We’re glad to introduce the interview with Sergio Sottomaior, a SOA student from the Masterclass#19.
Could you present yourself to our readers and tell them the position you currently hold?
Hi, my name is Sergio Sottomaior from Brasil, I am an architect. I studied architecture because I think it is a pretty good background as it allows you to be technical and creative at the same time. I have always been fascinated with construction and design.
Now I work full time as a middle weight 3D architectural visualizer at Factory Fifteen in London.
Why have you chosen to become an Arch-Viz Artist?
As an architect, since university, visualization always caught my attention. Among the students I was known as the 3D guy. Also from my childhood memories, I used to draw and create stuff. I always loved to design the shape of the buildings in 3D and check how light and materials interact with it. It’s awesome when you do something that you really love. It never feels like work. I finally became a visualizer because in this way I can be an architect and an artist at the same time.
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What were the biggest difficulties you faced at the beginning of your career? How did you handle and overcome them?
At the very beginning I used sketchup to build my models. Once I jumped into 3dsMAX, it took me some time to learn it. Also, V-Ray was a super complicated plugin, but it is just a matter of time to catch up. Challenges and difficulties are part of our daily growth. In this industry, we can’t stop learning because technologies move fast. What really matters is having a good eye for composition, light and colors. The softwares are just the tools we use. When I started it was kind of hard to find good clients, but once you have built a good portfolio, things start to get better.
Is there a work/ an image/ a project that you created which is most valuable to you? Why?
I can tell the image I made at SOA during the masterclass has a significant importance for me. First because it was a project in which I put a lot of effort. This image once it was published through the internet, gave me the opportunity to be where I am today. At my job interview, they did not request for any other image after seeing it. So yes, this image has an important role in my career.
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What do you do in your free time after work? Can you balance your working life and your private one?
I am a sports guy. I love football, gym and occasionally I go for a quick running session. When I have the chance I love travelling, I feel like exploring new places, trying new flavors and meeting new people. I also spend time watching documentaries and interesting movies. Online video tutorials is something I constantly do because it helps me further developing my skills. Yes, I can balance work and private time. Usually I have the early mornings and the evenings for myself, and also the weekends.
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