Nillo Samyr: On Adapting and Going Beyond Barriers
ZBrush artist, Mr. Nillo Samyr knows how to ride along with change. While he recognizes that he might get caught in various industry barriers, he only sees them as challenges that he can readily face and transcend.
And while Mr. Samyr, when you look at his works online, may already be considered a master of his craft, is humble enough to admit that he doesn’t exactly know what his edge is in the industry. Just like any good artist, he still looks up to other artists as influence and pays respect to classic artists.
Let’s get to know Mr. Samyr and be inspired in his journey.
Xeno Creatives (XC): Given your experience in the industry, what do you think is your edge as a 3D artist?
Nillo Samyr (NS): The collectible industry is where I found myself. It doesn’t have so much technical barriers like in other areas of the industry. With sculpting statues, I can really focus on what I like to do such as design, pose, interpretation and detailing.
I think my biggest edge is my style; my take on solving and interpreting the character, my cloth sculpting or affection for detailing, and the emotion that I put in each character that I sculpt, are probably the things that I have going for me. Although I am not really sure, these are what I like the most about my work. However, I must express that I most certain that my edge is being a 3D artist.
XC: Whom do you do you consider your influence(s)?
NS: My influences always change from time to time. When I started, I have friends as influences specifically, Bernardo Cruzeiro and Bruno Zorzi. However, I got inspiration from the greatest renaissance artists and some Brazilian masters such as Rafael Grassetti, Andy Brüning, Pedro Toledo, Igor Catto, and some respected sculptors like Mark Newman and Tony Cipriano. I currently have them as influences, but like I said, every day, I discover new 3D and 2D artists and try to learn and get inspired by them. My most recent influences are Rhett Mason, James Marsano, Moto Hachiya, Kyoung Hwan Kim, Alvaro Bernardes, Alam Sales, and Fabiano Carlos. There are so many amazing artists whom I know. Sorry if I forgot some of them. You guys are still in my heart.
XC: So far, what were the challenges that you had encountered working in the 3D industry?
NS: Every new project is a challenge, at least for me. I’m always trying to improve my techniques and style on personal and professional projects. This I am doing so that I do not get stuck in a comfort zone. I always see every project as a challenge.
But as an artist, I think the biggest challenge that I have today is finding my true identity as a 3D sculptor in a matter of style and personality.
XC: What is your most exciting project to date?
NS: Hmmm, I think the most exciting project is to work on “Bloodborne” line for Prime1. My favorite game and set of characters.
XC: Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?
NS: Whenever you feel difficulty, look forward and not see a future, understand, if you wanna be a 3D artist, there’s no right or wrong way. Focus on what direction you want to follow and walk your own path. It’s an individual and personal way. So if you understand that, take your time. Don’t stop believing in yourself. With dedication and courage, you will get and you will not ever notice. And do not forget, have fun!
