Farzin Izadyar: 3D character artist interview

My name is Farzin; I work as 3D character artist, mostly freelancing. I graduated in 2017 in 3D Computer Games Design and since then I have been working professionally. I am currently living in Istanbul, Turkey.

My latest gallery work was an animation-based character, Flak Trooper. For that specific project we had the client workflow but generally speaking the animation pipeline is pretty laid out. I used ZBrush to block-out, then retopologized using 3D-Coat, and creating production ready meshes in 3ds Max.

Working for animation is different than game. For instance, there is no huge poly-count restriction nor texture resolution; also I had to model in a way that they could add turbo-smooth when they render (a lot of edge supports). I learned tons of new techniques – the one really stood out was to create details with topology, not normal map. I generally use ZBrush, 3ds Max, Mari, 3D-Coat, Substance Painter, Unreal Engine, and Marmoset Toolbag.

It takes time and effort to keep up. I would say hard work, discipline, and consistency helped me update my portfolio as regularly as possible since I got graduated. I also set a deadline for each work and a tip would be identifying weaknesses and grinding down on those areas.

Yes I am active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and my favorite hashtags are 3D characters, game art, creativity, and character concept art.

I would really like to improve and be more of a rounded artist, therefore I need to expand my knowledge on anatomy – also understanding of forms and bettering myself in executing forms in 3D. Eventually becoming a character art director with strong decision-making ability is my goal, this could be in my own company or AAA studios.

Michael Hampton, Scott Eaton, and Amir Hossein Yaghoobi have inspired and supported me in learning anatomy, so I admire them a lot. In terms of 3D, Adam Skutt, Hossien Diba, and HoOman Raad are my favorite artists because they have distinct artistic vision and strong technical ability.

It has not been a long time since I have emerged in the industry, I would love to try a different art style such as realism; and stylized and fantasy as well. I love to create creatures as well as likenesses. But the next personal project will be a realistic survivalist character.