Our Artist of the Month, as chosen by the Renderosity community, is Krid, whose nuanced works amaze, especially because he eschews AI.

Known to family and friends as Dirk, {the reverse of Krid) he was born in 1960 in Düsseldorf, Germany, a city he takes pride in and has never left.   

He has spent much of his career as a type of social worker responsible for a youth welfare program, where he also worked in IT. That, and a love of drawing and art since he was young, has led him to computer graphics as a hobby.

How much does he love art? His homepage is called “Timeweleft,” which is inspired by a song by Hawkwind with a line that goes, “Time we left the world today.”

Said Krid, “and if you are creating pictures (without AI) you leave for a moment the reality, and you create your own world....”

Q&A with Krid

What was your first interest in computers and what did you like doing with them?

 My goodness, I had something like the good old C64 and used it to play games.

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

I often painted pictures. I don't remember when I started working with computer graphics, but thanks to the internet, it became possible for more than just five people to see my pictures.

What was the process moving you 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?

I started with Terragen. They were simple landscape images that weren't very realistic. I missed the “action.” Then I heard about Poser. After that, I heard about Vue, and it was a perfect combination. I just wanted to share my pictures with others.

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

I try different things. I want my pictures to tell a story or make the viewer feel something. From horror to sci-fi or emotional images, the main thing is that it triggers something.

Where do you find your inspiration?

A difficult question.... Often, it's just images in my head or lyrics from songs... The main thing is that it's a story.

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

I don't think that much will change. I just think that I have a responsibility to make as few mistakes as possible in my pictures.

What are your favorite subjects to really get immersed in?

I try out different things, and don't commit myself to anything. I believe I'm always good for surprises.

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

Wow, now a lot of people are going to hate me... I hate AI...for me, it lacks any creativity. It's like having a ghostwriter write my biography. I enter a few keywords and in a few seconds an image is created. OK, I don't use things I've created myself either. But I need a long time to decide on poses, lighting, people...

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

I didn't have a mentor, I just liked the pictures from X-TC... 

What ideas do you have for future projects?

I have no idea... Sometimes it depends on my mood. I start a picture, then I'm dissatisfied... I just play around with different ideas. There are also times when I have a specific image in my head... But then I don't like the result.

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

Just play around, try different things, take your time...And if you're not satisfied, start over... and always ask yourself: am I doing this for myself or to please others?

Is there anything else you’d like to leave with readers?

Better not….I will be not so nice.