Each month we showcase a Renderosity Free Stuff Artist,
in appreciation for their thoughtfulness, and countless hours spent
creating free items for the Renderosity community. This month we
are proud to showcase the works of As Shanim.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself? Me (As
Shanim), and Siliphiel, make up the team of Awful Soul. There is a
lot to say about us, however I believe there is really one aspect
alone that says it all we really commit ourselves to everything
we do. Did you begin with modeling, or did you begin with
Poser? I started with modeling, and then discovered Poser,
which was the perfect tool to give life to our characters and
clothes. Our fist attempts in Poser were a real disaster. I
couldnt believe my eyes, especially if I look at them today. If I
think about it I wasnt even interested in creating clothes for
Poser characters, but then, I admit it became ever more
interesting, and after more than three years we cannot stay without
Poser. What version of Poser do you use, and why do you like
that version the best? Poser 6 finally a tool that is worth
the name! I really like P6s Material Room; its complex and very
interesting and enjoyable to understand. Not as funny as spitting
watermelon seeds out of the window, but very intriguing
nonetheless. Moreover P6 finally has the AO function (Ambient
Occlusion), which gives the images a 3D illusion.
Above
image created using the Gothic Prison 3
Your clothing and scenes are not only unique but truly a work of
art. What inspires your creations? Truly, we dont make art.
Art is something else, and I think Ive seen just a few times
something that can be defined art but were glad we can offer
items for people to enjoy and express themselves. Art is truly not
that important what is really important, is that people
can create something they like, through which they can express
themselves and that enjoy doing it. Art requires time and effort
and probably natural skills; but the ability and possibility to
express oneself is more important than being a true artist. We are
inspired by all things: artwork, videogames, films, music, and
especially our own imagination and fantasy. When we create a piece
of clothing, we know how it sounds and I always imagine film
scenes it would fit. We had this idea of creating an anguish
scenery, such as the first Gothic Prison (and the following
version), and tried to give it a form. The other sceneries were
created just following an idea we had in mind. Sometimes images of
contemporary artists can help, but it is usually just for the
general mood they express not for the buildings themselves.
Above
image created using the HyS Temple
What was the first model you ever created? Did it come out the
way you planned? My first model was a cube. I hoped I could
shape it into a character with a nice outfit. I stared at it and I
liked it. Oh, I was forgetting, I was using an Amiga. My first
Poser model was a sort of panty/loin cloth for Posette. It was
ugly, I didnt like it, I never liked loin clothes such as that
one, but I created it because I wanted to post a freebie of mine on
Renderosity, it was a challenge. Someone also used it, and I thank
them. When things just aren't going the way you planned what
keeps you going? I just put them aside, waiting for the right
moment. I have folders full of objects, clothes, ideas, and others,
which stay there for months, maybe years. Once in a while, I water
them in the hope that they will grow [I have changed several
keyboards]. Of all the models you've made, what's your
favorite? This is a question no one likes to be asked. My
favorite piece of clothing is ... I dont know ... I like them all.
The ones I dont like anymore we delete from our store or from the
Free Stuff. Yes, that is a threat to all our other items.
Which do you prefer, creating clothing or scenes? I prefer
making clothes, because clothing is more complex and challenging;
you need to draw a sketch (I dont know why there are no paper
sheets on the desk, I swear they were there looking
around), then you have to model them (I thought they were in
this folder wait, Ill look here instead, maybe ), then you have
to morph them (why Vicky has rushed away without clothes?
staring at Vicky climbing outside the monitor), then you
have to check that everything is all right (bring Vicky back!!!
Hurry!!!), and then you have to make textures (however,
Vicky doesnt look that bad without clothes if you morph her a bit
). Id say I love making clothes.
Above
image created using the EveryDay Vest for V3 &
Kielo
Do you have a favorite free stuff provider? Well, I really
love stonemasons freebies, and lately Im really enjoying Ajaxs
free materials. However I believe that anyone who offers freebies
would deserve to be mentioned and thanked (free, free, free). I
dont have a lot of time to play with Poser, but when I just
have to have something to complete my scenes, I often find
it in Renderositys Free Stuff (or at DAZ or RDNA); so basically
just thanks to anyone! Do you have any advice for someone just
starting out modeling and sharing their free stuff items? I
believe that the only effective suggestion would be to persist
and go on.
We invite you to visit the following sites:
All supporting images within this article are copyright
and cannot be
reproduced, copied, or printed without written permission from the
artist.
A special "thank you" to contributing columnist, artist,
Angel1, for taking time out of her busy
schedule to conduct this month's Free Stuff Artist Interview.
If you know of a Renderosity Free Stuff Artist that you would like
to have us showcase, please drop Dee-Marie a note with the artist's Renderosity
username, and keep checking the Front Page News, you never know who
we will be showcasing next! October 10,
2005 |