Renderosity’s Artist of the Month for March 2025, is Troy Menke, known to the community as Torgas. Of the six nominees for this month’s recognition, all creators of outstanding imagery, Torgas was chosen by you.

He was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and works as an application administrator for an architectural and engineering firm based there. He has a wife and step-daughter, but when he finds spare time, he creates digital art.

“I'm not a professional artist, nor have I had any formal training in art. I'm an avid fan of books, movies and television. I love traveling, and taking photos of the places I visit,” he said.

Torgas was gracious enough to sit down and share some thoughts on his past 20 years, and future in digital art…something he truly enjoys. 

Q&A with Torgas

 What was the process of moving from getting a first feel for the tools and software to creating images you were pleased with and wanted to share with others?

 In 2006 I was asked to create a piece of artwork for something, and I cannot even remember what it was, but that led me down the road to digital art. It fascinated me. So, I jumped in. And wow, was it bad...  LOL. But I kept at it, and learned more, and tried things and then one day someone mentioned that what I was doing was basically setting up a photoshoot. You have your model, you have your scene and you light it to get the results you want. It seems so obvious now, but at the time it was a revelation. I still didn't have any clue as to what I was really doing, but that's when my artwork took a big jump. I think that was right around 2010 or 2011 or so. And to this day I still spend most of my time just trying things and seeing what kind of results I can get. My advice is to keep experimenting. Sure, it might not turn out like you think, but it might just turn out better.

How would you describe your style?

That's a hard question. I don't really see myself as having a style. I get a picture in my head, and I try a bunch of different things to see if I can match that picture. Sometimes it's realistic, sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's dark and yes disturbing.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Books mostly. Sometimes movies or television, but mostly I just want to see what I read.

What's the most important tool you use for your work now and why?

The main tools I use currently are DAZ Studio, and Photoshop for post work. These are the tools I'm most comfortable with and to which I get the best results.

How has your work changed over the years?  Where do you think it's headed?

It has improved in a lot of ways. I really didn't understand lighting when I first started so there was no depth to anything. I also think the point of view of the piece has improved. Everything used to be straight on and squared up, meaning there was no drama to it. It just simply was. Now I've learned that creating that same picture from another point of view, or angle can entirely change the mood, direction or feel of a piece.  As for where it's headed?  Who knows.  I don't get as much time as I'd like to have to devote to it, so perhaps that might change, and I'll become more prolific with it?

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Another great question. I guess I'd have to say Alan M. Clark. A lot of his works are especially moody, and I love that. I'd like to see how his mind works related to those darker pieces of his.

What are your favorite subjects? What do you really get immersed in?

I really enjoy Steampunk, especially if it has a darker twist. Take, for instance, the Cherie Priest "Boneshaker" series of books. I also enjoy mashups. Taking different genre's and putting them together. That's always fun.

Could you tell us what creating art means to you?

For the most part it, keeps me sane. After a stressful, or really busy week at work, creating art allows me to take those stresses and get them out of my head. It's cathartic in a way. I've always said I create artwork mostly for myself. I don't really care if people like it, or it wins awards, or even if people comment on it. Those things are certainly nice, and I appreciate them immensely, but even if I never shared another piece of artwork, I'd still be creating them.

Have you had any kind of life experience that drives your focus in your artwork?

Besides the aforementioned stress I cannot really say that any one experience drives my focus.  It's more for relaxation. 

Your images, especially faces, are so imaginative.  Did you create art before getting into digital art?

I have always been interested in art, photography and filmmaking, but never really got a chance to pursue it professionally.  But I'd still grab napkins, coasters or anything else I could grab and just doodle away. I've had restaurants and even a hotel ask to keep some of the pieces I created and have of course given some sketches and artwork to friends.  I'm always drawing or doodling whenever I can.

Is or are there other artists that influence you, or do you have a mentor that has helped at any point?

I have a few regular commentors on my work that I always appreciate hearing from.  Bella Dark, Sabby55, Paulienchen and Krid are always quick with a helpful comments.  Bella Dark's pieces are absolutely amazing, I appreciate them a lot and am always striving to make mine look as good as them. Failing more often than not of course. If anyone hasn't seen them, they would do themselves a favor and look them up.

What ideas do you have for future projects?

Hard to really say. A lot of the time I don't start out with anything really in mind. I just go through my list of models, props, lights and environments and choose one, and it usually progresses from there. Sometimes I will start going one way with something only to find something that changes the piece completely. I will be taking a vacation here soon, so perhaps I'll find something in my travels that will get stuck in my head, begging to be released in my artwork. Who knows?

What tips do you have for those who are just getting started in 3D artwork?

My first suggestion would be keep at it. Produce, produce, produce. Learn all you can, and, if possible, read up on how photographers and filmmakers set up their shots, the lighting, the cameras, everything. Then watch some movies. See how directors shoot specific scenes. What kind of point of view is being used? What kind of depth of field? Is the lighting natural or artificial, what is generating the light, and how does that lighting hit the subject? And lastly, observe that which is around you, find the absurd, the funny, the serious. Then take that and make something that represents what you saw.

Any last comments for the community?

I want to thank everyone who voted for me. It was truly a surprise, considering I'm not a professional artist, and only create art as a hobby. I also want to say that I appreciate everyone who has ever taken time out of their day to leave comments, criticism or encouragement. I've enjoyed reading them all. Happy Rendering everyone and be well.