Versatility and Talent: Andrea Crazer Ranaldo’s Amazing Jewelry Art
Seeing Andrea Crazer Ranaldo’s works online not only ZBrush’s versatility in function, but also the artist’s flexibility and talent. It’s refreshing that an artist such as Mr. Ranaldo is able to produce character concepts and jewelry designs through ZBrush. And his designs are such marvels to look at.
His concepts are reminiscent of the macabre, fantastic, and the Gothic. These are such visual treats, we simply wonder at how he is able to produce these inspired pieces while being able to register a stroke of his originality.
Let us get to know Andrea Crazer Ranaldo through this feature and see how artists of his calibre are made.
Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology brought a lot to the industry. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled in it?
Andrea Crazer Ranaldo (ACR): I started my 3D artist career on ZBrush, at the time the version was 4r4.
The processes I had to learn were the use and in-depth knowledge of software tools. After this, the most appropriate workflow for what you need to produce. Each mesh is a separate one depending on what you need to create. As for the alternative jewelry, which is my main field, I had to create my own workflow. At the time, the version was 4r6 and we were very few to use only ZBrush for this sector. As for characters and creatures I do it as a hobby (for now, I hope)
XC: What are specific ZBrush features do you employ in the production of your art? Has it helped you in improving your art better?
ACR: For the jewelry industry, I think the most important ZBrush feature was the advent of the ZModeler in the 4 r 7 and to follow the live Boolean in the 4r8. ZModeler helped me a lot in the speed and precision of making both the jewelry bases and the addition of details. Live Booleans, on the other hand, are very useful for finishing an object and for precious stones. As for the characters instead I believe that one of the most beautiful and fun things has been the inclusion of the sculptris pro mode even if talking only about this features would be reductive. ZBrush over the years has implemented a series of tools that allow you to be more fluid in work.
XC: Was your craft really a passion to begin with, a hobby, or a mere job?
ACR: It was born a passion and remained so, even with moments of decline. When I approached the world of 3D graphics, I remember that every free moment I had dedicated to studying the software.
XC: What do you think is your edge as a 3D artist?
ACR: I believe that my edge is my willingness to delve into different projects. I am not one for repetition.
XC: Whom do you do you consider your influence(s)?
ACR: In the jewelry industry, the first names that come to mind are definitely Nacho Riesco Gostanza and T.S. Wittelbach. They are two great artists. Looking outside the ZBrush industry, I recently had a great influence from Giger’s works. I spent 2 months studying his drawings before studying a series of jewels inspired by him.
XC: So far, what were the challenges that you had encountered working in the 3D industry?
ACR: Among the biggest challenges I think there is to make ourselves known. 3D software becomes increasingly usable, 3D graphics schools become more and more and this leads to an ever greater number of talented artists.
XC: What is your most exciting project to date?
ACR: There are many, it is difficult to establish one. I believe that the collaboration with Feel no Pain (jewelry brand) is one of those. As personal projects, on the other hand, I believe there is my entry into the twitch community
XC: Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?
ACR: Try not to break yourself down, there will always be someone better than you and someone less good. Keep on creating, keep studying, keep on sculpting.
Want to see more of Ms. Andrea Crazer Ranaldo’s works? Click here!
