We were lucky to catch up with Marc Anthony Kalb recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marc, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I were starting over as a 3D artist, here are a few things I’d do differently to get where I am today faster and without emptying my wallet.
1. Get Social: Networking is the name of the game! Get yourself out there by attending conferences, workshops, and events in the 3D art world. Rub elbows with industry folks and make connections. Oh, and don’t forget the power of online communities and social media! Show off your awesome work, chat with fellow artists, and you might just stumble upon some fantastic collaborations and cool opportunities.
2. Carpe Diem: Seize every chance that comes your way, no matter how small or out of your comfort zone it may seem. Every project, big or small, is a chance to learn and grow. Try your hand at different styles, genres, and mediums to expand your skills and spice up your portfolio. Freelance gigs, internships, or even volunteering can give you that much-needed experience and exposure.
3. Embrace the Oopsies: Failure happens, and that’s okay! Don’t let it get you down. Embrace those hiccups as valuable lessons on your artistic journey. Take a look at what went wrong, learn from it, and bounce back stronger. Feel free to experiment with new techniques, push your creative boundaries, and take some risks. With a can-do attitude and a growth mindset, you’ll be on the fast track to success.
4. Keep on Learning: The 3D art world is always evolving, so keep yourself in the loop! Stay updated on the latest tools, software, and techniques. Dive into online courses, watch fun tutorials, and practice like there’s no tomorrow. Sharpen those artistic skills and stay flexible. The more you know, the more projects you’ll be able to tackle like a boss.
5. Resourcefulness is Key: When you’re starting out with limited funds, it’s all about being savvy! No need to splurge on expensive software or fancy hardware right away. Check out affordable or open-source options that can get the job done. Master the tools you have before thinking about upgrades. Oh, and don’t forget about the treasure trove of free online resources like tutorials and forums. Learn and grow without putting a dent in your bank account.
6. Show Off Your Awesomeness: It’s time to shine online, my friend! Get yourself a sweet online presence by creating a killer website or portfolio. Showcase your jaw-dropping work and highlight your amazing skills. Keep it up to date with your latest projects to show off your progress. Engage with the online art community—share your insights, jump into discussions, and provide feedback to fellow artists. Build your reputation and get noticed like a true rockstar.
Every artistic journey is unique. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My own journey brought me to where I am today! Take these suggestions, put your own personal spin on them, and stay passionate, dedicated, and true to your art. Keep rocking it, and you’ll make some serious strides as a 3D artist. You’ve got this!
Marc, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My design journey started at a young age. I was about 11 or 12 years old in middle school, just like any other kid. I participated in a multitude of different sports, loved playing video games, and hanging out with friends. I wasn’t the best student; I found myself easily distracted during class and spent my time drawing and sketching. Around this time, social media was starting to become more relevant, specifically Twitter. There was a big gaming community on Twitter, and I found myself scrolling through the platform before and after school to get the latest news and trends. I was always trying to find ways to make a few extra dollars to buy the latest games.
One day, while scrolling through Twitter, I noticed that many of the top gaming content creators and esports pros were looking for someone to create digital graphics for them, specifically graphic logos for their profile pictures. This is when a lightbulb went off in my head. I saw an opportunity to make a few extra dollars. I already had an interest in art from sketching in my notebook during class, and I was willing to learn how to create digital art. So I did some research and found out that one of the leading digital art software, Photoshop, had a discounted promotion for a 1-month subscription. I took it upon myself to learn Photoshop after school and on the weekends, and the rest is history.
In high school, despite facing personal hardships and struggling with poor grades, I made a determined decision not to let my past define my future. I worked hard and achieved a 4.0 GPA in both my junior and senior years, which opened up the possibility of pursuing college. After considering my options, I realized my passion for digital art and applied to various art schools, even though I thought it was a long shot. To my surprise, the school I had always wanted to attend reached out to me for an interview. I was later accepted into the B.S. Digital Arts and Design Degree program at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Moving from San Diego to Orlando was a significant change, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
During my time in college, I met some of my best friends and made many connections. I learned everything from Typography and Composition to 2D and 3D design. When I learned about 3D design, I quickly realized that it was something I thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to specialize in after school. My specialty became photo-realistic product design within 3D. I graduated as the salutatorian of my class in a 2-year accelerated B.S. Degree at Full Sail University. Soon after graduation, I decided I wanted to become a freelancer to expand on what I was taught, gain first-hand industry-level experience, and continue making valuable connections.
