Contributor Spotlight: Sofien Elhoula

Render by Jordon Jakusz.

Meet one of our amazing 3D contributors, Sofien Elhoula (also known as Wave Design on Adobe Stock. Sofien has a stunning portfolio of unique interior design and décor items that are optimized to work perfectly in Adobe Dimension. We recently had the opportunity to talk to Sofien and find out more about his personal history, inspiration, and creativity as a 3D artist.

When did you first start making creative works?

In 2008, I had graduated with a degree in finance. While looking for a job, I found that I had some extra time on my hands. Since I had been interested in 3D art creation since childhood, I decided to take advantage of my open schedule and learn more about this type of work. I started studying modeling and how assets were built, texturing, and rendering. After learning more, I found myself setting aside my degree in finance and focusing solely on 3D design. Since that time, I have followed this path and never looked back.

What motivated you to become involved in 3D?

From an early age, I had always been interested in cartoons and how they were made. At one point, I even wanted to start my own animation studio. I tried taking a course about VFX (visual effects), but this experience did not feel advanced enough. After about a month of studies, I decided to accelerate my education and focus on online tutorials and educational experiences. This led me down the path to becoming an independent 3D artist. Practicing 3D design and content creation in an individual environment has only helped to hone and sharpen my knowledge and skills in 3D.

Where do you find your creative inspiration?

I find that inspiration can be found in a variety of places. In some cases, I see something online that inspires a certain look, feel, or style of asset. In other situations, I become interested in objects that I pass in everyday life — whether that be in my home, on the street, or in a local shop. Even magazines, movies, and social media can trigger inspiration.

For example, a short time ago, I was making a Moorish-inspired living room scene and wanted to model a lamp to fit the design. After searching around online, I found that there were very few models out there that fell into this specific category. On a different day, I was on my way home and walked by a beautiful garden urn in a neighbor’s yard. I took some photos and decided to use this as inspiration in my next creative work. At the end of the day, I find inspiration in everything around me, and then use my own creative vision to make these unique works.

Image source: Table by Wave Design / Adobe Stock.

What do you enjoy most about working with 3D design?

I find the biggest challenge is bringing everyday objects that you see in the real world to life. This includes everything from brainstorming the original idea to considering concept art, and, in progress, aesthetics, to texturing and modeling an asset. But when I see the final results, the time and work necessary to get there was 100% worth the effort. The moment when a work is complete always gives me a sense of satisfaction that inspires me to go through the creative process again and again.

Image source: Mug by Wave Design / Adobe Stock.

What are some of the learnings you have experienced from working in 3D?

Working in 3D has given me the ability to envision quality and photorealism through observation. As an artist, you start to identify certain patterns around you that may have gone unnoticed before. There is also a certain meticulousness that happens when going through the creative process. I have developed strong attention to detail while maintaining those things that inspire my imagination.

Image source: Lantern by Wave Design / Adobe Stock.

Do you have any advice for artists who are interested in 3D?

There are some considerations that can help an artist who is interested in 3D feel successful. The first is to have confidence in what you create. You must believe in yourself, and remember that the only constraints are those that you may place on yourself. The second is perseverance. In order to develop and enhance your skills, like any creative practice, it is important to keep learning and practicing every day. The third is having ambition in what you create over the course of your career. It is extremely helpful to continue setting your goals higher each time, allowing you, as an artist, to move to the next level with each new work.

To see more work by Sofien Elhoula, please visit his portfolio on Adobe Stock.