Growing up in the States, “Texas specifically,” to be exact, is our August 2024 Rising Star Aaron Block (AaronBlock), who now resides in Iowa. Nearly 30, Aaron has been searching for a new career, whether it be 3D artistry or something else.

Aaron’s interest in media and computers began in high school spending free time editing videos for YouTube. An artist at heart, Block always kept a sketchbook or something else handy to quickly draw things, real or from the imagination, which was the pipeline to the world of 3D artistry.    

Q&A with Aaron Block

 What are the programs and tools you first used while learning to create 3D graphics, and what are your favorite programs or tools now for work?

 I've always worked almost exclusively with Daz. I've delved into Zbrush, Blender, and Marvelous Designer as well. I use Clip Studio Paint for any post work, and I adore it.

What is your typical workflow for a design?

 I'm very straightforward, be it in designing pose packs or personal renders. To simplify it- Gather References> Experiment> Composition> Lighting> Render!

What part of 3D design work do you most like doing and can you tell me about your design style?

 Posing! I hate flat poses, I love making super stylized, anime/manga-like poses. I want my characters to speak through their bodies, rather than be a stiff board with an open mouth. I reference a lot of manga in my design process to achieve that goal.

How did you transition your interest in digital art to becoming a vendor?

 A couple of years ago I started on a 3D rendered comic called Primal's Bane. I'm on hiatus now, but during the numerous chapters I made, I honed my ability to make those stylized, exaggerated poses. I knew I could use that skill to make a bit of income, and so I started looking into vendors to work with and products to make.

What are your favorite projects to create and what has been the most successful for you?

 To be honest, I love making fighting poses. I mostly sell cute, "moe" pose packs, but I made one a while back called Super Sonic Warriors that was heavily inspired by DBZ, and I loved making it. However, my most successful by far, has been Visual Novel Poses. I'm excited to potentially see them pop up in someone's project.

Are there other artists that influence your work or have mentored you?

 Yes, ilona and hameleon both inspire me. I've not been mentored by anybody, however.

What motivated you to become a vendor?

Being my own boss, making money by creating something I enjoy, etc.

How did you make the decision to become a vendor at Renderosity?

 Out of all the other brokers, I felt Renderosity offered the fairest terms while also reaching a large consumer base.

How has Renderosity made a difference or helped in your growth as a vendor?

 I remember when I first started, I had no idea what I was doing. A tester by the name of Donnena gave me so many tips and just helped me figure out all of the little things that I never would've on my own. It was basic stuff, but I'm still very happy to have had them help me.

What are some products you want to create in the near future and what goals do you have in mind as a vendor?

 I'm slowly working into more utility-focused products, rather than just basic pose packs. Maybe a "create your own pose" content pack? For the near future, I'm working on a pose pack focused on walking/running poses!

Do you have anything else you'd like to share with other members?

Thank you to everyone who has purchased any of my products, as well as followed me! This community has been nothing but lovely and I look forward to becoming more of a staple within it!