Massimo Righi - My Work Have Been Featured In Articles And Books Such As Digital Art Masters, 3D World Magazine And 3D Artist (3D Creature Artist, Singapore)

 

You need to learn how to make good use of your eyes, understand how to observe and develop an attention for details. 

1. When and how did you choose to be a 3D artist?

3D has been an hobby until the end of the 90s. 

In the mid 90s I owned a bookstore and while I was selling books, my passion for computer graphics kept growing and growing. 

At some point in the early 2000s, together with my wife I decided to sell the bookstore and pursue a professional career as a 3D artist, so I started building my portfolio and looking for freelance jobs.

I’ve been lucky enough to be soon recognized and after winning a few awards, my works have been featured in articles and books such as Digital Art Masters, 3D World Magazine and 3D Artist.

2. What is the role and scope of work for a 3D artist?

Generally speaking a 3D artist creates 3D models, animations, and visual effects that will be used for TV, film or games production. A 3D artist can be specialized in specific fields such as modeling, animation, grooming or vfx.

For example I’m a 3D creature Artist and I deal with modeling, texturing and grooming but I also like to do lighting and rendering so that I can provide a proper look.

3. Which are some of the tools & software that a 3D artist must be aware of?

There are many 3D packages on the market, free or paid. Usually the tools are modelling /sculpting software and 2D painting ones to create the textures.

I personally use Auto desk Maya as a main 3D package, Zbrush for sculpting. Photoshop and AfterEffect for painting and compositing.

4. How in your opinion has this profession changed over years?

Well, it changed and keep changing a lot. When I started about two decades ago unlike today, online resources were scarce back then, so I red every CG magazine I could get my hands on, cover to cover. Now there are online courses, a lot of tutorials and specialized schools. It’s much easier to learn but cons Is that becoming popular and popular, the competition increases and the feeling is that the market is getting full and it’s more difficult to stand out.

5. Do you often have to keep upskilling yourself?

I would say: always!

In this job you never stop learning and challenging your skills.

6. How can one develop a keen sense for design and aesthetics?

The most important thing I understood in the years, is the ability to train yourself. You need to learn how to make good use of your eyes, understand how to observe and develop an attention for details. 

When I look back at my older works I think: “I can’t believe how much I’ve improved!” This type of comparison is the only way to effectively measure your progress. 

Often people ask me:" what are you machine specs to get those renders? You must have a powerful one to be able to create your models? What is the best 3D software? Well, the tools and the hardware are obviously very important but I think the artist's eye and training makes the difference.

7. What does your work aim to say?

I try to re-create in 3D what I like: animals. 

In my illustrations I try to show the iconic image of that specific animal or at least what’s my personal idea of that.

It’s a mix of my childhood vision with added real life experience.

8. How has your practice changed over time?

With the increasing machines power and ability to handle more polygons the workflow has changed in the years. The only sculpting tool that I initially used was the one inside Maya. I used it mainly for some detailing and subsequently for creating normal and displacement maps. 

Since Zbrush and Mudbox came out the sculpting tools are getting a bigger and bigger role in the industry. They are also basically the only way for quality 3D printing outputs. 

9. How important is social media validation in your profession?

Working as a freelancer and running a 3D online marketplace, social media platforms are very important because I can promote myself and my assets. I also use them to connect to cool people that sometimes turn into great collaborations.

10. Your favourite book and why?

I’ll stick to classics: Alexandre Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo. Revenge theme but also redemption love it!

- Massimo Righi

Animal lover & 3D Creature Artist. 

20 years in the industry. Clients include Discovery Channel, WWF, Netflix, Google, Autodesk.

- Instagram: Massimo Righi

- Website: Massimo Righi

- YouTube: Massimo Righi

- Interviewed By Pearlina Marie Rein