Daniel Moudatsos: On Keeping His Dedication for the Craft Intact
When we asked Mr. Daniel Moudatsos what makes him stand out if he were to market himself, he answered:
My dedication. I always give my 100% in every project since I know that my name and reputation will be linked with the piece that I’ll be coming out with.
Sure, we’ve heard it said before. Every artist, writer, or basically anyone involved in a certain craft or projecting himself in a job interview would say that dedication is his core value.
It’s overrated, to say the least. But with Mr. Moudatsos, we know that it is no mere claim but a trait endemic to him. He does not boast about his place in the industry. In fact, he does not even cross his mind. And therein lies the key in him pushing forward in the industry, tirelessly; he knows that there is always room for improvement. He undertakes all his projects tediously, not leaving to chance all that he could learn.
Truly, Mr. Moudatsos is one artist to watch out for. Let’s get to know him through this short interview by Xeno Creatives.
Xeno Creatives (XC): We understand that passion takes precedence with just about any craft. In your case, how did it start becoming a passion? Would we be correct in assuming that you consider it a “calling” as many of your contemporaries do?
Daniel Moudatsos (DM): At first, I wanted to work in the animation industry in Pixar and DreamWorks. When I started learning more about the 3D world, I discovered 3D modeling for collectibles and it was love at first sight, and after that, I didn’t want to do anything else, so I guess you can consider it; a “calling.”
XC: Was there ever an art piece (digital or otherwise) or artist who catalyzed your involvement in the craft? When did you get involved fully in the 3D industry?
DM: The catalyst for my involvement in the craft was when I discovered the artist Alvaro Ribeiro and the world of 3D modeling for collectibles.
I started getting involved in the 3D industry after I graduated from Computer Science and got enough time to dedicate fully to studying and freelancing 3D.
XC: Now that you’re an active part of the industry, would you say you have pegged a solid place in it?
DM: I honestly don’t even think about that. My focus is perfecting my work and getting better every day; my place in the industry will result from that.
XC: How does your day look like in production?
DM: Since I work from home, I don’t have a solid schedule every day. My days usually start with me taking breakfast or eating something to get my brain working. I work until lunchtime. After lunch, I take a break to do something to reset my brain and entertain myself, like playing some game or watching something, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. After that, I go back to work until dinner time. After dinner, I start working again until it’s bedtime.
XC: What are the common challenges that a 3D artist like you encounters daily in a project?
DM: Keeping yourself motivated when something isn’t going the way you expected in a work
XC: Your works online are awe-inspiring. You bring your brand into characters that have already been established, making them yours and therefore entirely original. Do you have favorite pieces? If so, why are these your favorites? Also, what would you consider your most significant or most exciting project to date?
DM: My favorite piece is always the one that I’m about to do.
My biggest project to date was the batch. I did it to study complex surface modeling, it took me two months to finish it, so it was a challenging piece since I had to learn to do the stuff while making it.
XC: What would you highlight as your edge if you were to market yourself?
DM: My dedication. I always give my 100% in every project since I know that my name and reputation will be linked with the piece that I’ll be coming out with.
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be working as?
DM: Probably something in the IT area since I’m a Computer Science graduate.
XC: What is your message to other artists in these challenging times?
DM: Keep doing what you love.
Want to see more of Mr. Daniel Moudatsos’ awesome works? Visit his ArtStation account today!
