Who is 'juan_carlos'? Hi, first of all I'd like to say 'thank you' to everyone who voted me, and congratulations to the other artists who were nominated this month, there were some really awesome pieces of work this time around. My name is Juan Carlos Muz Mateos, I'm 21 years old and I come from Don Benito (Badajoz, Spain). I'm currently studying Astrophysics in Madrid, where I've been living for a little more than three years. How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics? I've been using 3D software for one year and a half, more or less. Before then I had some little experience with a couple of 2D programs, but I started learning 3D modelling in February 2002, when I downloaded the free Rhino demo. Do you have traditional art experience? Well, I've loved drawing since I was a child, but my experience in traditional art doesn't go beyond normal art lessons at school. It's just a hobby. What are you currently working on? There are some unfinished models that I'd like to complete, like a time machine I made for one of the monthly challenges in the Rhino forum, and many others are still untextured. Apart from that, university keeps me busier than I would like, so I probably won't be able to model anything new in some months, at least not big projects. What software/equipment do you use and why? I use Rhino 3D because it's powerful and easy to pick up at once, and its learning curve is not steep at all. I use Flamingo when I need realistic renders, and the default Rhino render engine the rest of the time. Finally, I perform postwork and final image composition in Photopaint. However, I'd like to branch out and give a try at some polygon modellers. After having visited other artists' galleries I think it's worth the effort. What do you think your best piece of work is and why? If I were to choose one of them, it would probably be 'Hadrian's Villa', because it involved both mechanical and organic modelling. The statue was particularly difficult to accomplish, and I learnt tons of new techniques while modelling it. Although I had done some organic models before such as a triceratops and an alien pet, a human body requires much more care and attention when inserting isoparms and editing point-weights, in order to achieve the correct proportions. It still needs to be textured, so it may not be the most attractive image of all, but I had a lot of fun with it and learnt many new things. Why do you like to work with 3D software? Because it lets you take a photograph of something that only exists in your mind. It's more powerful and versatile than 2D drawing (you have an extra dimension to work with), and less restrictive than photography (you can create imaginary scenes). It's a perfect mixture of them. Who/what inspires you? Well, it's not always easy, but I try to find inspiration wherever I can, from movies to daily use objects. The funny fact of using 3D software is that it makes you see the world in a different way: a bottle is not a bottle anymore, it's a revolved surface. There are many talented artists here in 'Rosity whose work is really inspiring for me; apart from them, I'm very keen on Feng Zhu. How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning? Renderosity has certainly been a valuable resource of inspiration, tutorials and, of course, friends, especially in the Rhino forum, the one I visit more often (hey gang, hi there!). People are always willing to help, and they'll offer their comments and tips without hesitation. Those inputs have been a great aid to improve my work. I've been on some other CG forums, but 'rosity is my favourite one, it's like a second home. Parting comments / Advice to other artists? Try to have as much fun as possible with your art, and don't forget that even the simplest model can lead you to new techniques. Show your work to other people, someone who sees your images for the first time (even without knowing how they were created) can provide you with useful comments and remarks. If you are a newbie, don't feel afraid of showing your work and keep learning, bear in mind that even those gurus at ILM or Pixar once were newcomers, too. Thank you again. See you, ~ Juan Carlos ~

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Be sure to check out juan_carlos' gallery! Click on 'AOM 2003' on the sidebar to learn more about Artist of the Month and to view our past winners.