Great Expectations: How Alex Arroyo’s Big Ambitions Helps Him Transcend His Limitations
We like how this artist thinks:
…I really feel that having a clear and adaptable ambitious goal can fuel you to transcend your limitations. Always take some time to re-evaluate what you’re doing but never stop walking towards the goal. There is no possible outcome where doing more yields you less.
And there’s nothing more thrilling about Alex Arroyo’s works than his constant pursuit to better it–to be the best at what he does. And when you look at his portfolio, you’ll realize that he is getting even more closer to his goal.
So let’s learn a thing or two from Mr. Arroyo through this short but insightful interview. Let us take a look at how artists of his caliber arrive at the place they are in and be inspired to take on more than we can handle.
Xeno Creatives (XC) We understand that with just about any craft, passion takes precedence. In your case, how did it start becoming a passion? Would we be right in assuming that you consider it a “calling” as a lot of your contemporaries do?
Alexis Arroyo (AA): This is an interesting question. Since I was a kid I was always drawing on the last pages of my notebook during my classes. And even though I tried doing graphite portraits, it wasn’t until college that I considered a career related to the 3D industry. I was originally enrolled to become a Biomedical Engineer but found myself programing, editing videos, and doing 3D models with way more interest than I had on my actual career. So I had to make a decision. I had this idea that you have to be outstanding in the field to find a good opportunity. So I enrolled as a 3D artist with this in mind, always trying to outperform myself with each project.
XC: Was there ever an art piece (digital or otherwise) or artist who bolstered your interest in 3D art and motivated you to enter the space? When did you get involved fully in the industry?
AA: Funny enough, I’m more interested into 2D artists. I find their compositions and designs rather appealing, specifically Steve Zheng, Zeronis, and Sakimichan. Their works are very impressive. In the 3D space Dmytro Bajda and Ruslan Pronin are two names that always come to mind
About the industry, while a lot of my experience comes from research, mistakes, and creativity, I believe I am doing relatively well. I have jumped from being a freelancer to a full-time professional and contractor in 2019 after finishing my college degree. I have gathered experience within multiple workflows and software.
XC: Now that you’re an active part of the industry, would you say you have a solid place in it?
AA: I would say I’m in a very good position. However, I am not sure if I would call it solid as I think I have a lot to develop and learn to be an outstanding member of the industry.
XC: What does your day look like in production?
AA: I use a lot of time working on 3D either from my projects or my job, but normally I would spend around an hour gathering references that bear the style I’m pursuing for a character. Afterward, I would go and sculpt a few faces then compare and mix them until I have something I find appealing. I also do some polypaint to visualize early. This workflow will be repeated when texturing, rendering, and even rigging.
XC: What are the common challenges a 3D artist like you encounters daily in a project?
AA: In my case, there is a lot I can improve on from my last work. I believe my style could be better. I know I need to push further and achieve a compelling and thematic look. Style itself is something that I find complicated, especially because I’m constantly switching between anime, stylized, and realism. This creates a bit of dissonance. But sometimes the switch really helps me to produce something unique and interesting.
XC: We have seen your works on ArtStation and we were really impressed with your style. Do you have any favorite works? If so, why are these your favorites?
AA: Thank you! I would say I’m particularly in love with my Pokemon Marnie inspired by Sakimichan’s at. It was a very challenging piece. And while I think there are a lot of things I could improve, I really like the end result. My next favorite would be my Harley 2B inspired by a Zeronis Artwork. The last one would be my Cyberpunk c18 which was inspired by an Xhe1996 design. I feel like their faces and overall looks were particularly attractive. I really enjoyed the entire process.
XC: What would you consider your biggest or most exciting project to date?
AA: There is a project I’m currently working on which is leans more towards animation and real time. It is not yet public but I feel really excited about it as it includes stylized faces (my absolute favorite style), high-end rigging, and even complex simulations and facial tracking.
XC: If you were to market yourself, what would you highlight as your edge?
AA: Might sound simplistic but I would say my adaptability serves complex problem-solving. I am able to come up with creative yet simple solutions for complicated, production-related issues.
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be working as?
AA: Most likely as a biomedical engineer.
XC: What is your message to other artists in these challenging times?
AA: I’m a pretty geared individual so this might not be for everyone but I really feel that having a clear and adaptable ambitious goal can fuel you to transcend your limitations.
Always take some time to re-evaluate what you’re doing but never stop walking towards the goal. There is no possible outcome where doing more yields you less. Always seek the next challenge.
Mr. Alex Arroyo finished his degree at the Universidad Del Valle de Mexico. He has spent 3 years working with 3D print collectibles, 1 year working with NFTs, and 1 year working as a 3D character artist. Mr. Arroyo is 26 years old.
Want to see more of his awesome works? You can visit his Facebook and ArtStation account.
