I, originally from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, moved to Europe in 2019 and lived almost 4 years in Stockholm before reallocation to Berlin in late 2022.
Where are you from?
I'm a seasoned accountant with over a decade of experience in finance. About 1.5 years ago, I stumbled upon the captivating realm of digital fashion, and since that moment, I've been fervently honing my skills in this innovative field. I started with Clo 3D creating digital garments, then I moved to customized avatar as new social influencer and put my designs on Digital girl E, the next step was to animate clothes and put that animation into real environment, currently I'm exploring the AI technologies. My goal is to transform this once-discovered hobby into the next chapter of my professional journey.
What is your profession?
What is your favorite piece that you have created?
It's a question I often grapple with because every time I create artwork, it feels like the best I've ever done. Currently, I'm diving into the world of AI photorealistic photosessions, where I can make my dreams come to life. From a creative standpoint, this stage is truly exhilarating. AI occasionally generates quirky yet incredibly cool images that I would proudly hang on my wall.
My goal is to always keep up with the latest technology trends, continuously learn, and apply new techniques in my art. I also want to set an example for others by showing that even after working in one field for over 10 years, it's possible to make a change. It's essential to find something you're truly passionate about and develop your skills in that area, as your passion can lead to success and transform your life. That's where I am right now, and I'm eager to turn my hobby into the next phase of my career.
What are your goals?
Inspiration can strike from anywhere - the morning sun, casual conversations, a fashionable passerby, or a kiss. With AI technologies, the creative journey becomes even more fascinating. You don't always need a clear idea upfront; sometimes, seeing the results can spark that inspiration, leading to the creation of truly remarkable things. The same applies to clothing design; ideas can emerge as I work on a design or even come to me when I wake up in the morning.
What is your inspiration?
The best advice I've ever received is also the simplest - never stop. Creativity often goes hand in hand with sensitivity, and it's easy to feel disheartened when your «masterpiece» doesn't receive the feedback you expected. You might start to doubt whether anyone appreciates your work, questioning its purpose. But the key is to persist and keep evolving your artistic methods, experimenting with new techniques, and pushing your own boundaries. If you can see your own progress and genuinely love what you create, recognition will follow. So, the most important thing is to keep going and never stop.
What is the best advice you have been given?
If I could change anything about the industry, it would be to increase awareness among consumers about the significance of digital fashion. It's not just a source of entertainment; it's a versatile tool that can help individuals develop their personal style with AI solutions, create a digital wardrobe for any occasion, mood, shape, and even try on clothes virtually to see if they suit them. Imagine having everything you need in one place, generated with a single click, eliminating the need to search for stylists, browse multiple websites, order clothes, and wait for deliveries only to find out they don't fit. This convenience can revolutionize the industry.
Moreover, in the physical fashion industry, there should be a greater emphasis on digital twins companies, streamlined logistic processes, and tailoring for made-to-order products. These changes can significantly reduce overproduction and keep costs low while providing consumers with tailored and sustainable options.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
How does a day in your life look like?
A typical day in my life starts with my role as an accounting advisor from 9 to 6. After that, I dive into my passion for creating art, often dedicating the evening to artistic endeavors. I spend time exploring new technologies, watching YouTube videos, and reading articles to stay updated. Of course, I also make sure to prioritize physical activity and incorporate sports into my routine.
What is the coolest place/ hotspot/ event that you have been to?
One of the coolest experiences I've had was right here in Berlin, where the creative energy is abundant, and new exhibitions seem to emerge every week, which I absolutely adore. In the realm of digital fashion, I was particularly impressed by an event organized by a local AI technology startup called Yoona AI. This summer, they brought together a diverse array of representatives from different industries, including digital fashion, venture capital, and AR. It was incredibly valuable to learn about trending technologies and explore potential applications for innovative ideas. I only wish that events like this happened more frequently in Berlin, fostering even more collaboration and creativity.
What is next for you?
My next step involves delving into Stable Diffusion and diving into the world of video creation with AI. It's a less-charted territory compared to working with images, which makes it all the more intriguing. I'm eagerly anticipating how technology will transform and how quickly neural nets will adapt in the realm of video.
What software programs do you use for creating 3D fashion designs?
Clo 3D, Daz studio for avatars, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion. I’m waiting for the day when technologies will offer high quality 3D modelling tools based on the generated images, that will be industry changing event and will save a lot of time currently spent on 3D objects creation.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field of 3D fashion design?
When I initially ventured into digital fashion, I discovered numerous communities comprised of creative individuals from around the world. I joined these groups, where people readily shared their knowledge, experiences, and daily tutorials. Staying up to date has been effortless because I can access the necessary information by following artists in social networks and regularly checking related channels on YouTube. Additionally, I keep an eye on real fashion brands to gauge upcoming trends and styles for the next seasons. I also follow photographers and graphic designers to stay abreast of trending visual effects that could enhance my digital work.
What role do you think 3D fashion design plays in the future of the fashion industry?
I see 3D fashion design as playing a pivotal role in the future of the fashion industry. We are gradually moving towards a predominantly digital world where our physical needs will be minimal, and most of our daily activities will take place in virtual reality. In this virtual realm, our avatars will be dressed in digital attire, essentially merging physical fashion with the digital world. 3D fashion design is at the forefront of this shift, leading us into an era where fashion breaks free from the confines of the physical and becomes an essential part of our digital lives.
Can you describe a time when you faced a challenge while working on a 3D fashion design project and how you overcame it?
One of the ongoing challenges for me has been my lack of formal fashion and design education. I'm essentially a self-taught artist, and I don't have many people in my immediate circle who are involved in the digital fashion industry; most of them are economists. As a result, whenever I encounter a question or challenge, I typically have to rely on my own research or reach out to the online creative community for help.
One of the most complex challenges I've encountered involves constructing patterns in software like Clo 3D for Midjourney-generated designs. Understanding which patterns to use and how to sew them together can be quite time-consuming and intricate. However, I find it incredibly rewarding when I eventually overcome these challenges and see the amazing results in the final renders of my designs. It's a testament to the power of determination, self-learning, and the support of the online community in helping me navigate the complexities of 3D fashion design despite not having a formal background in the field.
What is your approach to creating realistic textures and materials in your 3D fashion designs?
My approach to creating realistic textures and materials in my 3D fashion designs typically involves utilizing pre-existing textures, such as those available in Adobe Substance. When I have a particular design in mind, I may turn to online tools, AI-driven solutions, or Adobe's suite of products to generate textures and materials tailored to my specific vision.
Are there any specific areas within 3D fashion design that you would like to further explore or specialize in?
I have several areas within 3D fashion design that I'm eager to further explore and specialize in. As mentioned earlier, one of these areas is video AI animations, which I see as a promising field. I'm also keen to continue developing virtual try-on solutions and transitioning physical designs into AI-generated images. I'm interested in honing my skills in motion design while exploring how the entire process can be optimized using AI tools, including the creation of 3D objects and even entire scenes through AI-driven techniques.
The rapid pace of technological advancements means there is a perpetual need for learning and staying up to date. It's crucial to be aware of and try out new technologies in our ever-evolving world. For those who haven't started learning 3D and AI, now is an ideal time to begin, as the future promises to be fast-paced and demanding of these skills.