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Rakan Khamash: 3D generalist interview

3D generalist Rakan Khamash's image 'Red' earned over 1,000 points in last month's gallery competition – check out his inspirations and more from his portfolio...

3D generalist Rakan Khamash's image 'Red' earned over 1,000 points in last month's gallery competition – check out his inspirations and more from his portfolio...

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

Rakan Khamash: My name is Rakan Khamash. I like to create CG images, play videogames, and work out. I used to DJ before I got into 3D. Right now I live in Amman, Jordan, but I'm moving to Dubai soon.

I'm a 3D generalist artist with over 8 years of experience, and I specialize in character development, with skills in modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, and topology. I have received a couple of local and global awards and features, such as 3D World magazine, Behance coin of excellence, and I was featured artist for Lexus design awards.

First ever car model

3dt: Where did you find the inspiration for your latest gallery entry? What's the story behind its creation?

RK: I find most of my 3D mojo and inspiration over at the Creaturebox gallery of course – I always check out their latest work to get inspired.

Latest character

3dt: What software and plug-ins did you use to create this image? Did you face any difficulties, and how did you overcome them?

RK: I used ZBrush for the modeling process and MODO to do the texturing, shading, lighting, and rendering. I used Photoshop for all the post-work and for compositing the final image.

This might be shocking to some artists, but I use a MOUSE for sculpting – and that makes my friend flip out.

You have to do something after watching Big Hero 6 (12 times so far)

3dt: Do you normally use this software in your workflow? What other software and plug-ins do you favor?

RK: It really depends on the job I'm doing, but you can't go wrong with MODO, ZBrush, Photoshop and After Effects. Sometimes I'll use Maya, xNormal and Unfold3D, which are also really good software.

Some random fun and practice

3dt: Are there any particular techniques that you use often?

RK: I'll start sculpting in ZBrush to rough out the shape, then use it to detail it until the final model is complete. Then it's a simple job of retopologizing in ZBrush or in MODO. Every job can have a different software combination.

Learning ZBrush hard-surface sculpting

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

RK: I'd like to learn CINEMA 4D in the future, to create some complex motion graphics. Realflow too would add some nice fluid simulations. MARI is on my list for high-res texturing, while Substance Painter and Substance Designer look like they'd be fun, and smooth to texture and detail low-poly assets.

My first image to be featured in 3D World magazine and as a cover for The Foundry

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

RK: Keep versatile, and always keep an eye on out for new software / plug-ins / tips and tricks. Also, keep checking other artists' work to get inspired and motivated and to feel challenged. And I quote Will Smith: "Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft."

Some of my still-life works

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

RK: Rodrigo Gelmi is one of the best MODO users ever and who got me inspired to be like him back in 2006. Alex Roman (his architectural animation, The Third & The Seventh left a scare on me – it was just mind blowing). Victor Hugo Queroz is one of the most inspiring character artists – he definitely knows what he's doing. Jose Alves da Silva (because I always wanted to be as a cool as him, especially after I saw the bunny he did). Tim Cooper (he is an amazing MODO user and a master of product shots and ultra-realistic renders).

Yep, I sculpted those scales one by one with no alphas used

3dt: Do you like to experiment with your personal works, or do you prefer to stick to tried-and-tested methods? And what's next for you?

RK: I'm always open to new methods and idea's, which is why I try to keep up with the latest updates and software.

Up next are more gaming assets stuff.

Related links

Check out Rakan Khamash on Behance
See Red in the gallery
Love ZBrush? Get a copy of ZBrush Characters & Creatures

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