Love and Consistency: The Art of Mr. Ivan Shevchyk
Mr. Ivan Shevchyk’s works are a mixture of styles, original concepts, and a whole lotta cute girls. Saying that we are entertained is an understatement.
But what really gets us is his attention to detail—his careful regard for the aesthetics of the female face and his delightfully-outlandish ideas.
And his products are not without incident. These efforts were not just borne out of love but of consistency and perseverance. To the latter he has this to say:
The most important quality for success in CG is perseverance. You spend many hours, then more hours. You get a weak result. Again spend many hours. And repeat it without end. And then your work will get better and better.
Mr. Shevchyk knows what needs to be done and does not compromise. We admire him.
So let us sit down and read this interview to ZBrush artist Mr. Ivan Shevchyk by Xeno Creatives and find out what artists like him are made of and why he is one worthy of our respect.
Xeno Creatives (XC): Unlike the simplicity of pencil and ink on paper, we understand that a lot of technical knowledge is needed to get used to ZBrush. What processes did you have to learn to be good at it? As a dedicated artist, how did this help you in your craft?
Ivan Shevchyk (IS): It is difficult to list all the processes that are worth studying in order to get good results in ZBrush. So I’ll focus on a few who helped me the most. The first is a sense of proportion. It is necessary to relate the details to each other all the time in order to catch their correct volumes. Also compare with the sketch and references if they are sound. The second is knowledge of anatomy. You do not need to know all the muscles and their names; it is more important to remember how in the key nodes of the body the volumes from the muscles look and on what principles they are built. All these, as in any profession, are gained by exercise, studying, and communicating with more experienced artists.
XC: When did you realize that you want to produce 3D art through ZBrush? Would you like to expand to other media or do you just want to focus on it?
IS: Before ZBrush, I spent many years doing architectural visualization, and then modeling various objects under the subdivision. At some point, I realized that I was very attracted to the creation of characters. For these purposes, ZBrush is the best in my opinion. I began to study ZBrush and continue to this day.
XC: Are there other media you had a chance to use? What were these?
IS: I had the opportunity to try 3Ds max, 3D coat, Mudbox, Modo. All packages have their advantages. But to me the most pleasant ZBrush.
XC: How did you get started with 3D art? Was it more of a need or need?
IS: I started in an architectural studio as an intern. I visualized the interiors and modeled armchairs. And honestly, I hope no one will see those old works. They really were terrible. :))
XC: We had the most pleasant experience of seeing your works online. Finding favorites proved to be challenging as they are all GOOD. But what do you like most about your works? Do you have favorite pieces? What are they and why?
IS: Phunny Bunny is the work that I like the most. Of course, sentimental feelings play in me. It was created according to the original concept of the amazing Edwin Huang. I was engaged in this project in my spare time. I spent many hours and learned a lot of new things. Remodeled many details several times to achieve an excellent result. This was my first full-fledged character. At the moment, it’s a completed sculpture. I think in the future I will return to this work and bring it to a full render with materials.
XC: Who do you consider your influences? What attracted you to them?
IS: The greatest influence in my time was made by two excellent sculptors zbro z and Adam Fisher. Seeing their video, I wanted to sculpt characters in ZBrush. It was amazing. Then I did not know how they do it. There was some kind of magic. Now watching those clips I understand what tricks they use and why, but it does not make these videos less magical for me.
XC: What other pieces do you want to create?
IS: In the coming new year, I want to start a long personal project—works in which will be united by some common theme. I would also like to participate in the creation of characters for any of the well-known game series.
XC: With the nature of your works, do you also find yourself being immersed in Game Character Design?
IS: Yes, I try to develop my skills in character design. For me, design is one of the most interesting and complex components in the character. This is the essence of creativity. I feel real pleasure when my efforts turn out to be successful design solutions.
XC: Was working for television and film ever a prospect for you?
IS: I think to get to something that you really like doing, you need to try a lot of different things. Therefore it will be fine if I have the opportunity to work with television or film. I am very inspired by artists who create an excellent art for films. For example, I really like the art for the “Ghost in the Shell” movie. The art is incredibly gorgeous.
XC: If you were not doing what you are doing now, what do you think would be specializing instead?
IS: If I need to choose from CG directions, then I would draw pretty girls in 2D. And if I had to deal with an area far from CG, I would be a cook. I was engaged in cooking meat on the grill.
XC: What advice or message can you give young aspirants who wish to enter the industry / craft?
IS: I will not be original. The most important quality for success in CG is perseverance. You spend many hours, then more hours. You get a weak result. Again spend many hours. And repeat it without end. And then your work will get better and better.
We are truly honored to have had this chance of an interview Mr. Ivan Shevchyk. We wish you all the best in your craft!
Want to see more of his works? Click here!
