Hi, I’m Erick Mares!
Senior Graphic Designer
and VFX Artist
I’m a Montreal-based graphic designer and VFX artist, and co-owner of ToMarsLabs, where I turn ideas into visually striking experiences. I combine design, technology, and procedural tools like Houdini to craft immersive, living worlds that spark curiosity and captivate the eye. I thrive on experimentation and learning, always pushing boundaries to create work that’s thoughtful, engaging, and full of life.
Project_1
Building
destruction
Lost Boys 2023
Developed at Lost Boys, this RBD simulation project in Houdini focused on recreating a specific shot from the film Tenet. The workflow began with a third-party building, which I extensively cleaned, fixed, and optimized to make it simulation ready. To manage the destruction, I established distinct groups, physical properties, and constraint rules for different materials to precisely guide the collapse mechanics, while utilizing multiple geometry caches to optimize performance. For the explosion dynamics, I used metaball nodes to shape and drive the forces. To add granular detail, I modeled a set of approximately 25 low poly rocks and instanced them onto points to simulate debris and dust layers. Post-simulation, I used Time Shift and Retime nodes to fine-tune the timing and ensure a close match with the reference. Finally, I performed precise camera matching for the scene, applied standard materials for visual clarity, and composited the final result in After Effects.
Ultimately, this project helped me improve my problem-solving skills, especially when working with third-party assets and reducing simulation times. The experience gave me a solid foundation for my professional career and allowed me to develop a workflow that balances creative quality with technical efficiency.
A Rigid Body Dynamics simulation in Houdini,
replicating a specific sequence from the film Tenet.
Scene from which the reference
for the project was taken.
Layered fracture visualization
for RBD simulation setup.
Mentorship & Technical Direction Svava Jóhannsdóttir & Jonathan Franklin For their expert guidance, supervision, and instruction throughout the development of this project.
Project_2
Ironside
Torre latino
ToMarsLabs 2025
Video created by combining stock footage with Meshroom, GeoTracker, Blender and Houdini Vellum simulations for a seamless, high-end brand reveal.
A behind-the-scenes look at the raw viewport, showing photogrametry topology and scene layout before final texturing and rendering.
Project developed at ToMarsLabs, where I am a co-owner of the studio, for a client seeking to create a video for the Hot Sale campaign, Mexico’s nationwide e-commerce discount event.
The project began with a third-party stock clip, which was used to perform a 3D scan in order to extract the camera data and scene geometry. The initial camera tracking was generated using Meshroom, from which a frame was selected where the reconstructed geometry best matched the original footage. This frame, along with the camera data, was then refined and accurately tracked using GeoTracker by KeenTools, a Blender add-on that played a key role in achieving precise alignment between the live-action footage and the 3D elements. We then developed the cloth vellum simulation in Houdini, focusing on realism. In parallel, we handled the optimization, integration, and animation of third-party 3D models. Finally, we completed the integration, texturing, and final compositing, ensuring a delivery aligned with the project’s overall concept.
This project pushed us to explore new tools, resources, and workflows in order to deliver the best possible result under a very tight deadline. The experience allowed us to refine our pipeline and identify faster, more efficient approaches that we plan to continue applying in future projects, strengthening and expanding ToMarsLabs production capabilities.
Credits to Tomás Riffo, co-owner of ToMarsLabs, who worked alongside me throughout the entire project and handled the final compositing and integration of the video.
Project_3
Ironside
Obelisco
ToMarsLabs 2025
As a co-owner of ToMarsLabs, this project were developed for a client launching their brand in Argentina.
The project began with a third-party stock clip. 3D assets were sourced from Google Maps, and the Obelisk was fully modeled in Blender. By analyzing the camera metadata, we identified that the footage was captured using a DJI drone, which allowed us to determine the specific lens used. This information enabled an accurate lens match in Blender, achieving proper camera alignment with the background and footage from the very first frame. GeoTracker by KeenTools was then used to track the scene, ensuring precise integration between the live-action footage and the 3D elements.
Houdini was then used to simulate a realistic flag with Vellum, while low-poly models were optimized, animated, and integrated to reinforce the visual narrative. Sound effects were crafted using third party assets, and the project was finalized through detailed texturing and compositing, resulting in a polished and cohesive visual outcome.
