Gaurav Kumar: On Materializing Your Dreams and Desires

Gaurav Kumar: On Materializing Your Dreams and Desires

by Joshua Diokno June 7, 2018 0

At 35 years of age, Mr. Gaurav Kumar is already an established, self-taught sculptor. One of the things that caught our attention he graduated with a degree in Business Administration—a universe away from his craft. So to learn in his chosen discipline, he enrolled in an institute for learning basic graphic editor and 3D CG application.

Mr. Gaurav Kumar started working in a gaming outsource company in Delhi in 2006. This is where he did all sorts of creative work from modeling vehicles to creating environments. It was later in 2008 that Mr. Kumar was introduced to ZBrush. From then on he slowly shifted from hard surface modeling to purely sculpting.

Let’s get to know what motivates Mr. Kumar in the digital craft through this short interview and find out how he has positioned himself in the industry.

Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology brought a lot to the industry. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled in it?

Gaurav Kumar (GK): ZBrush works wonders and has definitely brought a lot to the industry. I have done lot of studying and researching around its functionalities for me to utilize this. Because ZBrush is very comprehensive and can look a little complicated, you have to be patient in learning it. From customizable brushes, use of alphas, polypaint and the like, these tools are very intuitive and flexible. I did invest a lot of time on how each tool helped me bring my imagination in 3D. Also learning how every object is made in real world whether it’s a muscle on a body, wood or a stone surface, every surface has its own feel. ZBrush helps you bring your imagination to life.

XC: As a dedicated artist how did ZBrush help you further your art?

GK: ZBrush has helped me materialize a lot of sculpt. With the details that I am capable of producing, the limit is only my imagination. Once you get a hold of ZBrush, and with artistic knowledge, it will definitely enable artists to unleash their limitless creativity. Just think about what you want to create and ZBrush will help you materialize it!

Also, I got to know great artists from the ZBrush group and have learned a lot from them!

XC: Was your craft really a passion to begin with, a hobby, or a mere job?

GK: I grew up being inclined to sketch and sculpted face on school white chalk since sculpting has been my passion for so many years. It is somehow connected to my day job, but doing sculpts outside of work gives me more flexibility on how to do a project.

XC: Given your experience in the industry, what do you think is your edge as a 3D artist?

GK: I am very OC with my work. I have invested a lot of time understanding anatomy and I always seek to put all the details in the right places. This is a result of me tirelessly sculpting for so many years!

XC: Whom do you do you consider your influence(s)?

GK: Lot of artists and their art have influenced me with their creativity. From 2D to 3D artist, from legends to fresher everyone has influenced me in a way or another. I am always eager to learn more and be a better sculptor.

XC: So far, what were the challenges that you had encountered working in the 3D industry?

GK: The beginning is always the hardest. So when I was new to ZBrush, I had to invest a lot of time studying its tools. But if this is your passion, this will not be very difficult to overcome!

Sculpting brings new challenges every day and that’s what keeps me going.

XC: What is your most exciting project to date?

GK: I collaborated on a sculpt with 3 other artists. In this project, I learned more about my style and have been inspired by these artists with the way they approach sculpting.

XC: Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?

GK: Just keep working hard and don’t give up! Skills are not harnessed in a day, we need to be passionate and patient; enthusiastic and meticulous. Your imagination is what you need, ZBrush will help you materialize what you want to create so keep on exploring, you will get better and better every day! Just have work hard and have a trust in yourself.