Fox’s Got Talent February Winner Revealed: 3D Astronauts’ Escape Story Made in Blender

As the COVID-19 is spreading worldwide, everyone is trying their best to stay home and governments are taking actions to curb both the virus and the economic impact. However, news around us unavoidably depresses us more or less. Here is some good news and fun sharing!

We are excited to announce our Fox’s Got Talent February Winner - Mr. Sai Dinesh Komanduri, Freelance 3D Artist from India.

Sai Dinesh Komanduri
Freelance 3D Artist
From: India

You can even feel the astronauts’ moonwalking, can’t you? And The-Truman-Show-style story happened next to the window arouse audiences’ interest about where the little astronauts are escaping for. In our exclusive interview, Sai shared with us how he formed the idea and realized them in a 3D render step by step, and the considerations behind to make the image delicate and balanced.

Fox Renderfarm: Hey Sai! Thank you for accepting our interview. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Sai: Hello, I'm Sai Dinesh Komanduri from India currently working as a Freelancer.

Artwork by Sai

Fox Renderfarm: How do you feel about winning Fox’s Got Talent (FGT)?

Sai: I randomly found the FGT and I submitted my image just to showcase my artwork. I got a message from FGT stating that I won and my first reactions are "Really? Did I win this?" This is my first time winning any challenge and I'm very excited. I didn't expect that my artwork could go this far and win. There are no words to express how happy I am.

Fox Renderfarm: What’s your inspiration for this creative artwork?

Sai: I was actually taking part in the CGBoost challenge and I saw the theme name Space Carrier. I thought of giving the theme name a funny twist to it and I came up with this artwork. I always think to keep the artwork simple but it has to also tell a story. In a storytelling way. I have submitted the artwork but I did not win. My initial thoughts were to make an astronaut carrying a spacebar. That's what the idea evolved from and then I built around that for the artwork.

Fox Renderfarm: We noticed that the color choice of the rocket looks like Blender, any special idea behind? How did you make the rocket?

Sai: Generally, I was looking at some rocket references and most of them are white. I was making it cartoonish so I thought of changing its color, and since I'm making it in Blender, I figured orange was fitting.

Making of Rocket is straightforward. Started with a cylinder and some extrusions.

Fox Renderfarm: The astronauts are so cute, how did you make them step by step, esp. the reflection on their visors?

Sai: So, the astronauts are a Chibi character inspiration but I thought to keep the hands longer to hold the spacebar.

The visor reflections are of a simple node setup.

Fox Renderfarm: The colorful computer, some gadgets and the whole background behind are very harmonious in the whole picture, how did you build the assets? And when doing it, any considerations about the color palette?

Sai: The keyboard and mouse are inspired by my own setup which is of RGB lights. With the monitor, I always wanted a dual monitor setup and since I don't have that I thought why not fulfill my dream with my artwork. Firstly, I started building my assets individually and arranged them into the scene. Whatever the screenshots you see on the monitor are the early stages of my artwork. I didn't have any color palette in my mind, just went on with my instincts and turned out well. I'm glad that you liked it.

Fox Renderfarm: Have you met any difficulties? And how did you solve it?

Sai: There aren't many difficulties with this artwork but I learned a lot while making this. Making things believable with textures and the camera angles are a bit challenging to convey my message but I figured them out by experimenting and with some references.

Fox Renderfarm: How long did it take to finish the artwork?

Sai: I took 4 days working in my free time to complete the artwork including rendering and post process.

Fox Renderfarm: What software and plugins did you use?

Sai: I used Blender 2.82 for modeling. Procedural node setup for textures except the rocket which I did some touch-ups in Krita. For rigging, I used Rigify since it's a basic rig and I just wanted to make poses with it. Lighting, an HDRI, reflection planes, emission planes for soft Lighting. Rendering in Cycles with 300 Samples and AI De-noise addon in composting. Post Process in Krita.

Fox Renderfarm: When and how did you encounter CG and decide to enter this industry?

Sai: My fascination for CG has been since my childhood and I really wanted to get into this industry. I wanted to see my name on the silver screen (in the Movie Credits) which I have achieved on my first project and I'm happy about it. I started learning Maya in 2012 and I have been using Blender since 2015 which is self-taught.

Rudhramadevi is the first project Sai got involved in

Fox Renderfarm: Could you briefly share with us your education and work experience along your CG journey?

Sai: I have a bachelor degree in Political Science and a diploma in VFX and animation.

I started working in 2014 and joined the company as an Environment Artist and a Junior Animator. It's been 6+ years in this industry and I have stepped in various branches of CG including Crowd Simulations for major movies. Currently, working as a Freelancer.

Positeavity by Sai made in Blender

Fox Renderfarm: How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated? And what do you do to improve your professional skills?

Sai: I personally, keep myself inspired by watching a lot of movies, playing games and listening to music all the time possible. I read blogs, watch behind the scenes, and make movies. I view my artwork as a puzzle. I work on all the individual pieces and when I put it all together the complete artwork is finished.

Artwork by Sai made in Maya

Fox Renderfarm: Any artworks or anyone in the industry that inspire the most?

Sai: Out of all, this is actually a tough question. I don't keep one person or one artwork as an idol or inspiration. I respect everyone and I adore all the artworks. There is something or another to learn from everyone. I don't care whether they are Junior or Senior as they will have some talent, tips or tricks, art styles which I lack and I will learn from them. I will own them and give my twist to it.

Fox Renderfarm: How do you feel about Fox Renderfarm’s cloud rendering services?

Sai: Fox Renderfarm's services are amazing and I would love to do more renders with you. It's simple, straight forward UI and the render speeds are of relief for the artists to sit back and have some peace.

Fox Renderfarm: Any other things you wanna share with CG enthusiasts?

Sai: Always stay hungry for the Inspirations and let the creative juices flow through you.

Edit:

If you also want to win a big sum of render coupons provided by our render farm while showing your talent on the world stage as Sai did, don’t hesitate to send us your excellent 3D render artwork through the following link: https://www.foxrenderfarm.com/fox-got-talent.html

You are going to be our next winner!