Our latest artist showcase comes to you from Finland, a Nordic country with a landscape covered with thick pine forests, rolling hills and complemented with a labyrinth of lakes and inlets. It is here in this northern part of Europe were we meet up with Aarne Eloranta.

What did you study at Savonia Polytechnics?

I am a multimedia engineer by education. My education included some video shooting, editing, visual designing, 3D and 2D, website design and some programming. I also studied some basic engineering stuff such as programming and electronics, signal processing etc. The multimedia part of my education was only 1/4 of the whole education so I am more self taught than formally trained.

Were you always artistic?

Well yes I think so. Before I started 3D I did some airbrush art. And I've always liked art in all forms.

Aarne, how long have you been using 3D applications?

I started working in 3D in about 2004, so just about 5 years now. My first 3D software was 3D Studio Max version 5. My friend was using some 3D program way back then, and I think that was how I got the inspiration to do 3D graphics. Then I got my first 3D Studio Max and I started learning from tutorials and by trial and error. I found it the easiest software to work with back then. Today I use still 3D Studio Max but now In addition I also use Zbrush. I haven't actually tried any other 3D software that much, I found that I can do about all the things I need with 3D Studio Max and Zbrush.

Do you use any other software in addition to Max and Zbrush?

I also use Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, After Effects and Illustrator. I can do everything I need with these tools.

Do you generate all your own models and textures?

I produce my own 3D models. For textures I usually use Total 3D textures or photograph them myself, or of course find them on the net.

How long do you take to produce your character models?

For example the female character took about 5-6 days, about four hours a day. I had a cartoon reference picture for it. The hardest part is definitely the face and muscle structure and especially eyes. I am a quite slow modeler, I do like the more technical stuff for example like rendering. There's so much for me as a "little engineer."

Do you produce much animation work?

Not that much, only some. Mainly because I don't have a powerful computer, and maybe because I'm impatient, I don't like to wait so long to see the finished result.

We know you work freelance but have you worked full time in the CGI industry?

I have worked professionally in a small company, but I am not a full time professional at the moment..I have just got back from traveling in Asia and I currently work in a bar/grill restaurant so I don't have time for art that much, I have done a couple of posters though. My ideal job would be something where I could use all my skill areas.

Which project do you consider your best work?

I have to say that it is the latest girl I have made.Simply because I like the image composition. But truthfully it's hard for me to name my favorite picture. I'm like so many artists where we never quite like our work that much. Once in a while I do have the feeling that "this is good" and that is what I'm looking for.

Who in the industry inspires you the most?

There is a lot, I don't remember their names right now, but there are many.

Any aspirations during 2009 for your artwork?

Not much, I have recently returned from a 3 month trip touring Asia, I shot over 4000 photographs, so now I spend most of my spare time colour correcting and retouching them. I also recently bought a Wacom tablet so I'm back to doing 2D artwork once again.

Thank you Aarne for your hospitality and taking time out to talk to us today. We wish you all the best with your career, and look forward to seeing more of your artwork in the future.

Interview by Daryn Fitz
Copyright © 2009 PlanIt 3D