Paul Sherstobitoff


“I still use all of the traditional tools for my paintings and some illustration work but now tend to design my paintings in 3D with Electric Image Modeler and EIAS,” says Sherstobitoff.

“EIAS has the most organic, analog look of any of the 3D software I have come across—the tools are very artistically laid out. It’s truly ‘the’ 3D software for artists.”





Q:. With all your traditional art skills, what got you started in 3D?

A: Being an airbrush illustrator for 20 years eventually led me to Photoshop and then to 3D. The subtlties possible with analog media took too long to create in PS ...especially creating 3D logos and type. 3D software was the answer and what I was looking for.



Q: Do you still hand sketch your work first, or do you go right to the computer?

A: I always sketch something before I start to model anything......sometimes it's just to get a feel for the curves in the geometry. Other times to fully work out the details before a single mouse click occurs...which-ever feels right. I always sketch just to keep loose and to work out how different curves compliment and relate to other curves.

Q: What do you use as your inspiration for your 3D work?

A: I have a love for geometry.....just the contrasting elements which can be created with even simple design. I like to explore this in my paintings and in 3D. Form has a beauty to me which goes past the actuallity it can be meant to represent ....so in a nut-shell, the moods and feels which form can create are what keeps me coming back.



Q: You have a very unique style... how did it come about?

A: I think everyone has their own unique voice...it's just a matter of being familiar enough with one's tools so that one can think with them in an artistic way. It helps to use software which works with you as opposed to having to constantly fight it to get what you want. I am also not afraid to work hard to get familiar with 3D tools. Art is a very spontaneous and creative form of communication which requires considerable technical expertise to pull off. There is just no substitute for experience and familiarity.



Q: Did you choose EI because of the way you work, the look you were after or ???

A: I use EI because of a few main reasons. Primarily the out-put quality is just flawless. There is nothing like putting in the long hours on a project and image you get back is always predictably first rate....and conversly nothing can kill creativity like having to fight software at every turn to get acceptable results. Secondly, the materials control is very complete (Photoshop blend modes for any shader or map for example) and allows me the subtlties which analog media offered.



Very little 3D software I've tried or used has come close to the richness of image EI can create....as easily. I personally can't recommend EI enough to other artists interested in 3D.....it does deliver. The last main point regarding my use of EI has to do with the way the program is put together. The designers and programmers at EI have taken spacial care in developing software which is useful and spurs creativity....it just mimics the way I work in a traditional approach....so my years of analog experience can be translated without much trouble.