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3Dtotal: I can see that your studies and initial path led you through drama, theatre and writing, so can you tell us, why the switch to CG? And what sparked it all off?
Roman: Yes my study was based on the idea of bringing old theatre and it’s storytelling together with new interactive media and creating a hybrid: “Virtual Theatre”. My interest initially came from the interactive and gaming side, as I’ve always enjoyed gaming and the art aspect of it - I was a real fan of the golden years of Sega and such. Still I wasn’t doing too much with CG as I was doing mostly graphic
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design and some drawing. The spark came from the first and only 3D class I had; it led me to finding out about the world of animation shorts, and the works of Sparx*/SavTheWorld! and Studio 4c. Most importantly, after seeing the initial trailers for Molly Star Racer and Tekkon Kinkreet, I was triggered by the idea of being able to make such small wonders on my own. So the first thing on my list was to create a “living” thing, as in Weird Science - speaking off which, that might have been the very first sparkle [Laughs]. A few weeks after that first 3D class, I had my first blob dancing around and from that came the others. I made some shorts on my own while I studied and I’ve never actually done much other then characters since then, and then only when I needed to.
3Dtotal: Your character “Skater Boi” seemed to attract a lot of attention. Can you tell us how he was conceived and how he evolved through to the final piece?
Roman: The first step in creating “Skater Boi” came just after Mudbox was released. The new software and possibilities made me wonder how it would benefit me, especially
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as I don’t do monsters and hi-res realism. So it actually worked out better than expected, as my previous experiences with ZBrush had been less enjoyable. But I found Mudbox to be much more expressive and it’s really changed my approach to creating characters now.
I had planned three illustrations - a triptych - illustrating an 80’s skating Prince. One fell off during the progress, although I might pick it up again later. The whole idea came from an interest in skating culture, especially of the 80’s-90’s period, and also the fashion and color of shoes at that time - and from my own youth. As you see the character is based on just a few elements, which keeps him and elegant. But there are details and nuanced accents to be found here and there, just to give him a certain spark, a certain sense of reality. I’m now in the progress of getting him printed out, and getting some molded figures made of him.
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3Dtotal: I like the skating culture and lifestyle too; is Lords of Dogtown one of your favorite films? I like it, but I think the documentary was better.
Roman: Yes indeed, I haven’t seen the movie, just the documentary actually. But I love that kind of attitude and flair that you can also seen in movies like KIDS and Wassup Rockers - rockstar punks that don’t play any instruments! Most of my inspiration though comes from the stereotypical way it was portrayed in cheesy 80’s films, so basically the laid back, “dude” stereotype. I also like the fashion and music from then - great inspiration.
3Dtotal: You seem very focused and passionate about the particular style and type of work you want to pursue. With this in mind, do you have a dream project you would like to work on?
Roman: Dream projects ... too many, too little time [Laughs]. Up to now most of my professional work has been really far from
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my own creative vision, so one dream project would be one with me leading the visuals. Also I would still very much like to be active in making children’s entertainment - something that is more rich and mature than those that around now, who mostly seemed focused on franchising. For instance, I very much like old series such as Alfred J. Kwak, Sherlock Hound and Maple Town, although it might just be nostalgia talking. But that aside, I’d still like to get back into making short films as I’ve only been able to do that while I was studying. And I have evolved so much since then. I would love to pick up such things as my “Boxeur Feminine” and actually start some actual production with it. So maybe in a few years I’ll be doing that, creating my own IP’s and independent films. Also I feel I have got much more to put into illustrations, sculptures and such personal work - I’ve been too lazy in the past few years!
3Dtotal: Well it sounds like you have so many things going on you need to be lazy and relax every now and then. Do you have any interests that are very different to your art to give yourself a bit of a break from it all until you dive in again?
Roman: I like to build up bikes and ride, fixed gears, no brakes. I did some bmx’ing years back, then stopped for a while and now I’ve found a new way to enjoy biking again. So I’ve just finished a new bike and I’m looking forward to an early spring kicking in. I enjoy strolling through the city streets both on foot or bike; being outside is a great inspiration for me. And I like to party and go out - as I said, music and the nightlife can be quite an inspiration. Not much time is left in the week after working full time - weekends should be longer! Another way I like spending my time is travelling. I try to do at least one month of touring per year. Last year we did Cuba and in a few months we’re off to Japan!
3Dtotal: Your website says you are available for “work, play and such” and just wondered what the most interesting offer is that you’ve had to date?
Roman: Well, it’s never really gone passed work-related offers to be honest - so no play and such yet! I’m still open for offers though as I really like to play.
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