Introduction
In this interview, we explore the creative world of Valentina Iudina, a talented 3D character artist whose journey into digital art began in 2014. Valentina’s path from 2D drawing for fun to becoming a professional 3D artist is a testament to her passion and dedication. Her work, deeply influenced by classical and contemporary artists, and her unique style rooted in fantasy themes, reflects a blend of artistic skill and innovative techniques.
Join us as we discover her creative process, artistic influences, and the inspiring story behind one of her favorite projects, “Surrounded By Monsters.”
Background and Inspiration
Can you tell us a bit about your journey into digital art?
I was first introduced to digital art in 2014 trying 2D drawing, but I was just drawing for fun. In the summer of 2019 I wanted to start doing it professionally and thought of learning 3D to help with 2D drawing. But 3D turned out to be so exciting and engaging that I forgot about my original goal and started learning everything I needed to become a 3D character artist. And now I’m happy that I have the opportunity to work as 3D character artist.
What inspired you to become a digital artist?
I always wanted to be an artist, but I was always more interested in spending time on the computer than painting with traditional materials. So when I found out that I could combine my love of art and computers I was thrilled. Also digital art gives me a lot of ways to realize my ideas, more than I could in traditional art.
Who are some of your artistic influences and favorite artists (digital or otherwise)?
In classical painting I really like the direction of “Pre-Raphaelism” and my favorite artist is Edmund Blair Leighton. I am also very inspired by artists like Luis Royo, Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo. In digital art I am very much in love with artists like Maria Panfilova, Andres Rios, Nikolay Demencevich.
As an artist based in Izmir, Turkey, are local art scenes, events, or communities particularly inspiring your creations?
I am currently in Greece and certainly it is a country with a rich history. The ancient myths, legends, ruins and preserved statues are very inspiring. In the future I would like to create a series of works with different statues, but with a little more fantasy theme.
Creative Process
Could you describe your typical creative process from ideation to completion?
When I get an idea for a new personal project, I write it down so I don’t forget it. Sometimes I can make a simple sketch. After that, I have to look for references. Then I sketch the basic shapes in ZBrush. When the general shapes are found I move on to detailing. When the HP model is finished, I need to make a low detailed one, sometimes for portfolio I use decimate and than i create a UV for texturing in substance painter. After baking and texturing, I render in Marmoset. I prefer real time rendering because I like to see what the model could look like in the game. Sometimes you can do post effects and correction in photoshop, but I almost never use it.
Do you have any favorite software, tools, or techniques that you rely on in your work?
Oh yeah, I’m obsessed with ZBrush. I fell in love with it from the first time I used it. It’s insanely convenient and comfortable software to make organic and high detailed models. Sometimes artists say that it’s not clear and user friendly, but I believe that you just need to customize the interface to your own convenience and you’ll be fine.
How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks?
I always have some creative need for expression inside me and if I don’t want to do any personal projects at all, I just give myself time to rest. It’s ok to rest from time to time even from your favorite work. And it’s worth taking a break for a while, as ideas will start to come into your head and you’ll want to realize them.
Style and Themes
Many digital artists have a unique style. How would you describe your artistic style and the themes you often explore?
I think my art is a kind of escapism from boring reality. My style is mostly directed towards fantasy themes. Maybe with a bit of a dark fantasy vibe. But when I want a bit more of a light mood I don’t deny myself that.
Is there a recurring message or story you try to convey through your designs?
From time to time I leave messages in my projects with a hint about not giving up hope. No matter how hard things get in this life, you have to keep moving forward.
“Surrounded By Monsters” Project
Let’s dive into a specific project of yours. Can you share some details of Surrounded By Monsters?
This is one of my favorite projects that I created as a break from my main tasks at work, which were not sculpting at the time, and I really missed my highly beloved zbrush. I saw 2D art by Nhoeskape (DeviantArt) and caught fire to make it as a speedsсulpt. It was a challenge for me. Not just to make it, but to make it at speed. I completed it in probably about 16 hours. I consider it a success, because I would have spent much more time on this kind of art before.
What is the story behind this project?
As I wrote in my post “Sometimes you just need to change the people around you”. I think we sometimes forget how we are influenced by the people around us and how important it is for it to be a favorable influence for the person. As Zigmund Freud had said once: “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or an inferiority complex, make sure you’re not just surrounded by assholes.”
Can you describe the key elements and techniques used in this project?
Basically, I created this project in zbush. But for the girl’s clothes I used Marvelous Designer. Monster heads I created from scratch about 5 heads. The rest of the heads were already resculpted from these heads. Then I decimate models and poly painted them in zbrush. In polypaint, it is important to paint not only the base colors of the model but also such moments as darkening and brightening. I did rendering in Marmoset toolbag. In this project after rendering, I just a little in photoshop lightened the model of the girl to make her stand out brighter among the monsters. So I highlighted the bright accent on her.
Challenges and Achievements
Every artist faces challenges. Can you tell us about a specific artistic challenge you’ve overcome and how you did it?
As an artist, at first I had difficulty with the speed of the work. I participated a lot in speedsculpting, both in different thematic groups, with friends and just for myself. And that helped me a lot. It really helps to improve your speed. I also recommend that even for your personal projects you set deadlines. It also really helps me not to stretch my work for a month or more.
What’s been one of your most significant achievements or milestones in your artistic journey?
The most important achievements for me are winning the speedsculpt in a community for 3D artists, it helped me to realize that I’m doing the right thing for me. Also, when I was working on my dream AAA project Spider-Man 2.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
What advice do you have for aspiring digital artists just starting their creative journey?
For artists starting out, I advise them to do what they like. It is of course important for a 3D artist to be able to do literally everything, but it is important not to lose your individuality in the process of learning all the techniques and methods. Remember why you started doing this and devote more time to things you like. And of course you need a lot of practice to succeed. Really a lot of practice!
How do you balance your artistic pursuits with other aspects of life, like work and family?
To balance all these areas of life I keep a strict schedule. I practice 3D strictly from the moment I wake up on weekdays until 7pm. Evening is always a time for relaxation, family, video games, TV series. On weekends, I try to be outdoors more to get a better rest before the next week. Of course, if I have a strict deadline, I will work harder. But otherwise, my schedule helps me both be productive and remember to live life.
Future Goals
What are your future artistic goals, or is there a particular project or theme you’d like to explore in the future?
My main goals for the future are to increase my skills as an artist and to improve myself. Also, I already have several personal art projects, including dark fantasy themes, which I want to realize.
Conclusion
Valentina Iudina’s journey from a novice digital artist to a skilled 3D character artist is inspiring for anyone aspiring to enter the digital art world. Her dedication to mastering her craft, combined with her love for fantasy themes and innovative techniques, has led her to create captivating works of art. Valentina’s advice to aspiring artists emphasizes the importance of passion, practice, and maintaining individuality. Her disciplined approach to balancing work and life further underscores her commitment to her art.
As Valentina continues to evolve as an artist, her future projects promise to bring more of her unique vision to life, enriching the digital art landscape with her imaginative creations.
To stay updated with her latest works, follow her on ArtStation and Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates on her artistic journey.
Ana is a Content Manager at Vertex Mode, where she blends storytelling with digital expertise to create engaging content.
