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3DTotal: I’ve noticed that you’ve stayed away from some of the biggest, most popular software packages over the years - why is this?
Rudolf: As cheap as it may sound, I don’t like to pay more than I have to for 3D software if I can get the job done anyway.With Bryce, I was only looking for something to kill a few hours with. I wasn’t planning on continuing with 3D, so I didn’t want to spend a smaller fortune on a big package. For this purpose Bryce was ideal as it was cheap and easy to learn, which is just as important as the cost. In the end, that program really got me interested in 3D, as I found out that you could create some pretty amazing things with it once you started digging deeper. It was almost the same story when I decided it was time to move forward and switch software. After trying out several demos and trial versions, I ended up with Cinema4D. C4D’s straightforward learning curve suited me perfectly, and it also comes with a much nicer price tag than most 3D software. |
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3DTotal: I think it’s great that artists start off with small simple packages and learn them thoroughly, before they dive in with something with a millions buttons and option; I myself started with Infini-D on a Mac. With C4D, does it do everything you need straight out of the box or do you use any other plug-ins?
Rudolf: The basic package pretty much cover everything I need for the moment. I’ve never really used many plug-ins; for some reason I’ve always managed to do more with less! The only plug-in I’m currently using is the Maxwell renderer. I got it to speed up parts of the lighting process, and it does the job just great.
3DTotal: What particular areas of your CG images do you spend the most time working on in order to achieve your fantastic results?
Rudolf: One of the areas I’ve always paid a lot of attention to is the atmosphere. It’s so easy to screw up even the best of models if the scene lacks the proper mood. I can easily spend more time getting this right for a scene than on the modelling itself. Another key area is postwork and dirt. Even though I normally start out with less than clean materials, I spend a large amount of time adding dirt and subtile imperfections to every scene.Imperfections don’t necessarily have to be that visible, but they make a huge difference to the end result. |
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3DTotal: What can we expect to see from you next? Do you think you may sway from the sci-fi path someday?
Rudolf: I don’t think I’ll ever move away from sci-fi. I may work with other genres, but in the end, sci-fi has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I’ll always return to that. As for the future, I’ve started experimenting with matte painting these past few months. I’m still very new with the stuff and I’m not used to working that much with photos, but it’s highly enjoyable. Not that I’m planning on leaving 3D, but I always like to try out new techniques, and hopefully I’ll be able to develop my drawing skills in the process! |
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3DTotal: Well whatever path you take Rudy we will look forward to seeing the results! It’s been great chatting with you; I’ve been a fan of your art for many years, as I am sure are many of the readers. All the best!
Rudolf: It was a pleasure, Tom - thanks a lot! |
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