apple, and Adobe—what was it like to work for Sphere and what did the experience mean to you?

James: It was an absolutely wild experience getting to design a piece for the Sphere. I have never worked with such a unique and massive canvas before and was honored to take on the challenge of designing one of my signature dreamscapes in 360. It's one thing to see your creations on your computer screen, but it was an otherworldly experience to see it displayed on the Sphere—the sense of scale is on another level. I'm always looking for new ways to transport my viewers into my renders, and this project offered me an unparalleled opportunity to create the most immersive experience of my dreamscapes possible.

H+: What were some of your inspirations or intentions that led to the creation of this artwork, Planetarium Gardens?

James: At NASA, I cover all of the agency's planetary science missions. We have a keen interest in several moons around Jupiter and Saturn that could potentially be habitable. With Planetarium Gardens, I imagined a dreamy utopia built out on one of these distant worlds. Calming floating orbs simulate light and energy from the Sun, a centrally located Saturn pays homage to this beautiful planet, and tropical plants breathe life into the desert scene. I love designing spaces and lounges that I would relax in—Planetarium Gardens is a place where I would meditate for eternity.

H+: In your opinion, what was the most challenging aspect of working on a 360 Canvas at this scale?

James: The Sphere in Las Vegas is enormous, and making sure that every pixel in my design was perfect for the 360 Canvas proved to be quite a challenge. It was crucial to visualize the 360 design as I worked along to get a grasp of how my artwork would adapt to the final presentation on the Sphere. The team helped me conceptualize the design and format every last detail to render it in pixel-perfect beauty.

H+: What advice would you give to aspiring artists or designers following your journey?

James: I always encourage aspiring artists and designers to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to honing your craft. Play around with new tools, software, and designs—even if it doesn't lead to a completed creation each session, this practice time makes you a better artist. Even though I've been working on 3D artwork for years, I still get my reps in and work every day to improve upon my skill set. Don't be afraid to share your work out there—the 3D community is extremely tight-knit and very helpful. Everyone is willing to give you tips and advice on improving your work. We're all looking to lift each other up as we explore this ever-expanding discipline!

H+: What are three core words to describe your artwork displaying on Sphere?

James: Otherworldly, Meditative, Utopia

H+: What would you say to your younger self if he could see this moment?

James: It's hard to believe how far I've come as an artist. I got into making animations with my LEGOs—creating short stop-motions with my designs and a cheap, low-quality "FLIP" video camera. I don't think younger James would be able to fathom the technological advancements made with creations like the Sphere, let alone imagine his creations being shown to the world in such a format. I would thank my younger self for pursuing both science and art—never sacrificing one for the other. Thanks to my work at the intersection of these disciplines, I've been able to make a moment like this possible.

For more information on James Tralie, visit his portfolio page!