On Keeping His Focus: Mr. Rodrigo A. Branco and His Career as a 3D Character Artist
Regardless of the project, Mr. Rodrigo A. Branco is one artist who, despite being subjected to constant “battles” with himself to stay focused, sees an undertaking through with noteworthy results. He keeps a good personal pipeline that balances out his personal and professional undertaking.
Mr. Branco sees himself as a constantly progressing artist, something that definitely shows with his pieces. This is a testament that not only are his working conditions optimal, but his dedication to the craft is one to be admired and emulated.
So let’s get to know Mr. Rodrigo A. Branco through this short interview and get to know ow artists like him are made.
Xeno Creatives (XC): We understand that with just about any craft, passion takes precedence. In your case, how did it start becoming a passion? Would we be right in assuming that you consider it a “calling”?
Rodrigo A. Branco (RAB): Back in 2009 I was introduced to ZBrush by a co-worker. During that time I was working as a matte painter. I always wanted to make characters and got hooked since then.
XC: Was there ever an art piece (digital or otherwise) or artist who served as a catalyst for your involvement in the craft? When did you get involved fully in the 3D industry?
RAB: I can´t think of only one artist or artwork in particular but I usually follow what’s trending in 3dtotal, cgsociety, and cghub.
I regularly check for inspiration, connect to other artists and practice every day.
XC: Now that you’re an active part of the industry, would you say you have pegged a solid place in it?
RAB: I don´t actually think I pegged a solid place but I guess after being bombarded with WIPs made people kind of accustomed to my persistence. Making solid friendships with other artists is a great way to keep me relevant. I take inspiration from them every day.
XC: How does your day look like in production?
RAB: I wake up, grab a cup of coffee, play with my dogs and then start to work on jobs. When I can, I start a new personal project. I gather references first and sketch stuff.
XC: What are the common challenges that a 3D artist like you encounters day-in, day-out in a project?
RAB: First of all, I keep my focus. I usually engage in a battle with myself to stay in one project until its completion. When I’m freelancing, it’s pretty common to give up on a personal project. I also like exploring 2D illustrations to balance things and find design ideas to use on the next 3D project. I always check my work in the progress folder for something I can get back into action. Find the right references and dive into work.
XC: We had the chance of seeing your works online. We were amazed by them. You definitely have a knack for detail and the likeness of your concepts to your references is completely uncanny. Do you have favourite pieces among your works? If so, what made them your favourite?
RAB: Thank you very much! I always think I could do better in every project. To pick one is hard because I see them as an evolutionary ladder. But I really enjoyed how the Dirae, the bloodborne huntress, the Kyuketsuki Gueixa and the Ashen Knight turned out.
XC: What would you consider your biggest or most exciting project to date?
RAB: Well my latest always makes me feel that every new trick learned and applied in my last gives me a momentary sense of getting a job done. Then I begin to think about the next.
XC: If you were to market yourself, what would you highlight as your edge?
RAB: I don´t know. Maybe my eye for character design or how I merge realism with stylization? It’s difficult to answer that one lol
XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be working as?
RAB: Animation and drawing. However, I do these outside my professional aspirations. It’s completely free and personal.
XC: What is your message to other artists especially in these trying times?
RAB: Keep pushing forward, evolve , focus, and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Try new things and keep updating your skills. It´s a constant search in art.
Want to see more of Mr. Rodrigo A. Branco’s awesome works? Click here!
