Mr. Piotr Kujko: Education, Experience, and Perseverance
Mr. Piotr Kujko is a 3D Character and Asset Artist. At the young age of 26 he has already had various affiliations such as Orka Postproduction Studios, where he is currently a Real-Time Project Head/Character Artist. He also works as a tutor in 3D animation school, “Animatricks” in the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology. Mr. Kujko has been in the industry for a good 4 years.
And his education credentials? Impressive. He took up his Bachelor’s degree for Press and Commercial Photography at the University of Warsaw and his Master’s in Media Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw.
Mr. Kujko is a self-taught 3D artist. He believes that just like him, if you work really hard enough, becoming a 3D artist can be more than possible. And seeing his works online is indeed a testament to all his hard work.
Let’s get to know Mr. Piotr Kujko through this short feature and be amazed by how dedication and diligence can lead one to become good in his or her discipline even if he or she is to learn alone.
Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology brought a lot to the industry. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled in it?
Piotr Kujko (PK): ZBrush was the first 3D program I heard of, and also the first one which I tried to create something in (skipping launching Blender when I was 7 years old). I really admire Pixologic products; I’m sure this is my favorite program that I have to use in the CG industry.
I started with tutorials available online through sites like Digital Tutors (now it’s Pluralsight) and YouTube. I was studying photography these days and I really wanted to be a commercial photographer, but renting photo studios for work was too much expensive for students. I thought, it would be great if I can make everything in 3D. I’m a self-taught artist, so I had a lot of problems and questions during the learning period not only with ZBrush but with everything 3D. What’s more, I didn’t know anyone who works in 3D programs. I spent a lot of time on forums searching solutions. I also decided to join a painting class in Warsaw where I live to learn anatomy. I can say, I started learning everything connected with 3D from zero.
XC: As a dedicated artist how did ZBrush help you further your art?
PK: A lot! I prefer CG art than classic art, so instead of painting human anatomy and poses, I was learning everything in ZBrush. It was really helpful with learning sculpting and knowing how the program functions better. Nowadays, I’m focused on ZBrush while the other programs, I only use as auxiliary. However, I still model stuff through 3Ds Max, the second program I use.
XC: Was your craft really a passion to begin with, a hobby, or a mere job?
PK: I love CG and I don’t think it will may change any time in the future. If I earn money for it, then it’s a dream situation. I spend about 10-11 hours a day at 3D, 8 hours in the studio, 2-3 hours after work with my personal projects and I’m still in love with it. It’s my biggest passion.
XC: Given your experience in the industry, what do you think is your edge as a 3D artist?
PK: I’m still a young man, so there is still a lot ahead of me. I’m still learning and improving my skills, it’s necessary in this profession because everything changes very quickly. As I mentioned before, I’m focused on sculpting, still learning anatomy and muscles mechanic. I’m in a place, where I verify my own style. Besides all of aspects connected with 3D, I also try to find a time for seeking inspirations. I read a lot of books, I’m interested in photography and all of these things give me ideas for stories I want to tell, or look to gain. A lot of artists I admire are amazing sculptors, but sometimes I get the feeling that their works are so perfect that these look almost unnatural without defects. I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and I’m very conscious of it. My last artworks are getting closer to the standards that I have in mind, they remind more sketching style, than well-detailed work.
XC: Whom do you consider your influence(s)?
PK: My previous employer, who hired me as a Junior 3D Generalist in his company, where I actually started to work with clients. More experienced artists I am working with right now in the studio. My academic tutors who taught me a lot about aesthetics, colors, lights and emotions in art. My parents who believed me, after I decided to quit my job in the shoe store and take a one-year vacation after I graduated from my Bachelor’s Degree. My future wife, because of her patience, understanding and support she has given me since I started. And myself of course, whom I’ve never given up on,
I’ve learned 3D and now I teach other artists in the school.
XC: So far, what were the challenges that you had encountered working in the 3D industry?
PK: At this moment, I’m the primary character artist in the studio of a real-time animation. It’s a challenge, there are not a lot of full-length animations made in Unreal Engine around the world. For us, it’s an unimaginable motivation to make our works as good as we really can. We intend to join the pioneers, who just did it. For this moment, I can’t tell more about it, but we’re going to share some stuff soon. 🙂
XC: What is your most exciting project to date?
PK: The “Inner Chains” game trailer, where I made main characters, I’m really proud of my work. You can see the results in my portfolio. I’m also excited about this real-time animation. In my personal work, I really like projects I make right now – Marvel characters and Slavic bestiary, I feel I leveled-up and maybe just now I can come at par with artists whom I’ve always respected.
XC: Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?
PK: You can learn 3D on your own really. You just have to work really hard. Work on it as often as you can. Be patient. In the future everything you can’t understand now, would be clear. Have your minds open, read books, watch good movies or look at photography. Also, visiting galleries are very important. You can improve your skills in any direction of 3D you want, but without knowledge about impression, aesthetics, or art, your artworks could be empty, with no story, or feeling. Good luck! 🙂
Want to see more of Mr. Piotr Kujko’s work’s? Click here!