As a freelancer, I was fortunate enough to work with many companies, some of which include Volkswagen and Logitech. The tasks I’m typically given include creating instructional animations, photo-realistic product visualizations, and concept work. I’ve experienced quite a lot on my freelance journey. I’ve met and worked alongside some incredibly talented individuals and learned many new skill sets and workflows that have helped me grow as an artist. Some of my favorite times in my career have been freelancing. However, to say this journey was all rainbows and butterflies would be a lie. I definitely faced many hardships and constantly battled self-doubt, but through these experiences, I’ve grown as an artist and, more importantly, as a person. Now I am at a point in my career where I am seeking a full-time position. I aim to climb the ranks and eventually reach a stage where I can impart my knowledge to the next generation of 3D artists, helping them succeed to the best of their abilities.
When onboarding a new freelance client, I follow a streamlined process for understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction. It begins with an introductory call where we discuss their business and services, alongside my terms and conditions. We delve into the problem they need solving, which helps me understand their background and target audience, crucial for planning my approach. Following the call, I request the client to gather reference imagery or videos that align with their desired work. In the subsequent call, we focus on the specifics of the references, such as subjects, colors, materials, lighting, and supporting imagery. Armed with this information, I commence working on the project and schedule another call once I’ve reached a point to present my progress. This call allows the client to provide feedback and suggest changes. Typically, it’s the final call before showcasing the completed product, though an additional call may be required for further modifications.
What sets me apart from others, I believe, is my passion, dedication, and willingness to learn. From time to time, people will tell me, “Marc, you’re like a master at 3D.” The thing is, I don’t see it that way, nor do I think I ever will. There’s constantly something new to learn, and I’m always striving to improve my skill set and learn the latest trends in 3D, whether it be learning new programs or techniques. I always see room for improvement in whatever I do, and that’s where I believe the beauty of this industry lies and how my passion for 3D keeps growing.
My message to everyone is to go out and chase that dream you have. Sure, some may not approve, and others may not believe in you. That’s where your passion and self-belief come in. As long as you believe in yourself and your capabilities, anything is possible! It won’t be an easy road, but one thing I can guarantee is that it’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do in your life. Go out there, follow your dreams, don’t be afraid to fail! Meet anyone and everyone you can and take every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where it may take you. Most importantly, have fun and learn to enjoy the process!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As a 3D artist, there are definitely resources that I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey. I wish I had been aware of online communities and forums dedicated to 3D art, where artists can share their work, seek feedback, and engage in discussions. Being a part of such communities would have allowed me to connect with fellow artists, learn from their experiences, and gain inspiration. Lastly, I wish I had known about industry-specific events, workshops, and conferences where I could have networked with professionals, attended informative sessions, and stayed up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the field of 3D art. Having access to these resources earlier would have undoubtedly accelerated my growth and development as a 3D artist.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, as a 3D artist, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to push the boundaries of reality and ignite the imagination of others. Blurring the line between what is real and what is fake is a captivating and fulfilling endeavor. It’s incredibly satisfying to witness the awe and wonder that my creations can evoke in people, as they question the authenticity of what they see. The power to transport others to new worlds, to elicit emotions, and to challenge their perceptions is truly rewarding. Moreover, being able to share my passion and knowledge with the next generation of artists and inspire them to explore the limitless possibilities of their own creativity is an extraordinary privilege. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on fellow artists, nurturing their growth and helping them discover their own unique artistic voice, brings immense joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is knowing that my art has the ability to captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on both myself and those who experience it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mkdigitaldesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkalbdd/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-anthony-kalb-58748566?challengeId=AQGT0cqeQLSfIQAAAYkym4KkCwZ-YQnDZdEwVwzF3WmJ6XbKqN7uf7id6u_RHgP0xmQQVK1a9GEl1rxe5Gs9dS3OGPIuMIf0Xg&submissionId=d7cf6a43-75b8-6f17-7805-a367d9555640&challengeSource=AgHiJvMqheIWzQAAAYkym7lWy1KDRb6zoVgKbI3B9LN61EwUuLI4H7w3fojfgd8&challegeType=AgF5P7yJE2o5NQAAAYkym7lat6sLviuBp4rmoPVEIsB2tP7qzWtptrk&memberId=AgH91gAsalwBOQAAAYkym7ldSwrLjZZsaXUpRT23qIvXKp8&recognizeDevice=AgGG6eBfUJZR9wAAAYkym7lggDzA-3NigQlxsaxASjKiW5p6qfdb