Phoenix interview by St. Devil

Auto Biography of Phoenix

My nick is phoenix and real name is Arif Sethi. I was born on May 23, in Peshawar, Pakistan. I’m studying BS (Computer Science). I had done my college study in Pre Medical after that I’ve changed my field to Computer Science. Knowledge of both tools helped me a lot I basically like 3d Animations. But I can do modeling and visual effects also. I’ve properly started in 3d art from 2001 and had learned 3D studio max and flash. These were my first two tools that I learnt and from time to time I've learned new things in it and here u can see my art work (Frozen in Time) made in 3Ds max and poser. 

Some of my Side work in graphics is in TerraGen which produces the 3d terrains. Hope you'll like these too; else I’m in electronics too. This time working on my final project in electronics.

D.R.U.G.S: How do you define art?

Art is something that cannot be defined in the words. It’s your feelings, imaginations, your thoughts, dreams, nightmares and you want to give them life; in the form of pictures, portraits, computer arts, animation, dance, anything that brings peace to your soul. 

D.R.U.G.S: How did you come to be an artist?

I think every one is an artist but the one who express it in a visible form is a good artist. I have tried to express my feeling since when I've started 3dsmax. Because I got the tool in which I can easily express my self and from that moment I became an artist.

D.R.U.G.S: To you; what is the hardest thing when creating?

The most difficult and interesting thing is riging a character and developing complex mesh models.

D.R.U.G.S: Do you put much merit into training, schooling or more into practice and raw talent?

It depends on the mind level and the learning capabilities and especially on your Interest. We don't have here any 3d art school or training camps. We learnt from practice and other sources like internet, help and different books. So I say practice and raw talent can be polished by schooling and learning.

D.R.U.G.S: What music do you prefer to jam out on while working?

I mostly listen to the Instrumentals while working but it also depends on my mood and the complexity of work if it's very complex and need 100% attention I’ll listen to the instrumentals if it’s not very complex but don't get any new ideas I’ll listen to the hard rock or heavy music. It refreshes my mind at times. But I love coffee while working it keeps my mind refresh.

D.R.U.G.S: What is your favorite color?

I like dark and dull colors; like Black, dark blue and white and I don't like very bright colors.

D.R.U.G.S: Did you go to school or received training to become a concept artist?

No training and no school, just what ever it came to my mind and appealed me I tried to make it as I thought in my imagination.

D.R.U.G.S: What does your breakfast usually consist of?

Tea which I love to drink very much. and bread + jam.

D.R.U.G.S: How do you spend your weekends?

I sleep late night or in morning and weak up late no breakfast direct lunch and does some work or else play Computer games.

D.R.U.G.S: Do you prefer work in digital medium or traditional?

For me it’s easy to work in digital but very hard or even impossible to work on traditional way. So I go for the easy way. ;-)

D.R.U.G.S: Are you a PC or MAC guy (and why)?

I’m a Pc guy because I’m using it from the very beginning and don't have knowledge of Mac. The other Reason is that Mac is not easily available in Pakistan therefore I haven't tried that yet.

D.R.U.G.S: how long you want to continue in this field?

It’s my passion to be a 3d animator and a 3d artist and God willing I'll be in this field forever.

D.R.U.G.S: If you could choose another career then what would it be and why?

I think till now I don't have any idea of changing the field but if I do than I’ll jump into the Game programming, because it’s also an interesting area.

D.R.U.G.S: tell us about your current projects. (In brief)?

This time I’m working on my Final year Project. It’s on Home automation in which we'll produce the hardware and software. I am also developing my new concept art which will be coming soon....

D.R.U.G.S: Are you right handed or left handed? Who do u consider the better and why?

I’m right handed. I think its some thing natural like if u r left handed you can’t produce the same thing as you do by using right hand. But in rare cases the both hands are working as same.

D.R.U.G.S: Longest amount of time you have put into one piece?

If your idea and all the imaginations are complete and the thing which you want to do is crystal clear to you than it takes very less time. Like this One pic. "Frozen in Time" i've spend 2 weeks. but one of my other imagination started at the same time is still not completed.

D.R.U.G.S: Are you a gamer? What's your choice at the moment?

Yes. i am gamer and presently my one of the fav. game is POP (Prince of Persia) and waiting for the POP3. and other game is NFS underground2 and also waiting for NFS mostwanted.

D.R.U.G.S: where do you see your self after 5 years from now?

GOD willing I’ll be a 3d animator and an Active member of the D.R.U.G.S. but still doing my studies..

D.R.U.G.S: What was the main theme behind your image (Frozen in Time)?

I think that when u see an art and what ever it produce a story or an idea in your mind it's the best explanation or ur understanding. Cuz every one See and feel by sanding in his/her own Boots. Ok. my idea about this Pic was Basically to Show the Emotions and from that i wanted to convey that Every one is thinking about himself as he want to say about his feelings, he want to show his motions but every one is careless from others every one wants that they should be listened but no one is doing this. The Colors i've used; as a material is Bronze Gold and silver Showing that they r not of the same category People, different from each other.

D.R.U.G.S: What are your career plans?

After completion of my graduation I’ll be moving to US for my further studies in art field. I’ll do one year course at DAVE school. That’s what I’m thinking but GOD knows better what will happen.

            Phoenix>>  I'm really thank full to St. Devil and his D.R.U.G.S team that they have given me that much respect and put my work on image of the month and very thank full to them that they come to me and take my interview in really thank full to them and wish them all Good luck for their future. May GOD give them Success in their work. and never let their Hard work go wasted... Thanx to all of u and D.R.U.G.S. Bye see u next time.

MAD THANKS TO PHOENIX FOR HIS TIME AND ANSWERING OUR BORING QUESTIONS