Career path interview with Mariano Steiner

Following our first interview with Mariano Steiner, we decided to catch up with him for some more pearls of wisdom, and to learn more about the life of an artist growing up.

We catch up with Mario Steiner, a character artist from Brazil, following our interview with him earlier in the year, to talk childhood, first jobs, the industry and inspiration!

Who are you and what do you do for a job?

My name is Mariano Steiner. I'm a character artist from Brazil working in games, cinematics, films and advertising projects.

"I remember spending a lot of time alone, sitting on the ground with a bunch of action figures"

What were your childhood inspirations and earliest artistic memory?

The first and most important influence that I can remember were action figures. I think I was born loving them! I remember spending a lot of time alone, sitting on the ground with a bunch of action figures, creating a different adventure every day. I would also make crazy 'mutations' of old figures, to make them into a new toy! After that I became addicted to movies and superhero stuff, which is what makes me what I am today.

I had a lot of artistic support from my parents and my family too.

What training have you had (if any)?

Not much really. I'm pretty much self-taught, with a lot of influence from everyone I've worked with and admire. I did a 6 month 3D modeling course when I was starting my career, but apart from that it's all day to day experiences.

Are there any particular schools or courses that you'd recommend?

Well I think the greatest school ever is the internet! But there are also a lot of great 3D/VFX schools out there, such as Gnomon, VFS, Feng Zhu's design school and many others... if you can afford it.

Mariano's first job was with Techno Image studio

What was your first job in the industry and how did you get it?

My first gig was at Techno Image studio, where I still do a lot of stuff as a freelancer. I don't really know why they hired me. I had a lame portfolio at the time and I had only been working with 3D for less than 6 months. I think they just wanted to invest in someone and I was at the right place at the right time. Techno Image was my school, learning from masters like Tiago Hoisel, Lucas Leibholz, Pedro Conti and the other guys.

"What is the level of art you can achieve by yourself and what can you achieve being directed by someone else?"

What can people expect from working in the industry?

You can expect a dream! It's an inspiring field to work in, filled with incredible people behind every job. That doesn't mean you won't work many, many hours, have much less social life than other people and drink absurd amounts of coffee and soda – but I wouldn't do anything else.

What are the key things that a great portfolio must have?

I think most of all; a great portfolio must show the potential of the artist. What is the level of art you can achieve by yourself and what can you achieve being directed by someone else?

Other than that:
- Quality
- A professional workflow (which depends on what you're aiming to work on)
- Frequent updates (don't let your portfolio go rusty, keep it updated as much as possible)

Where would you like to be in five years' time?
Oh god... (haha)

I expect to be doing great in a good company, working with some awesome artistic team and doing things that inspire people. That's what it's all about; inspiring people... and paying some bills if possible!

"Working with art demands a lifetime of devotion and if you don't love it, you'll live a miserable life"

Looking back with the benefit of your experience, are there are things you wish you had done differently, in terms of your career?

I would try to start younger. Although I didn't have a late start, as I think 19 is still young. But I wish I had started at 15 and never came across Counter Strike!

If you could give one piece of advice to people looking to break into the industry, what would it be?

Forget about making tons of money at the start – you simply won't. If you're going into the industry because it pays well, get out! You won't make it! Working with art demands a lifetime of devotion and if you don't love it, you'll live a miserable life.

Life without art

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us!

Thanks so much for the opportunity to speak here. It's a pleasure!

Related links

Mariano Steiner's blog
Techno Image studio
Mariano's first interview

To see more by Mariano Steiner, check out ZBrush Characters & Creatures
Digital Art Masters: Volume 8
and Prime - The Definitive Digital Art Collection