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Arch-viz specialist: Alberth Costa da Silva interview

Arch-viz and 3ds Max specialist, Alberth Costa da Silva, discusses his workflow and inspiration for creating his realistic interiors...

Arch-viz and 3ds Max specialist, Alberth Costa da Silva, discusses his workflow and inspiration for creating his realistic interiors...

Industrial Kitchen, made with 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop

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

My name is Alberth Costa, a.k.a. "Uchimata”. I'm 38 years old, married and have a 4-year-old daughter named Laura, my passion and inspiration. I've worked with 3ds Max since its first version for Windows, working in all areas: animation, commercials, scenarios, and arch viz. I currently live in Ananindeua, in Pará, Brazil, and work as a freelancer.

Black Living, a series of personal portfolio images made with 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Photoshop

Did you always want to be an artist? How did you find your way into the world of 3D?

Actually, I always wanted to work with computers. I remember doing maintenance on Intel 286 and DX2 computers; then I had contact with the internet and fell in love with Macromedia Flash (now Adobe Flash). I tried to do some courses, and shortly after I became an instructor in Macromedia. Around this time, I discovered 3ds Max; I remember there was a flaming meteor as an example of 3ds Max at the time, and I was fascinated with it. I dropped everything to devote myself to learning 3ds Max, and since that day I've been in this field. I like what I do and I do not regret anything.

Norway Living, a portfolio series made with 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop

Who or what are your biggest sources of inspiration?

During my walk in this 3D world, I've had several sources of inspiration, both in and outside of Brazil. From Brazil, Flavio Mac, Marcelo Souza, Leo Santos, Krishnamurti Costa, Vitor Vilela, and Moises Braga are truly great inspirations. From outside Brazil, I had other influences as a source of inspiration: Jesus "Zuliban” Selvera, Peter Guthrie, Gus Capote, Lon Grohs, and Alex Roman among many.

Living Magazine, created with 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop

What software do you use for your arch viz work, and do you have any favorite tips and tricks for using them?

In my opinion, 3ds Max is the most complete and easiest software to use in arch viz. It has all the tools I need to make work, and I generally use everything that the program can offer me.

There are some plugin and scripts which further facilitate my work, such as MultiTexture Map, FloorGenerator, Relink Bitmaps, VMC, Lele's Tools, Cleaner, and more.

Bed, a portfolio image made with 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop
What would you like to learn to expand your portfolio and skillset, and why?

There are several things I want to learn, to improve my professional qualifications. My job comes down to interior renders, with fewer exteriors; I would like to work more on exterior renders. More so, I would love to be able to leave Brazil and work in a large studio, learning the day-to-day and finding different work methodologies.

What are your plans or ambitions for the future?

I would just like to work in a large studio, experience different cultures and different workflows, learn more about my work, and do some courses focusing on cinema. My dream is working with film; I think about the fantastic digital scenarios, cities, and all that cinema offers in arch viz, and would love to be part of a team and work on a movie. That would be wonderful.

Simplicity, an interior render made with 3ds Max, V-Ray and Photoshop
How do you like to unwind after a hard day's (or night's) work?

Watching a good movie or cartoons with my daughter, maybe going for a walk or going to the movies, or just sleeping – that would be really good, since as a freelancer I don't do it most of the time!

Related links

Check out Alberth Costa da Silva's personal site
Grab a copy of 3ds Max Projects to begin your journey
Check out Digital Art Masters: Volume 8

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