About Artist: Laganza
I'm a fashion designer and owner of the VSD META COUTURE brand. I started learning 3D design to simplify the sketching process, as 3D programs allow you to create clothing for people based on their body measurements and perfectly fit models even without physical fittings. That's how I got into 3D modeling, and when I discovered Chiko Roko, I wanted to create a clothing collection for this project.
Where do you live and work? How favorable are the conditions there for your work?
I currently live in Dubai, though I'm originally from Ukraine. Dubai is one of the most progressive cities when it comes to modern trends and technologies, making it one of the best places to grow and connect with like-minded people in this field.
How would you describe your creative work?
I genuinely love what I do and enjoy the creative process itself. The process alone brings me true pleasure. But when I see people appreciating my work, and then seeing it translate into sustainable financial success - that's the ultimate satisfaction.
Tell us about your characters
We have two different character directions. One is VSD COUTURE, where we create digital copies of real clothing models from our brand and dress toys in them. The second is TIORA, a musician who is half-human, half-avatar, living simultaneously in both real and virtual worlds. We hope she might become the next Barbie (we're working hard and hoping to succeed, and that girls worldwide will embrace this new doll with her unique story). She has her own space in the metaverse where you can play her musical instrument - the Laser Harp, listen to her music, and check out her huge clothing collection created by designers and students from our academy, where we teach 3D design.
What do you love about designer toys?
Each toy is a masterpiece with its own story - at least we put special meaning into each one and work hard on its creation. As I mentioned before, we enjoy this process, and when we see that not only we but also our fans love it - that's double the pleasure, and that's what we really love about it.
What's your take on digital collecting?
The world keeps moving forward. Digital art has become a new direction in contemporary art. Look at the Digital exhibitions in New York, Paris, and Dubai. I regularly attend these exhibitions and can say they're no less genius than works from the Renaissance era. So it's very logical that modern collecting has expanded beyond physical items to include digital collecting. It's a very new direction, so many people don't take it seriously yet. But remember, Impressionists were also criticized when they first appeared, and now their exhibitions are among the most visited in the world. So we're moving slowly but surely in this new direction in art.
What's the difference between designer toys and classical sculpture?
My third degree is in Fine Arts, specializing in Art History, so it's easy for me to answer this from a historical perspective. The difference between designer toys and classical sculpture lies in the manner of execution and technique. Think of Michelangelo and his genius works with beautiful forms. A digital artist in 3D without knowledge, experience, and skills won't be able to model in Michelangelo's style. Only someone talented and experienced can do that. I work with many Digital Artists, and they're very different. Some are weak, lacking taste and talent, while others create work you can't take your eyes off. It all comes down to knowledge of color theory, form, visual exposure, and taste. Many people come into 3D thinking it's simple, but when they face it, they realize you need a whole pack of knowledge and constant learning to deliver great results. So I want to say that the most important thing is having a set of skills, knowledge, and practice in your chosen field - whether you choose classical sculpture or digital art doesn't matter.
Popular toys of Laganza: