GlamModelz Magazine: We are excited to feature you and your work this month, Deane. Your work is rich, colorful cleaver and creates an aura of fantasy for the viewer. Have you always been interested in art? How did you get your start in Digital Artistry? Dean: I guess right from early school days being able to draw has kept my interest in creating images alive. Being a structural draftsman by profession, I like to break away from the technical aspect of line drawings and drift around in the fantasy world of 3D.

Being bored out of my skull one day, I discovered a copy of Poser 4 sitting in my software bookshelf. I remember getting it years ago in the hope of creating 3D people for architectural renders, but that got left by the way side. After loading and generating a few simple renders with it, I soon acquired the addiction to Poser and Poser add-on products.

GlamModelz Magazine: Why have you chosen to work in the Glamour Industry? What other genre’s and styles interest you? Dean: Mainly because Poser is about character images, you either get a girl or a boy to render. Being a bloke, I sided with the female base models. See I’m normal.

The challenge with the basic model is to squeeze some personality out of the character. I find the best way is to tilt heads, use expression and create a life in the face that makes the viewer have a second look. While I’m not necessarily trying to recreate a real person, the closer the image is to a photograph, the better it is appreciated.

I use humor occasionally; this makes the viewer feel part of the scene, raise a smile and gets them involved with what’s going on.

I basically will render anything, but certainly the fantasy babes are the direction I prefer.

GlamModelz Magazine: What or who inspires you as an artist? Dean: There are hundreds of really clever and inspiring artists out there that influence my style. A lot of them are photographers of women, whether dressed or not. Deviant Art is a great source for inspiration, not only for 2D, 3D or photographic images, but for styles in any medium.

GlamModelz Magazine: Digital works and artistry are fairly new in the world, but nothing new to you… What challenges do you face in this industry? What would you change about it, if you could? Dean: The biggest challenge is to convince people that image of nude or semi-nude bodies is not pornography. A lot of my work is criticized for being a little close to the wind, but whose wind are they judging the image by? I’d like to see changes in the way people judge images. Not from what they render on their own machines, but for the time and skills it takes to get a image to where it’s turned from mass produced pictures into art. I guess in saying that, I’ve just given my understanding of art. Art to me is a display of talent and skill, you either got it, learn it, or just don’t get it at all.

GlamModelz Magazine: Your work is very unique, cutting edge and always inspiring. How would you best describe your personal style? Dean: I suppose the style is simple, I don’t use elaborate scenes. I like to concentrate on the character, the pose and of course the most important thing in any image, the lighting. My images can be picked out from a dozen other images by the lighting; my viewers have now come to recognize that style in my images. Get the lighting right!

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your goals for your work? Other goals? Dean: I’m still pretty new to this 3D stuff having only done it now for 5-6 years, but I do get a lot of pressure to publish a book of my better images. I really will get around to it, soon. It’s always nice too when someone wants to give you money for the use of one of your images, it’s always a big ego boost.

Eventually, I’ll move over to other software and leave Poser as a scene creator application and render the images in more sophisticated programs.

GlamModelz Magazine: Who is your target audience/clients? Dean: Anyone that likes to view fantasy babes I suppose. Viewers that have an appreciation for the female form in costumes that just wouldn’t happen in real life, these are the best people to have view your image, it allows them to live and feel the fantasy you captured in one single frame. I really enjoy some the comments I get about the mixing and matching of different costumes on one girl at one time.

GlamModelz Magazine: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment to date or what makes you most proud. Dean: It has to be my image called “Original Sin”, it’s a head shot, no nudity in the image whatsoever, but because of the expression and the title, it made everyone think of one thing. I’m so pleased that sex can be instilled in peoples mind simply by a facial expression and a few words. If you could see the rest of the scene, it has nothing rude or pornographic about it, it’s just a head shot.

GlamModelz Magazine: There are many aspiring artists out there who admire your work. What advice do you have for new/amateur digital artists who want to work in this industry? Dean: Spend time! There is no substitute for experimenting, trying new things and render a trillion images and learn something from each one. You do not have to spend megabucks on add-on products, but what you do buy, research well and get the best. The other most important thing is lighting, I cannot stress this enough, without good lighting an image can just be another flop or a stroke of genius.

GlamModelz Magazine: You are so very talented, Deane! In addition to digital artistry, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel? Dean: There are a lot of things that interest me, I use to be big time into photography, complete with color darkrooms, enlargers the lot, but as I grew older I seem to have left the camera by the way side.

In my field of structural drafting and detailing, I am considered a guru, a stickler for accurate detail and drawing presentation, so I suppose I’m good at that as well. Oh, I like beer, and I’m good at drinking it too.

GlamModelz Magazine: I’m inspired! Are there other interesting facts would you like GlamModelz readers to know about you? Dean: I’m 52 years old going on 25, I don’t consider age a barrier to having a good time and learning new things. Life is a one shot experience, it’s not a dress rehearsal for the real thing, so you might as well squeeze as much as you possibly can out of it.

