xDream3D

Today let’s talk to a Greek artist, founder of xDream3D in Athens

Name: Vasilis Koutlis
Age: 33
Job: Enterpreneur at xDream3D
Country: Greece
Web site: www.xdream3d.com

3DA: How did you start working in 3D field? How much time has been passed?
VK: In 2003 I was studying in Diplareios School in Athens. I studied furniture design and thus, based on my degree, I am considered a furniture design specialist. During my second year in school, one of my professors named Simos Kefalidis, who was an architect, showed us the interior of a place he had designed with the help of Microstation. When I saw it, it was “love at first sight”. So, I asked him to teach me. Basically, 3D was just a hobby for me but ended up being a way of life. In the beginning I used to have it as a second job but then days went by and I loved it even more and in 2008 I opened my own office and named it xDream3D.

3DA: Which are your favourite software and plugins for your daily projects?
VK: In 2008, when I opened my office, I left Microstation and started working with 3ds Max and Vray which are my favourite tools. Since last year I have been using Mudbox and Marvelous Designer since, apart from clearly architectural 3d, I really like modeling products. Some of my 3D models are uploaded on Turbosquid.

3DA: Tell us something about a project that gave you great satisfactions
VK: The project which gave me the greatest satisfaction was undoubtedly “The Cube House”. It is about a completely personal idea which I worked on for about three months in my spare time. I got many distinctions for it and this was something unique. The project won an award from Dope Awards and the “Best Visualization Image of the Week” from Ronen Beckerman’s site. It was also on the front page of Evermotion and it was included in “Inspiration White Vol.1” by CG Architect. My inspiration originated from the film “The Ghost Writer” where the story took place in a magnificent luxurious house built mainly from cement, stone and wood.

3DA: From where do you take ispiration for your artworks?
VK: I cannot define a particular source of inspiration. It can occur in various ways and from different sources. I mentioned one example before. I was watching a film and I came up with an idea. When you love what you do very much and you always have it in your mind, then it is not difficult to be inspired. You just have to be always in a good mood (if this is possible). Our psychological state plays an important role. I, personally, feel rejuvenated when I am close to nature and thus it is easy for me to get inspired. This is why, in July 2012, I and my wife decided to take our two year old son and leave the city of Athens with its 5.000.000 citizens and move to a small village of 250 people which combines mountains and the sea beautifully. This is already a new source of inspiration for me.

3DA: What would you suggest to people that are approaching to 3D and architecture?
VK: I will jest and say what I tell my students when they ask me something like this. Guys, put comfortable cushions on your seats because you will definitely have a backache. Truth is that lots of time and effort are needed but most of all you have to love it and be ready to sacrifice some of your personal life. 3D art looks like a gigantic mountain which you have to climb on foot but the only difference is that the higher you go, the more relaxed you feel and you want to go on…