Max Hay - My Role Is To Just Try To Make Some Cool Stuff That Other People Are Hopefully Inspired By (3D Artist)

To me, there's something really special about being able to create something that could never actually exist, but that looks so real. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I'm a self-taught 3D artist, which is a nicer way of saying I'm an 18-year-old kid who sits in the basement all day on the computer. When I was 13 or so, I got pretty hooked on Photoshop, photography and music production which I concentrated on for a few years. 

All of these skills of using a camera, learning difficult software and consistently putting in work all helped me more than I could have imagined when I started learning 3D artwork.


2. How and when did you realize your passion for visual arts?

When I was a little kid, I was really into drawing. I've always been interested in some form of art, whether it was that, photography, music, and now 3D stuff. I don't think I ever had some moment of realization that I liked art since I was always doing it. However, I definitely started focusing a lot more on visual art on a daily basis a little over a year ago when I found 3D software.


3. What role does the artist have in society?

I don't know really. I think my role is to just try to make some cool stuff that other people are hopefully inspired by. That answer will probably vary depending on who you ask.


4. Describe your favourite visual effect from a movie. Why do you like it?

Any good CGI is usually why I'll be interested in a movie. I love the new Blade Runner for example for it's overwhelmingly dark yet vibrant cityscapes. To me, there's something really special about being able to create something that could never actually exist, but that looks so real.


5.What do you think is the best method to review visuals for corrections? And What is your favourite software to work with? 

Something that I like to do while I'm working on a piece is temporarily flip the image horizontally, or look at it upside down. After working on one thing for hours at a time, it's hard to tell what needs to change, and doing this gives you a sort of new perspective on things. 

Also, taking breaks is extremely useful. Sometimes you come back after 30 minutes and see mistakes that are blatantly obvious, but which you somehow overlooked at the moment.

As for my favourite software, I'm currently in love with Blender and Photoshop. Some of the things that Blender especially is capable of still amazes me. It's been an invaluable tool for getting what's in my head translated into something that other people can see, and unbelievably, it's free.


6. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring visual artists?

Putting in daily work is very important in my opinion. You don't have to finish a project every day, but showing up every day will get you to the next level so much faster than if you just do it when you feel like it. I am definitely a big fan of putting out daily work though. 

For me, posting an artwork almost every day for the past few months has had an insane impact on my growth in artistic ability, as well as my social media following. Whether you decide to finish daily projects or focus on larger, more drawn out ideas (I think a mix of both is ideal), the main thing is to just do something every day.


- Max Hay (3D Artist)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxhayart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxhayart
Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/max_v_hay


Interviewed By Akshaya Rathinavadivel