Cki Vang is a 3D concept designer from France whose work ranges from video games like Destiny 2 and Anthem all the way to an episode of Netflix’s Love, Death, and Robots. His claim to fame are his mecha designs, which he draws inspiration from sci-fi films and animation like Akira, Terminator 2, and RoboCop. Always eager to learn more, the rise of NFTs has pushed him to delve into concepts outside his comfort zone, using KeyShot and Fusion 360 as his tools of choice.
Cki Vang
Modeling software used: ZBrush & Fusion 360
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What has been your progression from going to a 3D artist to your interest in crypto assets/NFT art?
People don’t generally talk about rough moments in their life but back in 2019, just before Covid-19 hit, I didn’t have enough opportunities to live as a freelancer. I decided to learn Fusion 360 as a way to continue my career in the 3D industry and improve upon my style. Thanks to the software, I was able to find new workflows for elements such as hard surfacing. Fast forward to March 2021, when I found out about NFT art, through Michael Joseph Winkelmann, AKA “Beeple”, and his plans regarding these new digital ledgers. I then spent my spare time both researching and creating art that others might be interested in purchasing. This led me to not only improve my art (which consisted mostly of mostly mecha designs) but to mix styles I never dabbled in before. Working with NFTs and the NFT community helped me work with like-minded individuals and to see other perspectives I never had before.
What role did KeyShot play in the development of your NFTs?
KeyShot is the key component of my NFTS. Without it, it would not be possible for me to work on them. KeyShot’s many features still interest me to this day, as they make things very efficient and intuitive. With more tools being added and updated, KeyShot helps my projects turn out exactly as I envision them to be.
With more tools being added and updated, KeyShot helps my projects turn out exactly as I envision them to be.”
What difference is blockchain technology making for digital artists?
To me, it’s a game changer. While you should be able to sell your art the traditional way, being able to put your work on the blockchain forever allows you as an artist to touch other clients and collectors who want a piece of your work. It lets you evolve your career while giving you the freedom to pursue other avenues at the same time.
What would you say to those who are skeptical about crypto or what digital media fastened to a blockchain means for the future of digital goods?
It’s tricky. I understand it’s not easy and there are a lot of scams, so you have to do your research. The introduction of web technology was met with skepticism as well, but just see how it has changed our lives! It’s not just about crypto and blockchain as much as it is about the decentralized tool of trust concerning the freedom and privacy from taking part in them.
“It’s not just about crypto and blockchain as much as it is about the decentralized tool of trust concerning the freedom and privacy from taking part in them.”
KeyShot 11 Avatar
Cki Vang worked together with the KeyShot team to develop the new avatar for the KeyShot 11 release. The design took on themes from previous avatars to mix with the focus on speed, flexibility, and capability in the new version of KeyShot and also capture the personality of and diversity of the KeyShot community as a whole, representing nearly every major industry and role around the world.
