Nacho Riesco Gostanza is a 2D/3D Artist from Madrid, Spain. You may be most familiar with his intricate and captivating style in jewelry, but his talent extends far beyond that. With a background beginning in fine art and illustration, then expanding to include digital sculpting tools, the precision with which he captures each art piece is incomparable. Using KeyShot he compares the rendering process to the cinema, finding solace in a workflow that allows him to realize his creations as fast as he can imagine them. We talk to him and find out more about his background and why the ZBrush/KeyShot combo is so invaluable.
Nacho Riesco Gostanza
Modeling software used: ZBrush
Website: artstation.com/artist/nachoriesco
What first sparked your interest in digital sculpting and jewelry design?
I started first in digital sculpting. I felt in love when discovered ZBrush eight years ago. I knew what 3D software was able to do, but a high level of technical knowledge was necessary about the rules of 3D modeling. However, ZBrush provides the possibility to create, simply from artistic skills–that’s what I liked most. So I moved from a 2D world to a 3D world, or rather, a ZWorld! Now, it’s my main tool. I came into the jewelry world almost by accident. I contacted a jewelry workshop who needed an sculptor to teach and make organic pieces, and it’s there I meet the amazing people who introduced me to this amazing world.
What are some highlights throughout your career?
I started as an illustrator, using traditional techniques until I discovered airbrushing which became my main tool for many years. When moving to digital art, I traded paper, brushes and acrylics for pixels in Photoshop. Now, polygons are my paintbrush. After all these years I still don’t consider myself an artist specialized in any field. Sculpting is my way to make a living, not only with jewelry creations, but also with scale figures and items that would be 3D printed.
What would you say is unique about your approach to a project?
Everything grows from the idea or concept. After that, documentation and inspiration is very important–a way to feed the art muses. Skill and talent do the rest. When I work for a client, however, everything changes. The capability to adapt the project to a client’s requirements is a big challenge, where strong professionalism is required.
What is your primary 3d modeling software? Why?
ZBrush, of course! I love how it allows you to focus on art creation instead of technical knowledge. I think that’s why it’s a strange app for many people who comes from standard 3D modeling that requires more technical thinking. As an artist, I likecreating in a more natural, chaotic way. ZBrush is the perfect tool when going to a 3d print as well. You’re able to make anything you want with a great level of creativity, with Pixologic pushing its capabilities forward on each version. I couldn’t live without it.
Where in the process do you use KeyShot?
When the sculpting process is done, I import the model to KeyShot and begin my favorite part of the workflow. It’s kind of way to relax. Within KeyShot everything comes to life–like going to the cinema, watch and enjoy–with such an intuitive way to work that you enjoy the entire rendering process. As an artist with a visual art background like illustration, the rendering stage is another way to create. Not only is it placing the model in a scene and pressing the render button, it’s discovery through adjusting each element–light, shadows, colors, materials, backgrounds–to compose an small piece of art.
What makes KeyShot an important tool to have?
From my point of view, KeyShot gives you the ability to add more value to your work. You have a lot of tools to enhance the impact of your sculpting, from a photorealistic finishing to a cartoonish appearance, all with an easy and intuitive workflow.
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing what you do?
Follow your passion and love what you do. This is what pushes you forward, evolving your ability. That’s the key in taking the inspiration you see around you as motivation to spend more time practicing and exploring new techniques, softwares, and tools. It’s also important to have a strength in the fundamentals of art. Today we live in a digital world. ZBrush and KeyShot are digital tools which allow us to create amazing art. But, studying the art of the past and the principles of art such as color theory, composition, balance and anatomy as a source of inspiration, will allow you to have an even stronger base to grow from.
