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Mini interview with Cihan Özkan

Cihan Özkan is a architect by trade who likes to work on personal projects in his spare time, when not being the family man. We chat with the creator of Winter...

Cihan Özkan is a architect by trade who likes to work on personal projects in his spare time, when not being the family man. We chat with the creator of Winter...

Cihan Özkan's Winter image was a gallery favorite when it debuted last February it currently stands at 5 stars after a massive 5,500+ views. We thought we'd get to know the artist behind this snow-drenched image...

3dtotal: Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you, what do you do, and where are you located?

Cihan Özkan: My name is Cihan Özkan. Im an architect from Silistra, Bulgaria. Ive been living in Kocaeli, Turkey for several years.

3dt: Tell us the story behind your artwork: What brought you into the digital art world and what software do you use?

CO: I can say that I missed the old times: snowy winters, clear skies, fresh air and historical streets. The main thing that inspired me in the first place was seeing the historical streets that you can still see in some regions of Istanbul.

Ive met digital artists thanks to my profession and Ive been creating my digital art projects of my own since then. In my projects I usually use a few programs such as 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop.

3dt: How did you learn to paint digitally?

CO: Actually, I can say it was by coincidence. It started in 1998 when I met architect Ahmet Turan Köksal. He was using and teaching 3ds Max. I studied with him and improved myself with internet workshops and working hard.

3dt: How do you keep your portfolio up-to-date? Any tips?

CO: I always sketch and I pick elements from my sketches when starting new models. When beginning a new piece, I take pictures and I research for references. Sometimes I get bored from the work and I take long breaks. But when I start again I always finish the project.

I search for a lot of references from the internet or sometimes I take photos related to the subject from which I work from.

3dt: Who are your favorite artists, traditional or digital, and can you explain why?

CO: The first ones that come to my mind are Toni Bratincevic, Marek Denko, Jose Alves da Silva and Tomasz Baginski. I have been following their art with admiration.

3dt: What software would you like to learn in the future to expand your portfolio and skillset, and why?

CO: I would like to learn ZBrush because I think that it would be useful for certain subjects.

3dt: How do you like to unwind after a hard day's (or night's) work?

CO: I spend my spare time with my family. We watch movies. I enjoy reading and I will meet up with my friends.

3dt: If you could choose any superhero power, what would you take?

CO: My favorite superhero is Superman. I read his story with fondness.

Related links

Check out Cihan Özkan's website
His Winter image on 3dtotal and more variation
Submit to the gallery

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