"I stopped worrying about mistakes": Interview with Keith Tomlinson

Keith Tomlinson is a long-term member of CG Cookie and his artwork regularly gets our "Staff Pick" award - so we decided it's time we got to know Keith better.

He talked to us about his journey with Blender and how he picks the charming characters that he transforms into 3d.

Keith, what is your story with Blender? 

Back in 2010ish I experimented a little with 3DS Max and this really sparked my interest in the 3D world. 

Shortly after I heard about this free 3D program called Blender and thought that I would try it out.  I wasn't expecting it to be much good - I mean with it being free and all.... ! 😅 

I followed a few tutorials from 3DS Max and was able to complete them in Blender relatively easily - that was when I realised just how powerful a tool Blender was. From that point on my interest just snowballed and so did the desire to learn more and dig deeper!

Witch be Keith (left) inspired by artwork from Kevin Keele

I like to use the Steam version of Blender - that way I'm automatically using the latest version which is currently 3.0. I might roll back to an earlier version if I find that an addon isn't working as intended - but generally this works well for me - as long as I don't get sidetracked into launching a game from Steam!

Do you use add-ons? 

I don't have that many addons but two that I do like are the UV Packmaster for handling my UV's, and Quad remesher for helping with retopology - mostly because they save me some time. 

I have to admit that retopology and playing tetris with UV islands isn't my favorite part of the 3D workflow!

You are one of the most active CG Cookie members. How long have you been with us and why?

I've been a member of CG Cookie for about 5 years. I've always been so impressed with the quality and breadth of the courses available, it's very easy to find something new to learn and have fun with. 

Another aspect that I love is the sense of community, it's great to chat with other artists on the forums and see what people are up to in the Gallery.

"Fungalmancer Flurgl" - Keith's version (left) and the original concept art based on Hearthstone murloc character Flurgl

Your speciality seems to be quirky characters - how do you pick art to transform into 3d?

I've got so much admiration for concept artists, it seems like magic to me how they create these awesome ideas from the imagination! 

My go-to for inspiration is Pinterest when I'm looking for something to model, it's a real rabbit hole once you start looking but there's so much amazing art that it usually doesn't take long to find something appealing. 

Then I'll make a new board in Pureref and fill it up with ideas and anything that I like the look of. 

From there I've usually got enough reference and inspiration to start a new project.

You said you were "terrible" at sketching but that doesn't stop you from creating awesome 3d art. Why do you think that is?

Yes, it's really true - terrible is too generous a word to be honest! 😅 

For me, working in the 3D space just seems to make much more sense, I can look at what I'm working on from any angle and I really like that. 

Also, lighting and shadows come for "free" in the 3D workspace - that's what I struggle with most if I try my hand at sketching.

"Midnight Snack" by Keith (left) based on artwork by Chris Ryniak

You are very consistent with creating new projects: what motivates you?

I have a Polybook on the CG Cookie forums and that is really helpful for keeping me motivated. 

By posting my work in progress it sort of holds me accountable to keep going with the project and see it through to completion. 

It's also useful because other artists might drop by and offer some critique or advice - that's always appreciated!

Tell us about a major Blender challenge you took on: which project kicked your butt the most?

I'd have to say that the last motorbike I modelled is a contender here - the Triumph Tiger Cub. 

Even though I chose a relatively simple bike, the project soon became quite complex with many different parts to think about. Also, about half way through my GPU died so that meant I couldn't model anything for a few months. 

On top of that there was a house move! 

When I did come back to my motorbike, of course it was completely overwhelming to try and pick up where I'd left off - and truth be told, that did knock my confidence a fair bit.

But, I found that taking on fresh, easier projects got me rolling again, boosted my confidence and eventually I was able to get that bike finished!

Which Blender project are you the most proud of and why? 

Again, it's not a character! But I still feel quite proud of my Beam engine. 

It started off as quite a simple project but the more I worked on it, the further I wanted to push it towards realism. 

Figuring out the animation was a challenge too, as that was completely new to me! This was my first project that got Staff picked at CG Cookie so definitely a proud moment for me and what a huge confidence boost!

Any favorite Blender artists?

Daniel Bystedt, Zach Reinhardt, Grant Abbit and of course Kent Trammel are the first ones that come to my mindl! 

I have huge respect for these guys and if I ever need motivation I just take a look at some of their artwork or courses.

A word of advice to anyone starting with Blender now in 2022?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes! 

I know that's an awful cliché but in my experience it rings so true.

I used to really worry about mistakes when I was following a tutorial, or starting a new project - especially when it came to sculpting. I'd be afraid of committing to that one shape or form just in case it wasn't quite right. Conversely, I'd also worry about spoiling what I'd already sculpted if I refined it further. I'd question myself - what if I can't get that shape back again ? etc... But of course there's no need to worry, the key is to just keep practising and have patience - the results will come.

I think that completing projects is an important one too. 

Even if it's not perfect when you are done (they never are) it's a good idea to finish up and move onto the next one - taking the skills you've learnt and applying them to something new. 

For sure, that will help you grow in the long run!

Follow Keith on CG Cookie and on Instagram