1) Please tell us a little something about yourself. For example: where are you from, where do you live, do you have any formal education or are you self-taught, etc.

I am GV Prashanth. I am a 3d artist from India. I work as a Lighting TD at Rhythm and Hues Studios. I had my graduation from photography and film making. 3D was my passion since my childhood and I self learnt it during my free time during graduation. Some of my friends inspired me to keep trying and become better.

2) What experiences influenced your artwork? Where do you get your ideas for your artwork?

I get influenced a lot by my surroundings. I love light and color, I am a photographer by passion from my childhood which influenced a lot to take up a role of a lighting artist. I look at a lot of photographs everyday. The colors and lights in some of them are so stunning that I really want to be there, it also takes me to an extra step of trying to create it and learn how things work and react.

3) Can you tell us a little about your creative process? How do you create your artwork? Do you sketch an idea first or do you keep the design in your head until you're finished?

I look at a lot of references at first. I study them a lot, I look at the details in the form, shape, textures and lights. Sometimes sketching a story or an emotion in an image is really important. Placing an interesting element in an image is really important as it brings the viewer more closer to the image.

4) When or how did you decide to get into digital artwork? Did you start with traditional media first or did you jump right into the digital world? 4a) What tools do you use to create your artwork?

I started getting into digital media when I was in my college, I loved 3d and I liked the way it was being made, so it took me to a new world of computer graphics. Previously I used to sketch and draw during my spare time traditionally. Digitally I use tools like Maya, ZBrush, Mari and Photoshop to create artworks.

5) What made you decide to submit your artwork to graphic artist magazines?

I wanted to share my artwork with the community. It helps me get some creative and technical feedback from the other artists. So I submitted my work to 3dtotal and 3d World magazines. It helps inspire other artists in the community and inspires me too.

6) What piece of artwork are you most proud of? Why?

I like to compliment every of my artwork since it helped me discover and learn new things and helped me push myself to the next level every time I worked on a new scene.

7) What keeps you motivated when things don't seem to be going your way? What are some challenges you've faced in your career?

The first thing I start in a day is to look at the artworks of other artists around the world no matter what things come in my way. I think that`s what inspires me the most. I believe that gives me the extra mile to push myself in the most uncertain challenges.

8) How do you handle criticism of your artwork?

I love I when someone gives some constructive feedback on my work. It helps me learn better, helps me know what I missed out, helps me learn what other artists know and what I can learn better from them.

9) What advice do you have for up-and-coming artists who want to improve their artwork?

Keep practicing and working. Observe and learn things around you. Learn from the other artists, it does help a lot. Keep working until you can get it. Never let go off the passion. Follow your style and explore new areas, that surely helps. Get inspired and Inspire.

10) Some people claim that digital art isn't "real art" mainly because it's made with software programs. How would you respond to this?

Well I don`t perceive it that way. Art is of numerous forms, and very less people can only express it. It doesn`t matter what medium one uses, all that matters is the ability to convey a story or a feeling through an artwork. I see the fact of " real art " when an artwork is able to tell a story and is able to grab the attention of the viewer.

11) What are some of your more notable achievements? Have you been published in a magazine or exhibited your artwork at an art festival or gallery?

My artwork was featured in 3dtotal.com and CGTrader.com and was published in 3d World magazine. I also worked with a team of artists for Life of Pi which won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2013.

12) Any other comments or anything else you'd like to say? Where can people go to see more of your artwork? Do you have your own portfolio website or do you post your images on a graphic arts/ community site?

I can be found at http://gvprashanth.com (link opens in a new window)