Artist: Eugene Maslovski Website: https://www.artstation.com/maslovski Location: Belarus 
 ❓Who or what influenced your art style the most at the beginning of your journey? 🗣 I have been drawing since childhood, and I was always sure that this would become my profession. Impressed by the classic science fiction films ("Star Wars," "The Lord of the Rings," and "the Dragonball," "Spiderman Animated Series") coming out on the screen, I desired to imitate and create similar things. Now I am impressed not by the box office, but by the arthouse films and directors: David Lynch, Nicholas Winding Refn, Lars von Trier. Cinema, both old and new, serves as the primary source of inspiration. It puts me on an artistic path. 
 ❓How did you start your professional career? 🗣 I started my professional career when I was a student. I started as a 3D artist, creating models and sculpts based on ready-made refs. Later, I began combining 2D and 3D skills. I was heavily influenced by Mike Nash's work and tutorials, style, and 3D concepts. I started using 3D for concept-art, keyframes, environment design, which allowed me to embody my ideas at a new level. Now I work as a generalist in an animation studio, where 2D and 3D skills are equally practical at various stages of creating videos and animation. I am engaged in creating characters, environments, keyframes, lighting, scene layouts, etc. I even have experience making videos as an art director, where I was able to implement my ideas. 
 ❓What software and hardware do you use, and why? 🗣 Nothing fancy. I have a pretty standard setup: for sculpting and rough concept of shapes ZBrush and 3D Coat. For scene assembly and rendering, I use Houdini and Blender. 
 ❓How do you like to work: as a freelancer, or maybe full-time or part-time? 🗣 I try to measure the work process, not by a strict office working day. Best of all, if the final task is set, you are in control and unload yourself with working time and energy. 
 ❓What was your most challenging project, and why? 🗣 Each new project has its own difficulties. The hardest of all is when your style differs from the required one. For me, it was a few projects for Chinese studios because it's easier to adapt to Western and European ones. 
 ❓What was your most significant learning experience, and how does it help you now? 🗣 I think the learning process never ends, and it is impossible to name. Any turning point experience builds up gradually from small bricks. 
 ❓What is your dream project or art direction that you're starving to try? 🗣 I have experience as a director of some animations. And I would like to invest my time and energy even more into this. To be able to express and implement their ideas in animation or cinema. I think Short Films are a good language for that. 
 ❓Can you tell us about a personal or professional project you are proud of? 🗣 Those are my personal projects (Harvest and Horsemen) that were inspired by the events in my country. Before, my work was focused on fantasy topics, but what is happening around me prompted me to rethink it artistically. I'm going to do more on this topic. 
 ❓Do you have any passion projects you're working on or plan to start? 🗣 Yes, I have a concept-project that I started doing as my graduate work at the university. Initially, it was a concept of a video game. Now it may find a different expression. In general, this is a rather finished and holistic project that only needs to be implemented. The main idea and message are inspired by anti-war dramas and literature, primarily "Apocalypse Now" and "Heart of Darkness." Soon, I will start sharing the details about this project. 
 ❓What are you passionate about and do you have any hobbies besides art? 🗣 Before my career in CG, I was professionally involved in tennis. Now, I do not miss the opportunity to play sports. I try to devote time to fiction and historical literature, and audiobooks help replace reading. I try not to forget to draw on paper and sketch. Recently I started trying to write music. 
 ❓If you had just one question about anything that you could ask and get an answer, what would it be? 🗣 Does a person serve the state or the state for a person?