Siavosh Houshmandi: Patience and Faith as Tools for Success
Fate or not, when you look at Mr. Siavosh Houshmandi’s works online, it is indicative of nothing but talent. The concepts are fresh–the details, inviting.
But what does his experience consider to be his best tool in creating art? His patience and faith. These he believes had allowed him to delve deep into the craft with the assurance that all shall fall into place. And indeed, these virtues had taken him far.
So let’s get to know Mr. Siavosh Houshmandi through this short feature and see how genuine artists are made.
Xeno Creatives (XC): How did you get involved in the 3D industry? Did you have an AHA moment that led you to say to yourself, “THIS IS what I would want to do for the rest of my life!”
Siavosh Houshmandi (SH): Well…no. I’m sure it was fate. I knew that I wanted to be in the arts since I was just a child in kindergarten with all toys available to me such as cars, blocks, etc. I remember playing with Play Dough and making simple alligator and Godzilla models! I had been drawing for 20 years in classes. I have always been excited of mythical and beautiful designs and epic mysterious video games, cartoons, and movies. Finally, I took an art course in an institute. When I moved to ZBrush, I immediately felt that it was what I wanted to do! I started working with shapes and sculpting and studied a lot to up my game. However, I feel I still need 10 more years! As I said, I think it was fated. Unfortunately, there is an intentional killing talent program in my country. Nevertheless, I’m happy to know my way further.
XC: What were the things that you had to go through to become a 3D artist? What is it like being thrown into the culture?
SH: I think the most important one that took a hold of me is to keep moving on. Just be patient and believe that things are going to work out no matter how long it takes or how many times you fall I believe you need to try hard every day without forgetting to rest. There are always discussions about knowing what comes first, software knowledge? Theories of form—color? Anatomy? Drawing? The fact is, these are not useless and there is enough time to learn all these, if you have the smarts. I believe there is no exact science. You can use all of them in your art; you just have to know what subject you’re working on mainly and gather technical information and references for it.
XC: What or who influenced you the most?
SH: I would have to say, the incredible “Hayao Miyazaki” animations like, “Princess Mononoke”. Video games influenced and inspired me as well. I think the influential things for an artist is art, not necessarily persons, I mean, maybe people have been in your life and helped bridged you to art. It’s more about content. I don’t mean, I create things as if I were a machine, I still get inspired by people, especially those who create works on myth.
XC: What’s your workflow like? Could you describe your day in production?
SH: Well it depends on what kind of project I would be creating, whether it’s personal or commission work. Personal projects are those that show their personality. I believe it is a good way to know them. My personal projects are messy and my workflows are highly technical. For product projects, I don’t have much heavy projects. But those that I have done were organized heavily, especially when its collaborative. I believe that the best projects are those that are done in collaboration with other artists and those that actually have purpose.
XC: What are the common challenges that a 3D artist like you encounter day-in, day-out in a project?
SH: In my case, I think I pay less attention to life. Artists are humans that have bodies and souls. If you feed both you can overcome even the hardest of challenges. So if you beat yourself up with too much training, yes you might be able to create something incredible, but you will lose yourself in the process. if you think you are energized enough, it’s okay, do go on! But don’t forget your surroundings. While giving everything your best is the way to go, you must not overwork yourself. Do what you enjoy most but do remember, when it gets hard, hard it is, simplicity is preferable compared to contrived complications.
XC: What would you consider your biggest or most exciting project to date?
SH: Save for my personal projects, I still have no favorites yet. I am really interested to make collaborations on amazing content and will look for opportunities. But personally, I am fond of creating mythical characters and creatures, it is something that has always been in my mind. It excites me to think that I can do more perfect designs and shapes, but I do know that I still a lot to learn!
XC: If you were to market yourself as a 3D artist, what would you highlight as your strengths, your edge?
SH: I would like to say that I’m a Freelance 3D character and creature artist and an expert at creating myths and designing characters. I do know that I have a long way to go, but I also know that I’m good at design and knowing what the next move is! it is also part of my personality to always have a good detection of the right decisions.
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be?
SH: I’m not sure how I would function, but probably I will keep on playing chess because I have had good achievements in that field.
Want to see more of Mr. Siavosh Houshmandi’s work? Click here!
