We’re almost halfway through a fast-moving year, which makes it time to meet our Renderosity Rising Star! for June 2025. He’s 44-year-old EliteDZ, also known as AB, and he was born, raised and still lives in Constantine, Algeria.

After just a decade of life, he found himself very interested in computers, mainly through his  passion for video games. He first got to try classic gaming machines like the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, which were older but still exciting at the time.

Around 1990, he had access to an IBM 486, which felt like a huge step forward. To AB it was mostly a gaming machine. He was fascinated by titles like “Prince of Persia.”

Then in 1998, everything changed when his brother gifted him a PC with a Pentium II processor. That’s when he really immersed himself exploring digital graphics.

“I still remember playing around with iPhoto Plus 4, and editing images for fun. That experience eventually opened the door to 3D. My first 3D software was a small but useful tool called Metasequoia—and I still occasionally use it today,” he said.

We asked EliteDZ about his start, his growth, and future in the world of 3D design.

Q&A with EliteDZ

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

 I started with Metasequoia, a lightweight 3D modeling tool that I still use from time to time. Today, I mainly rely on four core programs:

• Marvelous Designer for creating the base clothing designs
• Blender for cleanup and retopology
• ZBrush for sculpting and adding morphs
• Adobe Substance 3D Painter for texturing

Each tool plays an important role in my workflow, and together they help me bring my ideas to life in a clean and effective way.

How did you transition your interest in digital art to production of commercial works?

 I'm currently fully dedicated to 3D, and I’m focusing on improving my skills and creating original, high-quality products that reflect my style. While it started as a hobby, I'm now committed to turning it into a professional path, one step at a time.

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

 I enjoy creating clothing items that are modern, based on real life, and haven’t been widely produced in 3D before. My most successful product so far has been the balaclava for G8M and G8F.

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

 I can't say that I was influenced by anyone in particular, but I’ve learned a lot from many talented creators — especially through platforms like YouTube. The WP Guru, Josh Darling, SickleYield, Travis Davids, Esha, and many others have shared incredibly helpful tutorials and tips. I’m very grateful for the knowledge they’ve made available.

What motivated you to become a vendor?

 My main motivation was financial, but also the desire to turn something I genuinely enjoy into a source of income. It felt like a natural step to try and make a living doing what I love.

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

 I chose Renderosity because it's one of the major platforms that supports new creators and helps them build their skills.

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

I was especially impressed by the kindness and professionalism of the staff –  particularly TimaC and Kalypso. Even when I made many mistakes in the beginning, they were always patient, helpful, and respectful. Their support played a big role in helping me grow and improve as a vendor, and I’m truly grateful for that.

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

 I plan to focus on creating original, real-life inspired clothing that isn’t commonly found in the 3D world. My goal is to keep improving my skills, expand my product range, and build a sustainable source of income through quality and creativity.

Any last thoughts or comments for the community?

I'm truly grateful to be part of the Renderosity community. The guidance and support I received – especially from the staff who patiently corrected my early mistakes – helped me grow a lot as a creator.

Lastly, I want to make a heartfelt appeal to all major platforms to stand by 3D creators in the fight against piracy. Piracy doesn’t just harm our sales -- it damages our motivation and drives many talented artists away from the field. We need stronger support and clear action to protect our work and keep creativity alive.