Loving and Looking Back: What Makes Mr. Victor Marin a Good Artist
It could not be stressed further that the success of today is the product of yesterday’s struggles. The past not only grounds us to a beginning, it defines us so that our true selves can rise from it. Our featured ZBrush artist, Mr. Victor Marin knows this by heart.
He recognizes that he owes his development in the craft to artists of the past, traditional or nontraditional. It is in this realization that he is able to chart his own path—that while the path had already been paved by many great thespians, an aspirant such as himself will always have a place in the pantheon of noteworthy artists. And indeed, a lot can be noted about Mr. Marin.
How does Mr. Victor Marin give homage to his predecessors? Simply by loving what he does! So let us take a look at his experiences and amazing work in an interview by Xeno Creatives. Here, let us get to know the artist who is not only a good one, but one worthy of emulation.
Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology is definitely a game changer. It widened the avenues of expression, technique, and style for 3D artists. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled in it?
Victor Marin (VM): The trick is simple: infinite hours of practice.
When I started using ZBrush the software was not so popular like today. The best resource was the cool interchange of information and tips and tricks with good friends over at ZBrushCentral (the official forum of the software). It was so beautiful to see the evolution of the software. With each version and update, ZBrush grew in a surreal way. Now I think there is no better software to create realities from ideas.
XC: Being a dedicated artist as you are, how did ZBrush help you further your art?
VM: In all the aspects, the speed, the comfort, and the full control of the model. I also made traditional sculptures and the more you use clay, the more you’d be better in ZBrush and conversely. As one friend says, ZBrush gives you ‘superpowers’ for modeling XD.
XC: What made you decide to focus on ZBrush as a creation medium? Are you still planning on venturing into other software?
VM: ZBrush changed my life and professional career. I discovered ZBrush under version 1.5b, and I bought it when Pixologic released the version 2. Lots of years using and enjoying the software. Also was a infinite honor that Pixologic hired me for the Spanish version of the software, also soon I will offer in the ZBrush official platform some free webinars. I also use software like 3Ds Max, Photoshop, and even Corel Draw at times along with ZBrush. I am also very curious with the software, Marvelous Designer.
XC: Do you have to be good in human anatomy when working with ZBrush?
VM: For organic modeling, it is not just a good idea, it is a MUST. Even for working with imaginary creatures, you need to have solid skills in real anatomy (human and animal) to create monsters and creatures that will convince the public that these can live perfectly in a world (imaginary or not) with rules (gravity, real system of bone, muscles, etc.)
XC: Do you see yourself in the movie and television industry?
VM: I work for the movie industry, so yes, I hope to keep working in this wonderful industry Ahahahaha!
XC: Was your craft really a passion to begin with or just something that pays the bills?
There is a popular saying, ‘Find a job you love and you will never have to work a say in your life’. I believe in it. For me, working as a 3D artist is really a Passion and a way of life—and it also pays the bills (the perfect combination XD)
XC: Seeing your works on ArtStation and Facebook was a visual treat! Your creatures are spectacular with a refreshing originality. Do you have favorite pieces? What are they and why?
VM: First of all, thanks for the compliment! One of my favorite pieces is the one called, ‘Baal’ a very personal project. Also, when I saw the wonderful paintings on them (Joe Dunaway and Rick Cantu, both outstanding painters from Sideshow Collectibles), I was immediately fell in love with their colors. Now are in my personal collection; so proud with this work.
Also, I am very happy to release my second artbook. It was a titanic undertaking, but I am extremely happy not only for all the art included, but also for the wonderful quotes about my work from giants of the industry like Steve Wang, Carlos Ezquerra (creator of Judge Dredd), Aaron Sims Creative or Stan Winston School of Character Arts, I cannot be happier.
XC: Who do you consider your influences? What attracted you to them?
VM: I was heavily influenced not only by classical masters such as Corradini or Bernini (among others) but also artists like the great H.R Giger, Dali, Picasso. I also consider several artists in the comic book industry such as the big legend and my big friend (who sadly passed away a few weeks back) Alfonso Azpiri, Ernie Chan, John Romita, etc.
Legends of the movie industry are really important to me including Ray Harryhausen, Tim Burton, and Guillermo del Toro. I owe a lot from FX artists such as the masters Stan Winston, Rick Baker, Steve Wang, etc.
XC: What other pieces do you still want to create?
VM: I am in the process of creating collectibles that are highly personal and a little bit dark. While it will be hard to find enough time to create them, I am very excited to see the project through.
Also, if someone decides to make a film with creatures based in the world of H.P. Lovecraft will be fantastic to work on that project!
XC: Aside from creating fan art and your own amazing character concepts, do you also see yourself in Game Character Design?
VM: Many years ago, I did a few things for a videogame. Recently 2 big companies asked me if I am interesed in working in the videogame industry. I love the art behind videogames, but maybe i will feel more confortable creating concept art for videgames instead modeling because that means working again with topologies and UV meshes, I am saturated now with those aspects. Hehehe.
XC: If you weren’t working as a 3D artist, what do you think you’d be specializing in instead?
VM: What a difficult question! Ahahahahaha! For me 3D, and overall, the art (may it be digital or traditional) is already a way of life. It is like choosing between food and famine. I can’t imagine my life working in another career that has nothing to do with art.
XC: What advice can you give individuals wanting to enter the industry?
VM: Nowadays, the global industry is close to collapsing with the sheer quantity of artists: some experienced artists, other apprentices, it is actually hard to find a solid place. The most important word that I always use is the PASSION.
If you don’t feel love for the industry, I think it is very hard to keep improving your skills and learning every day. Also it is very basic to study the grand masters (painters and sculptors) like Corradini, El Bosco, Dali, Michelangelo, Bernini, etc; Learn anatomy, the architecture of color and forms. And always have a possitive attitude—never give up!
Thank you very much Mr. Marin for this wonderful opportunity! May your future endeavors be worthwhile and fruitful!
Want to see more of Mr. Marin’s works, check out ArtStation and visit http://invictus-designs.com/invictus2015wp/!