This project encouraged a more organized workflow built around each team member’s strengths, allowing us to maintain steady progress across multiple tasks without compromising quality or deadlines.
Stock footage transformed into a polished brand reveal using Meshroom, GeoTracker, Blender, and Houdini Vellum simulations.
A behind-the-scenes look at the raw viewport, showing photogrametry topology and scene layout before final texturing and rendering.
Credits to Tomás Riffo, co-owner of ToMarsLabs, who worked alongside me throughout the entire project and handled the final compositing and integration of the video.
Project_4
Car Pyro
explosion
Lost Boys 2023
RBD and Pyro project developed at Lost Boys, using Houdini simulations to create realistic destruction, fire, and smoke effects.
Raw viewport breakdown showing RBD fragmentation and Pyro simulations, randomly colorized for easier visualization.
Project completed at Lost Boys, focused on developing a scene based on a reference, depicting a car explosion with fire and smoke using Pyro Simulation in Houdini.
The project began with a third-party car model, which was cleaned, corrected, and adapted for integration into the simulation. It built upon knowledge from a previous RBD project, where specific groups, physical properties, and constraint rules were defined for the different materials of the vehicle. Once the initial simulation was obtained, the reference video was carefully reviewed to identify areas where the Pyro simulation would be applied, selecting approximately 14 distinct zones. The Pyro simulation was executed for each zone and cached to optimize workflow. For three of these simulations, the Trail Node was used to generate smoke trails for objects that required it. The additional models that complemented the scene were sourced from third-party assets, optimized, and arranged in a composition that closely resembled the reference. For rendering, materials were set up in Karma to work seamlessly with the Pyro simulation, taking advantage of GPU rendering to achieve fast and high-quality results.
This project allowed me to learn how to effectively combine different types of simulations, determine the optimal approach for each, and manage materials to achieve high-quality rendering.
Mentorship & Technical Direction Svava Jóhannsdóttir & Jonathan Franklin For their expert guidance, supervision, and instruction throughout the development of this project.
Project_5
Ironside
Combat
ToMarsLabs 2025
Launch video created for the premium product line of a ToMarsLabs client, a studio where I am a co-owner. The primary objective was to communicate the quality and innovative character of the new product range through a high-impact video, fully aligned with the brand’s values.
The project began with a research and reference phase, analyzing how similar products are presented in the market and positioned against competitors. Based on this analysis, a visual approach was defined to highlight materials, construction details, and the key features of each machine, using close-ups and controlled framing to guide the viewer’s attention to the most relevant elements.
The client provided basic 3D models originally used for website visualization, which were reworked, refined, and optimized in Blender to achieve the required level of detail. Once finalized, the assets were animated, and the scene layout, camera animation, shading, and texturing were completed. Sound effects were designed using third-party assets, and the project was finalized through detailed compositing, resulting in a cohesive and polished visual output.
The experience reinforced the importance of early visual planning and informed decision-making to maintain consistency and efficiency throughout a complex production pipeline, resulting in stronger workflows and optimal outcomes for future projects with the same or different clients.
Launch video for ToMarsLabs client, showcasing premium innovation products, created and animated in Blender.
A behind-the-scenes look at the raw viewport, showing the scene layout before final texturing and rendering.
Credits to Tomás Riffo, co-owner of ToMarsLabs, who worked alongside me throughout the entire project.
Project_6
Stadium
Crowds
ToMarsLabs 2025
Project for a major Mexican insurance company, creating 3D stadium crowds for 14 shots using Houdini instancing and Rokoko animations.
The making of different animation variants using a Rokoko suit performing celebratory actions.
Clean plates before selecting and inserting points for animation instancing with varying time offsets.
Project developed for a renowned insurance company in Mexico. The main goal was to generate realistic 3D crowds for 14 shots across three different stadiums for a commercial.
