Interview with 3D Designer Alejandro Olmedo, Winner of Domestika Scholarships 2017

One of the winners of the 2017 edition of Domestika Scholarships tells us how he developed his work as a designer thanks to winning 50 Domestika courses

3D and graphic designer Alejandro Olmedo (@hollmed) was one of the winners of the first edition of Domestika Scholarships in 2017. He gained free access to 50 Domestika courses by submitting a strong portfolio that showed great commitment and creativity.

Four years on, we decided to speak to him to find out how he made the most of this opportunity. We find out which courses he opted for, what benefits these brought to his practice, and generally what advantages can be reaped as a creative by taking part in Domestika Scholarships.

Hello, Alejandro, can you tell us about your specialty?

At present, I am working as an art director and 3D artist. I studied graphic design, and from the start, I’ve been focusing on 3D design. I still center my work and professional development on this art. I am particularly comfortable creating illustrations, but I also work with motion.

How many Domestika courses have you completed?

I believe around 30. I had already purchased some courses before winning the scholarship. Once I won the competition, I signed up for many more courses across different disciplines and fields, not just those relevant to my specialty.

I finished practically every course I'd signed up for, but the main goal I set for myself was to experience the teachers' creative processes more than creating the courses' final projects. I wanted to learn new things and improve others. It was a learning experience in all sorts of ways.

After taking so many courses, what are your thoughts?

What impressed me the most about the courses was the teachers' knowledge and how they explain things. The lessons are planned so that, even if you are a total beginner, you quickly get the hang of it. There has to be a lot of work behind all that to get such high-quality lessons.

What is your takeaway from Domestika Scholarships? Have you discovered any new techniques?

With every class, I have learned something new, improved a technique, or learned a new trick. It was all worthwhile.

Did any teacher particularly stand out for you?

Without a doubt, 3D illustration and lettering expert Zigor Samaniego (@zigor) and designer Tavo Ponce (@tavo), founder of TAVO STUDIO. I’ve been a fan of their work for many years, I don’t even have to think about the answer.

Zigor Samaniego teaches five courses on Domestika; 3D Lettering: Modelling and Texturising with Cinema 4D, Express Introduction to 3D: From Zero to Render with Cinema 4D, 3D Animation for Non Animators with Cinema 4D, Creation of Characters with ZBrush and Cinema 4D, and 3D Lettering with Cinema 4D and Redshift. Tavo teaches the course Art Direction with 4D Cinema.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am an all-rounder 3D artist and all my personal projects have to do with 3D. I am focusing on getting better and better and learning new software in that field.

Why would you recommend any creative person to apply for a Domestika Scholarship?

First of all, it is a unique opportunity for learning and to get some training. It allows you to discover other design disciplines you weren’t familiar with before, acquire more knowledge and get in touch with other professionals. You have nothing to lose! It’s a no-brainer!

Domestika Scholarships aim to promote creative learning. As a result, we’ll be handing out 10 scholarships to 10 lucky winners, consisting of a 50-course bundle of their choice. Anybody over the age of 16, from anywhere in the world, whatever their level of education or professional direction, can take part.

How do you apply for the Scholarship? Find out here.

You have until 12th April 2021 to submit your portfolio to the third edition of Domestika Scholarships.

Turn your creative passion into your future: Domestika Scholarships 2021

English version by @acesarato.

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