Q&A with Poser4me

What was your first interest in computers and how did you use them? 

 For my generation, Gen-X being a latch key kid, we experienced the dawn of technology with games like pong, Atari, arcade games and so on. My first taste with computers was in middle school when we had computer lab as a part of our school learning. I think it was Apple 2 PCS at the time, and it got all of us familiar with pc's.

My parents got me a Commodore Vic 2 for Christmas and wow I was off to the races. Learning Basic, and later getting my hands on a floppy disk drive, now I could buy and play games. What a time it was to be a kid.

How long have you been creating art of any kind, and what/when did you move into computer graphic arts?

I have always been pretty good at drawing and wanted to become an animator since I was a kid. Watching Disney classics really inspired me, so as a teen, comics were my next love. The stories and the artist showed me the power of telling great stories through the medium. My first job as a young adult was working as an apprentice at an art studio. So I was trained how to use Photoshop, since our boss was a photographer. We restored clients' photos, created banners and company logos so I was well versed in the digital age.

 What was the process  moving from getting a first feel for the tools and software for design, to creating images you were pleased with and wanted to share with others?

Drawing on paper was my first love, but as the power of PCs got stronger, it was a no-brainer for me to dive into the world of 3D art. I already owned an Amiga 1000 computer and was playing with software programs like Deluxe Paint 3 and 4. But at this studio, I was introduced to a program called Swivel 3D on the Macintosh, and wow I was hooked into the digital landscape. In the early 90's, I was a computer enthusiast going to local computer trade shows buying parts all to be able to build and play with 3D programs on x86 PCs. All this has the power to create your own worlds and narratives like George Lucas and Spielberg. And then there was Poser...as if heaven had heard my prayers! I had the ease of use to create like a rockstar, and here we are today.

 What were the first images you created and what have you graduated into now as favorites?

My first were portraits of celebrities like Sade, and superheroes, since I loved comics so much. My favorites now are ladies standing by windows as natural light shines in the room, even if the ladies are space aliens. Beauty is universal, I think. Sci-Fi is one of my great loves as well as Cyberpunk. I really like showcasing Poser in contemporary fashions.

 How would you describe your style? Would you say you have a common theme throughout your work?

I'd say it is more realistic in that I love showcasing sunlight overall; the beauty of light and atmosphere combined with beautiful women and locations, whether on a beach or far away world, not to mention in a room just relaxing.

 Where do you find your inspiration?

 I've always loved the movies from the 80's, from Star Wars to Black Rain with Michael Douglas. Since I have learned how to create those atmospheric moods using volumetric lighting, I feel inspired to bring color and light into my work as never before. I only hope my art inspires everyone, because if I can do it, so can everyone else.

 What is or are your favorite programs to use and why?

 I primarily use Poser 12-13 and Photoshop. I use Daz to export assets into Poser like vehicles, scenes and props. I find Poser to be so user friendly and intuitive that, now after years of using it, I can create complex scenes in a quick time span. This comes from experience from even failing, so long as you are persistent. Of course, Photoshop, I get the color balance just right. And if I want to get a nice bloom effect, I use Photoshop for best effect.

 How has your work changed over time? Where do you think it’s headed?

 The biggest change has been my understanding of lighting such as using ghost lighting from primitive objects, that can give you a nice edge lighting on your subjects. Another change has been getting better understanding textures in the material room. If there is a scene or object you like, take a look at it in the material room and try to figure what makes it stand out. Basically, reverse engineer it and take notes. I just continue to learn and observe to make my renders look as good as can be. I want to push myself to get better results in every aspect. There are a few artists here that inspire my work.

With the arrival of AI in digital art, what are your thoughts on its use?

For me, I don't use it, but I love the results others get from it. I guess you can call me old fashioned LOL! There are concerns I have about how it takes people’s artwork to learn, and mimics the original artist without any compensation or acknowledgement. In this way, I think it is a form of theft.

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

 I would have to say Michael Whelan. I stumbled on his cover art back in the 80's and it just blew me away. His imagination and painting style is what got me serious in pursuing my art. The color, composition, and subjects inspire me today. The worlds he depicts from the novels he painted is just stunning, whether it be Sci-fi or fantasy, his art is top notch. I would have loved to be mentored by him.

Have you had any kind of life experience that drives your focus in your artwork? 

 I have been a member at Renderosity since 2003, but I did not start posting my art until 2020. My father was diagnosed with ALS back in 2015, so I quit my job in 2017 to take full care of him as his mobility got worse. We were devastated on Christmas day when my father had an incident where he could not breathe on his own and had to be rushed to the hospital and put on a breathing machine. It was at this point we were told he could not go back home, and my mother and I had to find a nursing home to put him in.

So, my mother and I took turns sitting at my dad’s side in the nursing home every day. I would do the morning shift, and with so much time on my hands I bought a gaming laptop to play games but got tired of that. So, Poser was a great way for me to be productive with my art while being with my dad, who before his diagnosis was so active in our lives. He passed away in 2019, and I have been posting my art here since 2020.

Your images are so exhilarating with their bold colors and intriguing themes. How was that inspired? If you created art before going digital was that a common theme?

 I love pop culture, so growing up in North America there is no shortage of material to draw from. Actually, my work in the digital medium has proven to be so liberating compared to my art outside the digital frontier. With 3D art I can change every aspect of a scene and even animate it, if I so choose. To me, that is total freedom. Before 3D art, I loved colored pencils and pastels. I can't see myself going back to the real world, at least not yet. I still have a lot to learn.

Are there other artists that influence you, or do you have a mentor that has helped at any point?

 I must say Steff_7 here at Renderosity has inspired me because the artwork is so great. Steff_7 sets moods with atmosphere and lighting that rivals Hollywood. Another artist is Giana. I love the quality of her renderings, and the fun she brings to her custom characters in Poser.

 What ideas do you have for future projects?

I really want to start doing tutorials on lighting and just create in Poser. I am so use to creating a render and posting everyday here, and my interests vary from day to day. I just open Poser and start playing around with ideas so genres will change day to day week to week.

 I want to explore fantasy more, as I have done so many sci-fi pinups.

 What tips do you have for those who are just getting started in 3D artwork?

 My advice is to be patient with yourself. For so long I was intimidated by lighting and the material room in Poser. I would go on YouTube and get an understanding of the basics of materials and textures and lighting. Poser has great tutorials on all these aspects. The quickest way I learned was reverse-engineering assets and scenes until I understood the essence thereof. I say learn the strengths and weaknesses of the different lighting. Do not be afraid to fail. I promise once you get lighting and materials down you can make any scene shine.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to the community? 

I would like to thank all those who have viewed and commented on my work as it has pushed me to do better and try to come up with new ideas for scenes, and that I draw inspiration from so many different Poser artists. I remember, for a time, I couldn't understand why my figures and clothing looked so jagged in my final renders. I came across a YouTube channel called "Poser and DAZ Studio Funhouse." He has a lot of tips for Poser and one of his videos addressed the jaggy issues and turned out to be a simple solution. After you click on your figure or object click on the figure tab at the top and skinned method. Now make sure your character's whole body is selected and click on the properties tab.  At the bottom you'll see the subdivision levels. Slide the render level to 1, now render and what do you know, the jaggies are gone!  This is just one example of how we all benefit from each other's experiences, so we have to be open to sharing knowledge when we can.