|  What
name would you like us to use in the interview?
You can call me anything you like, believe me, I’ve heard it all.
My friends call me Ray, but I think I’m better known as 3D_Explorer
here and other places scattered throughout cyberspace.
Where do you live?
I currently call New Orleans, LA, USA home.
How old are you?
I’m 38 years young.
Do you use Cinema as a hobby, for
learning, or for pro work?
3D is pure hobby for me however I would certainly entertain any offer.
What can you see from where you
sit now?
Right now, I’m sitting in a hotel room in Chicago, IL. I’m
here because my sister-in-law just graduated from DePaul University. Most
days (or evenings, rather) I’m sitting in my basement, drawing,
surfing or working in my office on 3D
Coffee, Tea or something stronger?
Absolutely Coffee. Major caffeine-0-holic here. I have been known to drink
something "stronger" on occasion though.
Which Cinema 4D version do you
use currently?
Version 8
Which platform do you use/prefer
- Mac or PC?
I’m a Mac-Man
Any particular reason for your
platform choice?
I think it’s prettier.
CRT or LCD and why?
LCD, I’m working on a 21” Apple Cinema Display. I really like
the vibrant colors and sharp quality.
Default scheme and layout or custom?
I have customized my interface by organizing tools that I use on a regular
basis so they are easily accessible: screenshot.
What was your first ever interest/experience
in 3D/CG?
I work part time at an advertising agency. I am friends with most of the
3D guys there. They introduced me to 3D and Studio MAX. I was hooked immediately
When and why did you decide to
make Cinema your weapon of creative choice?
I tried all of the major 3D software packages by downloading demos. MAX
wasn’t an option because I wasn’t willing to give up my Macintosh
but I took a couple of classes to learn the basics of MAX. I took the
knowledge I learned and applied it to my decision making process. C4D
just clicked for me. Lightwave’s interface was too cumbersome and
Maya’s crappy PLE really bugged me so I decided to get C4D. Haven’t
regretted it for one moment.
What other 3D software have you
used/still use?
As I said, I used MAX a bit, tried Lightwave and Maya, but Cinema 4D is
my primary application. I have recently purchased Poser because I thought
for a while I might like to model clothes and sell them in the marketplace
here at Renderosity. I quickly discarded that notion.
What's your favourite model/image
you have ever created and why?
My favorite model is usually the most recently completed one but I’m
also a bit nostalgic. I like to look back at The
Gang and think that was a defining image for me. It’s where
I feel I really found my "style".
Your style is very unique both
modelling- and texturing wise, with deceivingly simple geometrical shapes
and big emphasis on texturing. Tell us what has led you in this direction.
In all honesty, it was the feedback I received when I first started in
my current direction. There was such an overwhelming response from my
fellow community members that I really wanted to keep their attention.
I still fear that someday, everyone will realize just how simple they
are. As for my texturing, I’m just now starting to feel as if I
have hit my "stride". I’m starting to explore different
techniques including painting my own textures in Body Paint.
Have you ever considered making
an animation or feature with all these wonderful characters?
Sure I have. I still do however I truly do lack the patients required
for such an undertaking.
Besides yourself, do you have a
favourite Cinema 4D (or other if you would prefer) artist that you admire
or are inspired by?
I think most of my favorite C4D artists are the same as most people. I
admire the work of Carles Piles, Dr. Zorn, Cartesius, Pupi, FAKE (where
has he been, anyway), ThirdEye and more recently Capt. Jack, Soapy and
Shakes. My list of respected 3D artists is really to long to name everyone.
If I have missed you, I apologize. I’m sure I’ve made my feelings
pretty clear by commenting your works.
List your 10 favourite C4D tools
you couldn't do without (can include modules and 3rd party plugins) and
give a brief explanation why on each please.
• Bridge Tool – essential poly modelling tool
• Hypernurb subdivide – for those extra polys
• Di-Tools
– for lighting
• Clone – for cloning points and polys
• Knife – cut that sucka up
• SLA shaders – no explanation necessary
• DOF – make it pretty
• Hair Dept.
– easy grass and hair
• Iron –
to smooth out those rough meshes
• BodyPaint –
Only beginning to realize it’s power.
What features would you like to
see added to future versions of Cinema 4D?
N-Gons – I’m not sure why, everyone just tells me I need them.
LOL. OK, the serious answer, I’m a pretty simple guy. I’m
really pretty happy with it the way it is.
Given the time, what aspect of
Cinema (and related modules) do you feel you'd like to learn/perfect next?
Without a doubt, Body Paint. I’m only just realizing it’s
usefullness.
What Cinema 4D related forums/communities
do you frequent/recommend?
I’m a regular at CGTalk
and C4D
Portal.
What advice would you give to someone
thinking of learning/buying high end 3D software and the choices they
could make?
Try it before you buy it. Only you can decided which package is right
for you.
Tell us something cool/interesting
that you have done with Cinema!?
Well, something that I’m pretty proud of is that I have a couple
of renders in an upcoming issue of 3Dworld
magazine, I thought that was pretty cool. I was also contacted by
Maxon a while back because they wanted to use some of my renders for promotional
purposes although I havn’t seen them used yet.
Tell us something funny!?
I have 3 nipples and actually considered working in a circus freak show
for a while. Ok , I’m kidding about the circus thing.
Any closing thoughts, comments
or tips!?
Read your manual, practice and ask lots of questions. And then after your
done with those 3 things, in that order, read your manual again.
On behalf of the Renderosity Cinema 4D community, we'd like to thank you
for answering these questions, and sharing your thoughts with us!
Thank you!
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