The Ongoing Snobbery of 3D Artists and Traditional

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CelticWolfalker's Ramblings

or the blatherings of a woman who has too much to do and not enough time


I normally wouldn't even open this can of worms but with the advances of CGI, 3d modeling, and even 3D renders using 3rd party content, the quality and imagination of upcoming 3d artists is growing. Most 3d artists are traditional artists but have transformed their medium to the computer, using pixels and their graphic powers of the PC instead of wearing down their pencils, markers or paints in a traditional sense. Truly good 3d artists have the understanding of the basics of art, which is perspective, subject, light and shadow, depth,  and emotive aspect to the scene.

To have this understanding isn't easy to come by and it takes years to master, in both traditional and 3d. I have several favorite 3d artists that I admire and follow, watching them experiment and grow over the years as they improve and refine their skills and talent. Even if an artist doesn't create their own content, it takes skill and sight to put together different elements to bring a render to life. I know as I grow and expand, I am increasingly getting pickier on content, and the quality of content, to use for own renders.

Then there is the fact, many of us 3d artists are also adjusting, correcting, digitally painting additional details, and so on to our pieces. So the renders wind up becoming more a mixed media image than a straight render.

But many traditional artists don't see that and pish-posh on us for not being true artists. How could we when we cheat and use content made by others? Or we aren't pouring blood, sweat, and tears over a piece of art. Granted there is quite a bit of 3d art there that is just hacked together, with no sense of scene, lighting, or composition but do not use that as a basis for ALL 3d art. There are many traditional "artists" that also do the same thing.

3d art is another aspect to art in general. The programs used is nothing but a tool, such as a graphite pencil or paints are. 3d programs take years to master and even then, you never truly master it as they evolve and improve over time, to where a 3d artist is having evolve with the programs they use.

I render now but I have used pencils, watercolors, charcoal, etc. I however, have not kept up with these and thus am rusty and really don't have the space or time to keep up this avenue of artwork. I know my basics, I still study and observe life around me to gain inspiration and understanding. That is why I take such painstaking time to detail in my renders regarding lighting and posing.

So, before a traditional artist scoffs at 3d artists for their work, keep an open mind and TRULY look at the quality work and time these folks put into it. We are not bleeding our fingers but it sure bleeds our PCs when it comes to render time.

Some of my favorite 3d artists:
:iconmavrosh: :iconfkdesign: :iconfredy3d: :iconfygomatic: :icongoor: :iconhellboysoto: :iconjepegraphics: :iconlouvette: :iconnightsongws: :iconaddyredragon: :iconrozbeans: :iconsarsa: :iconaeon--soul: :iconsixus1:

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fkdesign's avatar
Thank you so much for this... really flattened!