The next In our Artist focused interview, we talk to hard core photoreal 3D modeler and renderer Benjamin Parry.

Pints, Fags, Pool and oh yeah....Alien and Predator

What first made you want to become a 3D artist?

I first wanted to become a 3d artist when I was in my teens. But back then I didn’t really know what a 3d artist was. I just grouped it all under animation. Seeing films like Jurassic park the Matrix, Shrek and most importantly the makings of, which gave me a slight insight to how the magic was done.
What are your specialities?

My specialties are high quality modeling/sculpting, texturing, lighting and rendering.
What is the 3D industry like in your country?

3D is interesting in New Zealand (I am temporarily living in Japan ) you have a giant 3D company like Weta and then there are just a whole lot of small companies. Most of the 3D in New Zealand is done for advertisement although there is also a games company (Shidhe interactive) and if course Weta. Because of this I think most artists find them selves freelancing and often without work for quite a period of time. The industry is growing fast and there are many graduates everywhere eagerly awaiting to get into the industry.

What’s been your experience of overseas customers with regard to types of work, prices etc?

Over seas companies are great. I havn’t had much dealings with them. But the work I have done for them was great. Decent budgets and for me it’s been many character work. And more so robots.

Are your friends artists or does all your inspiration come from the online community?

A lot of close friends and even my twin brother are 3D artist. But I also get a lot of inspiration from online communities.

Who are the best, and the worst industry types to work for?

The Best types are people who know what they want and give a detailed description followed up with simple sketches. Or the people who just want something cool and leave it pretty much up to you with some direction along the way yet little changes.

The worst people are the ones that know in their heads exactly how they want it yet can’t communicate it to you. It often adds extra stress to everyone. Jobs like these end up with a lot of back and forth and a lot of time and money spent on trial and error. These jobs aren’t good for anyone, it makes relationships between the client and the artist very weak.

A rat but not as we know it

What inspires your work?

There us no single that inspires me. I get inspired by great works on online communities, the latest movies anime and games. I also get very inspired by the artists around me. This is one of the biggest inspirations. Having a kick ass group if colleagues and or friends that make great art helps to inspire me to do the same and to push myself further with every new project or design.

What software do you use and why? How did you start using it, coincidence or choice?

My choice is Modo. It is my personal preference for the work I specialize in. I was introduces to it in the first job I got out of uni. It is great for 3D stills and rendering. It has the beat.

3D_modeller_Benjamin_Parry’s_Portfolio