When Our Passions Find Us: How Mr. Rajitha Naranpanawa Became a 3D Artist
Funny how things in life turn out. You study in a university with a specific skill set that aims at developing and wake up one day telling yourself, “Maybe this is not what I want to do in life.” Then there are times that you find talent in something that you are not so sure that you want to do and you realize that it is something you want to do for the rest of your life.
Such is the experience of 3D artist. Mr. Rajitha Naranpanawa. In College, he simply was not sure that 3D art is something that he would want to pursue. But when you look at his photorealistic works, today you won’t even think that Mr. Naranpanawa even thought twice about his passion. He even admits to not being able to balance his actual work and art production as he loves doing the latter too much.
Let’s get to know Mr. Rajitha Naranpanawa in this short but insightful interview and see that sometimes, it is our passions that find us.
Xeno Creatives (XC): We understand that with just about any craft, the passion takes precedence. In your case, how did it start becoming a passion? Would we be right in assuming that you consider it a “calling”?
Rajitha Naranpanawa (RN): Yeah I guess so. It was never really a passion when I started out. I knew I liked it, but I wasn’t really sure what would come from it.
XC: Was there ever an art piece (digital or otherwise) or artist who served as a catalyst for your involvement in the craft? When did you get involved fully in the 3D industry?
RN: I would say the works of Ian Spriggs and Sefki Ibrahim were what really inspired me. I was just blown away by their work. I started in 2018, and 6 months later, I dropped out of Uni and committed all my time to this. I felt like (and I still do) I have so much ground to cover.
XC: Now that you’re an active part of the industry, would you say you have pegged a solid place in it?
RN: Definitely not.
XC: How does your day look like in production?
RN: Nothing crazy, I have some tasks assigned to me and I just work on them. Some days I work from home, some days I go into the studio. I feel pretty lucky that I have that luxury.
XC: What are the common challenges that a 3D artist like you encounters day-in and day-out in a project?
RN: I can’t speak for others, but I have trouble balancing my life. I love doing what I do, sometimes too much.
XC: As we had already mentioned, we had the chance of seeing your works online. We had a blast. Do you have favourite pieces amongst your works? If so, what made them your favourite?
RN: Probably my project “First Date”. It opened a lot of doors for me. I think I developed as an artist during that project as well.
XC: What would you consider your biggest or most exciting project to date?
RN: I think it would be the digi human stuff I’ve been doing for a start up I’m involved in. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and being able to work with some seriously talented people.
XC: If you were to market yourself what would you highlight as your edge?
RN: I honestly don’t know. I would say photorealistic faces. That’s what people associate my work with I think.
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be working as?
RN: I think it would’ve been in the creative field. I was a musician most of my life before I started doing 3D. All I knew was I didn’t want a boring job.
XC: What is your message to other artists especially in these trying times?
RN: I don’t think people realize how much time and dedication is required to be even somewhat competent. I know way too many people who like the idea of being an artist but not actually doing the work.
Want to see more of Mr. Rajitha Naranpanawa’s works? You may visit his Instagram and ArtStation accounts.
