Gus Romano

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The Digital Frontier: My Journey into 3D Art with Cinema 4D

As a traditional artist who cherishes the centuries-old techniques of painting, I've always believed in the importance of adaptation. The world around us is in a constant state of flux, and those who refuse to evolve risk being left behind. This belief has driven me to stay updated with the latest developments in the art world, even as I continue to honor the traditions that have shaped my creative journey.

This week, I embarked on a new adventure by beginning to learn Cinema 4D, a powerful 3D software. My motivation comes from the burgeoning world of Web3 and the encouragement of friends like Ricardo Alves. Ricardo is an exceptional 3D sculpture artist who has contributed to some of the most iconic movies and TV series of our time, including "Avatar" (which won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects), "The Lion King," "Star Wars," and "Love, Death & Robots," among others.

My fascination with 3D software isn't new. At around 14 years old, I was introduced to LightWave 3D by my cousin. The idea that you could create anything from a simple sphere captivated me. In 2007, such technology seemed almost magical. I rushed home to download and learn this amazing software, despite barely knowing English. Instead of playing outside, I spent countless hours studying how to create complex objects like guitars, often finding English-language blogs with tutorials. It was my first deep dive into learning something purely out of passion. This also happened as it was the year my only brother, Fonzo Romano moved out to study Cinema in Manchester.

First 3d creation in 2009 with lightwave

I remember how challenging making a render was, taking weeks to complete a 3 second video. My computer, which sounded like an airplane, worked 24 hours a day, and I could barely sleep with the noise. Any slight change to the animation meant another week of rendering. Looking back, it seems crazy that I managed all this at just 14 years old, without understanding English, and entirely on my own. Here you can watch my first and only animation in 3d.

As time passed, my focus shifted away from 3D software. My brother, on the other hand, decided to pursue a career in 3D animation, leaving his initial course of study abroad to join an online 3D animation course. His dedication paid off, as he went on to win Oscars and work on some of the most well-known movies in the industry, from Lion King, Avangers, Jungle Book, and The House of Dragon

Now, I find myself drawn back to the world of 3D art. I want to create something special that bridges my traditional paintings and artistic creations with the digital era. While I don't believe that digital portraits would necessarily enhance my paintings, I see potential in blending these two realms in innovative ways. The rise of AI programs, capable of generating impressive art from simple prompts, has only pushed me further from digital paintings, reinforcing my desire to find a unique path.

This week marks the beginning of my renewed exploration into the basics of 3D art. I am excited about the possibilities and eager to see what I can create. My goal is to merge the tactile beauty of traditional art with the limitless potential of digital technology, creating works that resonate on multiple levels and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

In this journey, I am reminded of the importance of staying curious and open to new experiences. The world of art is vast and ever-changing, and as artists, we must continue to evolve, adapt, and find new ways to express our vision.