Explore Bora's hyper-realistic artwork, where perfect folds and intricate details come to life, inviting you into a captivating world of imagination and creativity.

Interview with Bora Kim | Selfie Girl | 3D Artist

Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain how you started working in 3D art?

Hello, my name is Bora Kim, and I am a 3D artist working at a gaming company. I've always loved graphics in games and videos since I was young, with a particular interest in game art. This naturally led me to study 3D art and eventually enter the gaming industry.

Could you describe a recent project you've worked on in detail?

I strive to experiment with various new styles in my work. In my most recent project, I designed a female character deviating from the usual game style by using Marvelous Designer to create modern clothing. I took inspiration from fashion shows and various products to create the outfits.

The details of your work are impressive. What efforts did you make to depict the realistic folds?

The top the character is wearing has multiple folds on the front, unlike a regular shirt. I considered the spacing and creases of the folds and crafted it to show a shoulder-down style, ensuring the folds along the arm were aesthetically pleasing yet not too long.

For the skirt design, which is high-waisted and has few folds, I aimed to express the material and the folds created by the zigzag lacing up to the waist.

For the skirt design, which is high-waisted and has few folds, I aimed to express the material and the folds created by the zigzag lacing up to the waist.

Why did you decide to use Marvelous Designer, and how has it helped with art direction?

I first encountered Marvelous Designer around seven years ago while creating ribbons, curtains, and fabric movements for props. Even though these were simple tasks, I was very satisfied with how much faster and more intuitive it was compared to other cloth simulations I had used. Gradually, I started creating simpler garments like T-shirts and pants, and as I gained more experience, I found it easier to make clothes.

When working on a project, there are likely parts you enjoy the most and others that are challenging. Which stage of the process do you find the most enjoyable?

While I enjoy the modeling process, I find the most fun in texturing. After finishing the modeling, imagining the final output, and experimenting with different colors and textures feels like painting on a blank canvas, which I find very enjoyable.

What is the most challenging aspect of your projects?

The most challenging part is when the silhouette of the garment doesn't turn out as expected after applying the 2D patterns to the avatar. With each new clothing item I create, I realize there's still so much to learn as I continue researching and studying.

Lastly, do you have any advice for beginners starting in 3D art, whether career advice or mindset tips for creating artwork?

In the beginning, there are many tools to learn and the workflow can seem complex, leading to a lot of contemplation. Even if you feel you're progressing slower than others, keep at it with enthusiasm and patience. If you continue creating with passion and step-by-step dedication, you will definitely see good results. Thank you.

by Bora Kim
ArtStation