Daniela Krol
Daniela Krol works as a digital artist creating 3D graphics, web design, virtual humans and AR filters. She started learning how to use digital softwares over lockdown and since has been working within the global community of 3D and AR artists. She has also created ‘Princess Kaya’, a virtual human who she uses to raise awareness around body shaming and the negativity that surrounds social media. Currently, Daniela is starting up her own business called ‘Future Creators Club’, a magazine and creative house that specialises in design and technology. The magazine is made up of a collective of digital artists who are working with a large fashion label to release a project at the beginning of 2021.
What kickstarted your career within digital art?
It’s hard to think what kickstarted my career since I feel like I’ve been doing this since I remember myself. I always had a real passion for art and design. I’ve been studying design in high school and took as many courses as I could, as well as trying different things like creating content for myself and others I started a clothing brand with my prints, shared my work and mainly just experimented. When I was 18 I worked at a nightclub that had no Instagram, so I decided to offer my services as a designer and a content creator. A few months later I was already confident enough to offer myself to other brands and clients, and when I realised I was interested in design for digital media and advertising, I got a job as a designer in an advertising agency. When the pandemic started I decided to take this time to learn 3D, and started working as a creative director/virtual humans creator.
How would you best describe the style of your work in three words?
Definitely 3D and AR. It feels to me more like a movement since the global community of 3D and AR artists is so new, creative and innovative. As a 3D artist I get to be part of a community of amazing artists that inspire me.
You work across an array of mediums including graphic, web and motion design, AR filters and 3D art - do you have a favourite?
I can’t say it’s the skills I’m best at – since I have much more experience with graphic, motion and web design, but 3D and AR are my new and exciting skills.
Who is Princess Kaya?
Princess Kaya is a virtual human and a plus size model. I had this idea of creating a persona and telling stories about real life issues through her, so I teamed up with ITM, an Israeli models agency to create a virtual model. Besides the fact that Kaya is a fashion model who shares fashion content, she also tells stories about her life and struggles as an ‘outsider’ virtual human in a world of real humans exploring the idea of ‘what’s real’. She raises awareness for issues like body shaming, the hate culture around social media and the difficulties of being different in today’s society.
What softwares do you use to create?
I use Photoshop, SparK AR, XD, Blender, After effects and Daz.
How do you see the future evolving in terms of digital and the creative industries?
I think there are going to be much more opportunities for creatives and digital creators, especially those who know how to use new technologies in a creative way. In some way, the pandemic made us live in a ‘digital’ world, since we spend much more time on social media, buy much more online and work from home digitally. This opens up an opportunity for innovations and new ideas like VR Showrooms, AR experiences, virtual humans, 3D e-commerce and digital fashion which eventually will create new roles for creatives.
Do you have any exciting projects upcoming?
Yes! I’m currently working on my new business – Future Creators Club, which is a magazine & creative house specialising in digital media and the mixture of design and technology. We have a global community of amazing digital artists and we are super excited to share our first project with a large fashion brand at the beginning of 2021.
interview GABY MAWSON
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