GlamModelz Magazine: Where can we see more of your work? Dean: Website: www.renderosity.com/rgus and http://rgus.deviantart.com/

There are works in the Glamour Industry that one would consider beautiful and skillfully crafted, and then there are those images that make you stop in your tracks! GlamModelz Magazine interviewed a creator of many such images, all the way from the United Kingdom – Digital Artist and 3d Animator…Mr.Joshua Hardin!

Beauty Editor Jett Ray: We are excited to feature you and your work this month, Joshua. Your work is rich, colorful and creates an aura of fantasy for the viewer. Have you always been interested in art? How did you get your start in Digital Artistry?

Digital Artist Joshua Hardin: As a youngster I had a fascination with the world’s colors, textures and shapes which most children discover throughout nature. Like any typical little roughfian I enjoyed comic books, heroic cartoons and Sci Fi shows, etc. However, to become an ‘Artist’… This was not a life endeavor. Later on in my junior year in high school I began with my first art classes and my art class instructor Mrs. Sheila Fagan encouraged me to pursue fine arts, because she had observed my progress that year and knew that I possessed a unique talent for creating artistry. Sometime during my senior year, my mother urged me to attend a local college fair, where I found ‘my calling’ (lol)… The following year I decided to further my education by enrolling in a renowned art college to study visual communications & advertising art in hopes of becoming a commercial illustrator.

JR: Why have you chosen to work in the Glamour Industry? What other genre’s and styles interest you?

JH: I believe that the human form is the greatest wonder that exists on this earth and we are the pinnacle of creation. The human body is a beautiful thing to be admired. Glamour is only one of many styles / interests of mine. However, to narrow it down, primarily I’m a fan of heroic and epic fantasy styles of art and photography.

JR: What or who inspires you as an artist?

JH: Honestly, I have always been inspired and motivated from within… the heart, mind & internal being. Many artists believe that inspiration comes from looking at or emulating other accomplished artists. My perception (and I say this carefully) is that in order for a true artist to express him or herself, one only has to focus on the infinite possibilities that come from within… the creative mind which we all have dwelling on the inside of us… Artists in particular, are unique people who possess the ‘amplified or magnified’ versions of creativity and skill, which allow us to project our imaginations through artistry, both audibly and visually, with the entire world… and beyond. Yet I’d like to voice a few mentionable sources that continually impress me:
*Alex Ross – comic book artist/painter
*Frank Frazetta – fantasy art painter
*Boris Vallejo – fantasy art painter
*Big Spaceship – interactive design agency - www.bigspaceship.com

JR: Digital works and artistry are fairly new in photography and modeling…what challenges do you face in this industry? What would you change about it, if you could?

JH: My perspective concerning challenges that I’ve faced in the industry are quite different from what most would mention. I feel that the greatest challenges that one faces in the creative industry can be summed up with these two words… “drive & determination”. Being a man of ethnicity (African/Apache Native American), I’ve been through situations that have arisen in my life such as unfair racial prejudices on the job and in the industry and financial limitations that can be challenges, which can also become stressful in certain circumstances. However, when an individual possesses the inward ‘drive and determination’, major and minor challenges that you are faced with along the way only existed to make you stronger, wiser and better equipped to face whatever other challenges may arise. The inner strength to deal with challenges is how things are changed. In the late 1950’s, Rosa Parks started a nationwide civil rights moment in the United States by her refusing to take a rear seat in a transit bus and now at another landmark time in history, Presidential candidate Barack Obama is bringing about and promises change… Having the strength to stand up to and face challenges. Drive and determination are the key components which bring about change. Without it, nothing truly changes anything. Never lose or let anyone stamp out your drive or determination. I also think artists should and must have respect for each other.

JR: What equipment is essential for you in your field, to create a “work of art”?

JH: Oh this is perhaps the easiest involuntary answer that every visual digital artist will voice without ANY effort whatsoever from the brain… P-H-O-T-O-S-H-O-P!… Adobe Photoshop is the premiere digital tool of choice.. Corel Painter is also another favorite. It’s always a plus to have computer hardware that is efficient enough to handle the type of work that is produced. Currently I have a few trusty high performance mobile laptop workstations that serve me well. They’re my closest, most dearest companions (spoken with tears in my eyes)… A computer and digital software are only tools of the trade that are used to extend an artist’s mediums. I’m a lover of traditional fine arts oil paints & canvas, which were my favorite medium, before being introduced to digital computer art software tools. There is great demand for talented digital artists and designers. However, the ‘true artist’ learns the fundamentals of becoming a commercial artist through practical applications of analog (traditional) artistry & design.

JR: Your work is very unique. How would you best describe your personal style?

