Have you done any professional design work for a company or studio?
I want to say "never", but that's not entirely true. I made something for a YouTube videographer that I adore by the name of Arthur Meurant, a video game critic from Belgium. He has a very recognizable style and is super pleasant.
Apart from that and some emotes, Twitch notifications for a friend, nothing at all.
As I said earlier, I don't know how to sell myself and lacked the confidence to really advertise any services.
Once I actually get an order or commission, I find myself with a blank page and uncontrollable pressure... So that makes things quite complicated!
When and how did you find the MVC?
I think it was LouBagel, if I remember correctly, who gave me a link for a Discord server that led me there and to another that I'm still a part of today. I'm loving it because it's very motivational to see many artists of all skill levels help and teach each other; it's truly pleasant. I enjoy helping people knowing that good advice is very important when starting anything new, so I help those who need it and thank them for trusting me.
I'm willing to help folks with advice I may have, but certainly don't claim to be a MagicaVoxel master!
How did you learn to use MagicaVoxel?
In several ways. At first, a bit like everyone else I think, thanks to YouTube.
Later, I was led to Discord, which helped me a lot; many kind people with great advice.
Then I learned new techniques and produced a lot of tutorials for shaders to simplify research for people on Discord (pre-MVC).
Hifoo was a great help, I learned to use patterns with his voxel kitbashing packs, which are incredible.
I see that I still have a lot to learn when seeing the progress of other great artists!
What sort of movies, shows, and games do you like? Are they influences on your art?
I love all kinds of movies and games, from Lord of the Rings to Dexter and so on.
For games, it's the same. I like big AAA's and indies, but prefer single-player games because I lack strong nerves lose patience very quickly.
(Sea of Thieves, I LOVE YOU AND I HATE YOU!!)
After all, we're all influenced by movies and games these days - even if we don't admit it!
Do you have any advice for aspiring voxel artists?
I would simply say it's necessary to understand that everyone starts equally.
What makes the difference between those who do amazing things and those who don't?
There are those give it their all and those who just give up.
You must not give up, even when it seems like you'll never reach the level of those you admire!
I see some art that's so impressive I get a headache considering how it was done... but if I stop today, how could I reach their level?
That is the key.
What are your plans for the future? Are you where you want to be or do you have a highly ambitious life goal?
Ideally, I would like to be able to make a living from my creations and am working on that right now, be they physical or digital.
I know NFTs are a little annoying right now because it's so ubiquitous, but that level of success (ideally) is what I covet, but we have to be honest;
we are still drowned in a torrent of really awful creations and just because you think you're doing a good job doesn't mean it will work.
I'm pretty sure it won't work for me, that's why I'm also turning to something physical like impressions and things like that.
But, to be honest, I don't know where to start or even where I'm really going.
... BUT, we have to stay optimistic, right?!