Who is 'Rochr'? Well, Rochr is Rudolf Herczog. 33-year old hobbyist, born in Budapest, Hungary and currently living in Halmstad, Sweden, along with my girlfriend and 3 cats. How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics? My very first experience with computer graphics, was actually on the old Amiga, and Deluxe Paint. That didnt last long though. Years later, a friend of mine started a production studio doing commercials for local companies, and they were using Lightwave. We used to hang out there after work and play with the software, and even though i liked Lightwave, i could never use it the way i wanted. (laziness) Then about five or so years ago, the same friend pointed me towards Bryce and i was instantly hooked. It was easy to learn and, once i passed beyond the obligatory shiny spheres-images, a tool that suited me perfectly. Do you have traditional art experience? Not really. Or it depends on what you call art. :) Ive been drawing since childhood, mainly futuristic cities, cars etc, but it was all in black/white. Ive never really used paint or even colors until the Amiga. Never went to any art classes, im self taught. What are you currently working on? Apart from personal images, and a new design for my webpage, im currently working on some concept images for a feature film. Cant reveal anything about it unfortunatly, as its still in the early stages. What software/equipment do you use and why? My primary tools are still Bryce 5, Photoshop 7 and Universe Image Creator. Plus, ive recently started learning Cinema 4D (or at least trying to), for models i cant do inside Bryce. I find the combination of these applications to be perfect for the type of images i want to create. When it comes to hardware, i currently use a P4 2.26 Ghz, 512 mb RAMBUS and a Wacom Intuos2, but im planning on building a new machine with a lot more power. Already purchused some of the parts, but im not rushing it. What do you think your best piece of work is and why? I must say my last one, "Skylab". I have a bad habit of always trying to push myself, and the hardware, one step further with each image, and this one really turned out exactly how i want my images to look like. One of very few im 100% satisfied with...or at least 99... An other personal favourite is "Downtown", an older piece. It was sort of a tribute for my fellow Bryce artists, and to this day, my best compositioned scene. Plus it was fun to make. :) Why do you like to work with 3D software? Its 3D...? No, but seriously, 3D adds a certain depth and feel to the images, i personally cant achieve with pure drawings. Even though i usually draw some of the details in an image, i always, (with one exception), start out with a 3D base. Who/what inspires you? Everything really. Movies, real life, other artists. I also have a huge library of industrial photos, where i get inspiration from when needed. But for some strange reason i get most of my ideas at work. Still trying to figure out why, because its not that exiting... How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning? I was actually about to give CG up, when i found this community. When i posted my first image here, my progress with Bryce had been standing still for a long time, and i was getting bored. Finding this place with its great members and all the knowledge was a real boost, and i always recommend new artists coming here for learning. I can easily say that ive got to know some fantastic people here, many ild like to call my friends, and i still consider this a second home. :) Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists? Learn as many tools as you need, and keep working with something you love, no matter what people say. And dont worry about getting a personal style, itll come automatically after a while. And naturally...practice, practice and practice some more. Thanx a lot everyone! :) Rudy

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Be sure to check out Rochr's gallery! Click on 'AOM 2004' on the sidebar to learn more about Artist of the Month and to view our past winners.