A ruler and a slave of his own freedom: interview with Juan Antonio Tovar

A walk through mountains is a perfect way of wasting time according to Juan Antonio Tovar. And he is definitely spot on! This time we talk to a true giant-machine maker who got his life figured out. Stick around as the artist also talks about his life and all the activities like volunteering, photography and his vast illustrating experience before starting to work with 3D.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the 3D industry?

I am a technical illustrator, who have always liked the machines. I like cars, motorcycles, heavy machines, boats, etc. - any type of machine has always been very attractive to me. I live in a small village in the countryside. My life is very simple, I work on cultural activities in my community, I practice macro and landscape photography, and I am also an environmental volunteer. I live halfway between computers and mountains. I was an architecture illustrator, after being advertising illustrator and an illustrator for the toy industry. I used traditional methods: acrylics, brushes, drawing pen and airbrush.

When the first 3D software that could be used for illustrations appeared, I bought a computer and a few books on operating systems and 3D software, and simply began working for the same clients, having changed the tools and brushes with computer.

What kind of research process do you have?

I guess the same process as everyone. I first choose some models that I like and then try to collect information from the manufacturer and pictures on the web. Sometimes I am lucky and there are some models near my house and I photograph it.

How do you market your products? Can you share some tips & tricks?

I commercialize my models through online platforms such as CGTrader, I'm not interested in having a massive collection or opening my own online store. I think the secret to sell is to make products honestly, as if they were for my own use, this makes the customers faithful. Of course, good images with a simple but effective description help.

What do you enjoy most about working in 3D industry?

Working freely, not having bosses, employees and all that paraphernalia. I enjoy doing what I love, I choose my models and if they are sold it is great, if not, I'm still working!

What’s the hardest thing about being a professional 3D designer?

Being a slave of my own freedom is the worst! Sometimes I have the feeling that I am overworking. When this happens I usually dedicate a day or two to waste time walking through the mountains.

What software do you use?

LightWave.

What are you working on next?

I am currently updating some old models, I'm adding details, improving textures, etc.

Then I will continue making machines and boats.

Please finish the following sentences (being as honest as you can ☺)

My greatest inspiration is … the beauty of the machines, the power of the engines.

I abandon some of my works because … I replace it with the one that I like more.

When I catch myself procrastinating, I … continue procrastinating. It is a way to solve small problems, let your brain relax a bit.

I’m most productive when … I drink a coffee. The world is not driven by gasoline, the world moves with caffeine.

I take a break from my work when … I want, that's simple.