Marianna Yakimova: 3D Artist, Art Director, Founder of 3D Art Studio Pompidou. Working worldwide for agencies such as Dior, Penerai, Prada, Ubisoft, LV, and others. Mostly focusing on modeling characters, clothing, hair.
How was your University time?
I went to Moscow State Textile University where I studied design in fashion. It was a good experience to learn how to introduce your work to an audience but I learned much more after graduation from YouTube from other artists. I would say, it was a lot more efficient and helpful than 5 years of University studying. So, my point is, if you want to learn something, you have to search for information yourself and not rely upon somebody else.
Why did you choose a career in this field?
I guess we chose each other. I have been drawing all my life, since I was a child I knew I would be an artist and my surrounding did everything to help me achieve my goal. I easily entered University, easily got my first job, well, relative to others, I got it easily. I easily perceive related information… I guess I wouldn’t have been any success in any other field than art.
What was your first job or nuggets from jobs you had that helped you get to where you are today?
After quitting full-time company I decided to have some changes and tried free-lancing. I posted my portfolio on Behance, somehow it got noted and I had my first freelance project. Basically, I liked the freedom of freelance and decided to establish my own studio officially.
How did you prepare for the interview? Can you provide some book recommendations?
I like Scott Eaton’s anatomy courses, digitaltutors.com helped me a lot in learning 3d.
Things are changing very fast in the industry; how do you keep yourself updated. Please list techniques or newsletters, podcasts, events, etc.
YouTube pluralsight, observing portfolios of other artists.
Any advice about CVs?
I like when candidates are minimal in the description and straight to point – show their portfolio. I can judge a lot by an artist’s work rather than having a whole novel of his previous experience in other companies. I have a project, I need a solution, and I want to get it operatively, for that, I need to see what an artist can do.
Advice for someone looking for a job? Why do you think you were selected among other candidates?
Just good luck and my skills fitted the employer.
Also read My Story From Studying Motion Graphics to Becoming an Illustrator and Graphic Designer
