Nikolay Naydenov, lecturer at ARC Academy – on the magic of 3D Art
Nikolay Naydenov is a 3D artist with over 15 years of experience in video game development and a lecturer at ARC Academy. As a freelancer, he creates video courses focused on building 3D characters using some of the most popular software tools, such as Blender and ZBrush. Currently, he is developing a new course on the anatomy of legs and feet.
Why did you choose to do 3D Character Art professionally?
I chose to pursue 3D character art professionally because I’ve always been fascinated by the ability to bring characters to life. The blend of creativity and technical skill required in this field is incredibly rewarding. Plus, seeing my creations in action within a game is a pretty nice feeling.
Which projects you have worked so far you are most proud of and why?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is my recent course “Dragon girl in Blender”. There I was able to recreate a pretty nice concept of a warrior girl with a big sword and a dragon around her completely in Blender and also have it 3D printed after.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learned professionally?
Over the years, I’ve learned some valuable lessons:
- Patience and Persistence: Mastery takes time, and setbacks are part of the journey.
- Collaboration: Working well with others is crucial. Great games are made by great teams.
- Continuous Learning: The industry evolves rapidly, so staying updated with the latest tools and techniques is essential.
Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that happened to you while working?
Once, while working on a dragon character for a fantasy game, I accidentally gave the dragon human teeth. It wasn’t completely accidental though:). It was looking pretty funny, and by the time they discovered the joke, the dragon with human teeth was even in one of the early beta builds of the game.
What would you like to convey to the students – personally and professionally?
To my students, I want to convey the importance of passion and dedication, which means lots of practice. Professionally, always strive for excellence and never stop learning. Personally, remember to enjoy the process and have fun with your creations. Your unique perspective and creativity are what will set you apart in this field. Keep pushing your boundaries and believe in your potential! And also practice.
Do you want to create and model 3D characters? Apply to ARC Academy’s Distance Learning program during the Early Admission period and enjoy our package discounts!
