Featured artist for september: Pavel Lazovskiy

A warm "Hello" to all readers of my small blog!

Today we travel to the eastern europe, not far away of one of the world biggest metropoles: Moscow! My interview partner Pavel Lazovskiy is living in Pravdinskiy, not far from the Russian capital. Some of you may know Pavel under his nickname "Palsan".

But enough words, let's start the interview.

Yours
Chris

The artist

Pavel, how old are you?

I am 32.

Where are you currently living?

Now I live in Russia, city Pravdinskiy, Moscow region

What are you doing, when you switch your PC off? Do you have other hobbies?

It happened that 3D is a job and hobby at once, so I spend a lot of time with PC. Recently I began to devote more time to painting. I am relaxing on the sofa with drawing tablet in the hands and painting new sketches. As well I got involved with photo. It's an incredible thing. So many beauties around us.
I started not long ago and recently have bought my first reflex camera Nikon D3100. As well I like instrumental music and am engaged in kundalini yoga. Yoga is something special. It's not a secret that long work with computer affects health. Yoga helped me with my old sports injuries and maintains my health now. In this mad world it gives a chance to be alone sometimes. I recommend it to all 3D artists and office workers as well. :))

About the work

Pavel, how did you get the idea to be an digital artist, why digital?

I got acquaintance with digital media in 2003. That time I worked for a company selling Italian furniture.
It was a difficult time for me. I dealt with furniture during 5 years and that work annoyed me. I began to think about something new. Once I remembered that I saw “knowledge of 3D MAX” demand in the application form of some company. So I bought a book ”3D MAX 4” and began my first study 4th February 2003 (Even now remember :) ). Then I realized that it will be my future. In a couple years I left my furniture company and began to work with architectural visualization first like freelancer then in a design studio. It took 5 years. And now I like to create characters. It’s cool!! To invent it, to make an image and to give him a temper… It has much more sense for me than just a simple modeling. I am excited to create from scratch for myself though at work I usually use references.

As well I think that a 3D artist should have not only painting talent but some technical eye as well. My mam has artistic talents, she played in a theatre and wrote poetry. But my dad is a technical man. So I have both – humanitarian and technical skills and this helps me a lot.

In general digital media – is excellent! I have possibility for creation anywhere and any time (even now, while my daughter is sleeping in the hotel :) )

Do you have a special aducation in arts?

In my youth years I finished Child Artistic school and later Professional Artistic lyceum. After the military service I graduated from Russian International Tourism Academy. As well I finished 7 different design and animation courses with a study time from a week till 9 months and I have 3D-Coat Certified Instructor status.

Are you employed or do you work freelance?

I worked as a employee in a game and architectural studios and created advertising content and animation. Now I am a freelancer.

Which recent projects were the most important for you?

One of the most important project for me was "Orc". I made it from scratch. There were a lot of mistakes during the process but I understood what I SHOULD NOT do. The more difficult task you create the more professional skills you gain as a result. So now "Orc" is one of my favourite characters.

Which project was a particular challenge for you?

The current project I am involved :) I promised my wife to win the competition :)) That character is a woman in steampunk style. If I will not win I should buy a new dress for my wife :))

Where do you get your ideas from?

I have a see of ideas in my head and they are constantly arriving more and more.. Usually I take them from books, movies and works of different artists . I like a lot historical and fantasy films on HBO channel. As well “Spartak. Blood and sand” and others serials. It’s a fantastic reference supplier.

Are you working with references or is all your work from imagination?

First I start from imagination. Then I collect references, photos, images, movies frames. I like historical authenticity of the character, weapon and clothes.

What are your plans as an artist for the future?

I have some plans for the future development:

1) To improve my knowledge in anatomy of people and animals.

2) To improve eye attractiveness of characters, to make bright and memorable images

3) To perfect my animation knowledge and skills.

Which software are you using for your work, and which hardware?

Usually I have I5 processor, GeForce 570 video card and 8Gb 1333 cash. As well 22” monitor and drawing tablet Wacom Bambo Fun A5. My working soft is Softimage for modeling, Zbrush for sculpting and 3D-Coat for retopo, texturing and UV mapping.

Which tool do you like the most and never want to miss?

I like all Apps above. They manage their correspondent tasks perfectly!

The portfolio

If you have a personal website, please give us the weblink.

pavellazovskiy.com - portfolio
pavellazovskiy.blogspot.com - blog