We explored several approaches, but due to the large number of people, tight deadlines, and limited resources for heavy simulations, we decided to use point instancing for all shots. To avoid repetitive crowd animations, we recorded multiple variations using a Rokoko suit, capturing movements such as waving flags and cheering, each lasting around 20 seconds. We then applied time warps and animation offsets to create different lengths and start times, making the crowds appear more natural and dynamic. The stadium models, sourced from a third party, were cleaned, optimized, and divided into sections where the instanced animations were placed. For rendering, we split the stadium into sections to avoid overloading the machines, allowing us to render the full crowd without crashes while maintaining the desired visual quality. For less complex, shorter shots where the crowds were out of focus and required less detail, smaller crowds were created and rendered with a static camera. These were later 2D-tracked and integrated by RAW FX in Mexico.
This project taught us how to manage time, resources, and our team effectively when working on large-scale projects. It provided valuable experience in planning and organizing the workflow to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines. Most importantly, it allowed us to make a strong impression with the client and opened the door to future collaborations.
Credits to Tomás Riffo, co-owner of ToMarsLabs, who worked alongside me throughout the entire project and also to RAW FX Studio who handled the final compositing and integration of the video.
Project_7
EVO
Payments
MAMUT Publicity
For over nine years, I worked as a Senior Designer at MAMUT Publicidad based in Mexico City, creating visual content for EVO Payments, a global leader in payment solutions.
I collaborated closely with the client, aligning designs with their needs and business goals, and produced materials for both internal communications and public-facing campaigns.
My work covered a wide range of deliverables, including brochures, posters, videos, social media assets, email campaigns, point-of-sale and office graphics, as well as practical materials such as forms.
I was also involved in the execution of multiple advertising campaigns, ensuring visual consistency and strict adherence to brand guidelines across all outputs. This role strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, work under tight deadlines, and translate client ideas into clear, polished designs.
Beyond that, the experience gave me the confidence to take on new types of projects, continuously expanding my skills and creative approach. Overall, this role sharpened my ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate effectively with clients, and deliver engaging visual content across both print and digital platforms.
Soy un párrafo. Haz clic aquí para agregar tu propio texto y edítame. Es muy sencillo.
Professional Acknowledgment to MAMUT Publicity for the opportunity to collaborate on high-impact projects and for the trust placed in me to deliver results for top-tier clients.
Soy un párrafo. Haz clic aquí para agregar tu propio texto y edítame. Es muy sencillo.
Project_8
Cetaphil
MAMUT Publicity
As a Senior Designer contracted by MAMUT Publicidad, I was assigned to work with Cetaphil on the development of a campaign for the launch of a new sunscreen product. The concept was built around presenting the product as both long-lasting and fresh for everyday use, targeting women who seek effective sun protection without compromising their appearance.
The campaign was developed in close collaboration with the client, exchanging and refining ideas until reaching a concept that felt right to effectively position and elevate the product. For this project, a master graphic was created along with several visual adaptations showing how the campaign could be presented to the public. These executions included assets for social media, print materials, and a large-format billboard.
Working with this client allowed me to strengthen one-on-one communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of the campaign creation process, including defining objectives, identifying the most effective channels to reach the target audience, and using a range of design software to bring the campaign to life.
Professional Acknowledgment to MAMUT Publicity for the opportunity to collaborate on high-impact projects and for the trust placed in me to deliver results for top-tier clients.
Project_9
American
Express
MAMUT Publicity
For the past 9 years, I’ve worked as a Senior Designer through MAMUT Publicidad based in Mexico City, creating visual projects for Amex, one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Within Amex, I collaborated with different departments, each with unique clients and needs, producing materials for both internal use and public campaigns.
I’ve worked on a wide variety of projects, from print materials like billboards and brochures, to motion graphics and videos, social media content, email campaigns, and even forms and functional design pieces. I also helped develop and execute several advertising campaigns, making sure all assets stayed consistent with the brand and met each department’s goals.
Over time, I’ve learned to adapt quickly to different types of projects, work efficiently under tight deadlines, and communicate clearly with clients to understand their vision. I’ve also taken on challenges outside my initial experience, learning new techniques and finding solutions to create high-quality work.
This experience has taught me how to manage multiple projects, collaborate with clients, and deliver visually engaging solutions across both digital and print media.
Soy un párrafo. Haz clic aquí para agregar tu propio texto y edítame. Es muy sencillo.
Professional Acknowledgment to MAMUT Publicity for the opportunity to collaborate on high-impact projects and for the trust placed in me to deliver results for top-tier clients.