JH: Extreme quality, expressive, pure motivation, innovative, persona embodied.

JR: What are your goals for your work? Other goals?

JH: I’d like for my artwork to be showcased and archived around the world on the internet and in print… financial prosperity follows this. There are quite a few goals that I’ve accomplished, both publicly and privately. I consider myself to be a ‘universal man’ now since I’ve had to opportunity to have lived in and traveled around the United States of America and the United Kingdom. However, I am still young, eager to learn and continue to grow daily, so… many goals have yet to be fulfilled. While I’m yet fortunate to still occupy space & time on this earth, I’ll continue to live, breath and think ART, DESIGN & MUSIC and I strive to increase in talent, expertise and experience.

JR: Who is your target audience/clients?

JH: Lately I’ve been creating a lot of work for fashion, glamour and commercial models, however, I’ve not limited myself to only this sector. I prefer to take on many projects from all sorts of industries to stay diversified. Variety is good!

JR: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment to date or what makes you most proud.

JH: It’s a bit difficult to narrow it down to my biggest accomplishment as I count all of my life’s accomplishments as being huge – lol. I’d have to say that graduating from college was one half of my biggest accomplishment… The other half was when I applied for and landed a job as a production designer two weeks later after my college graduation! Receiving a college diploma was official certification and declaration of all my hard studying & lab work while I was in college, thus stating that I was now qualified to officially work in the creative industry. I say to all young people and… old people… get your college degree and don’t settle for anything less than to graduate from university or technical college with honors!

JR: There are many aspiring artists out there who admire your work. What advice do you have for new/amateur digital artists who want to work in this industry?

JH: Never stop learning and continue to gain knowledge about this industry, which continues to evolve and advance. Do not limit yourself to one particular sector of the industry, but become a digital artist/designer who can work within any creative climate or environment… Become diversified in your expertise! You’ll always be able to find a job this way and you’ll become well-rounded, being able to handle any project that is presented to you. For those who are eager to go into business for yourself… do your research first. If it means working for some other company before venturing out to work for yourself, I seriously advice you to do this. There is an old saying that is still true to date “Before you can become a good leader, first you must be a good follower”. Not a follower when it comes to artistic style or signature flare, but a ‘follower’ of industry knowledge, application, dos & don’ts and practical rules of business.

JR: Any advice for models?

JH: I’ve already mentioned this to inspiring digital artists and I’ll declare this to models as well… Work towards developing a diversified portfolio, which will make you more marketable. Try to build up any weaknesses rather than hiding them. If you know that you’re exceptionally gorgeous, however you’re not the best at posing or expressing facial emotions… spend extra time in the mirror improving your poses and facial expressions Learn to stick with what works for you and not try to mimic other models. Every person has a unique set of finger prints, and as a model you are uniquely special. So don’t strive to become a carbon-copy of someone else.

JR: You are so very talented, Joshua! In addition to digital artistry, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel?

JH: Yes I do. I’m multi talented, multi disciplined audio composer/visual designer/motion designer/web developer/voice talent. As with digital art, I’m also strong in creating compelling 3d computer graphics & 3d animation, Flash animation and interactive web site design, graphic design for print, motion graphics for both broadcast and the web, as well as specializing in original music creation and custom sound production. Audio design and visual art go hand in hand with me. I provide clients with the complete ‘turn-key’ multi-design solution and immersive experience. Musical creation is an integral part of my life and active profession. The music that I compose and arrange inspires & influences my visual art design… vice versa. I’m a musician and composer that appreciates all genres & styles of musical expression. Thinking this way helps me to become a more well-rounded composer. I am well-capable and equipped in providing clients with the right music and perfect sound custom-tailored to fit any media, whether it be for animations, DVD titles, educational presentations, fashion shows, short film or broadcast, online games, online flash presentations, web sites, multimedia presentations, special occasions, events and more. I can compose and arrange original music of any style or genre such as ambient, classical, easy listening, electronica, ethnic, heavy metal, industrial, inspirational, jazz, medieval, mystery, modern beat, pop, progressive, rap, rock, soul, soundscapes, techno and much more.

The following is an example of one of the web sites that I have created from end to end (audio/visual):
**Body Care London – http://www.bodycarelondon.com
The visual design, audio effects and music tracks were synchronized to present site visitors with a virtual online utopia of enjoyment while shopping online, also encouraging repeat visitations to the web site. The 100 percent natural herbal health products that Body Care London sells are very beneficial for both models and fitness professionals.

JR: I’m inspired! Are there other interesting facts would you like GlamModelz readers to know about you?

JR: Where can we see more of your work? How can models who wish to work with you contact you?

JH: More of my work can be viewed by logging onto the following web portals:
http://www.joshuahardin.com and http://www.modelmayhem.com/joshuahardin
Model Mayhem # 819109

Excellent! Thank you Joshua!