The trippy 3D animations of digital artist Nicholas Keays are as unsettling as they are masterful. In his cyber world, human-like creatures are covered in spikes, iridescent, and/or multi-limbed. An expert at the human body’s movements, Keays uses his observations and sense of humor to call attention to the darker facets of life. Think: A skeleton laughing on a possessed unicorn or a glazed head with a snake protruding from its orifices.

But it’s not all pessimistic. The animator also shares a character he would bring to life because of its positivity, and gives a healthy warning to digital consumers. “Technologies will/are being used to deceive or control people,” he cautions. “It’s important to second guess the motives of any mainstream media outlet/anything viral.” Indeed, with the right amount of skepticism, we as individuals can fight against the manipulations of mass media.

3D animation is a form of artwork that requires a lot of patience and skill. Can you take us through how you immersed yourself in that world?
I found it really easy to get lost in 3D practice due to the always expanding opportunity for new skills that I could regurgitate out into the world in the form of artworks.

You probably understand how the human body moves more than most people. What’s something you’ve learned from your study of the body that you weren’t aware of before?
It’s probably nothing new to you but I’m really interested in the fact our body is primarily made up of viscous fluids, this is really important to understand for me as I feel expressing physics or dynamics in an image or animation really helps to bring things to life.

In saying that I feel I have a long way to go in this area and I plan on refining my animation skills with focus on exactly this.

How does humor play a role in your animations?
Humour makes a lot of the darker themes I explore easier to digest, without it I would probably be really disliked or misunderstood.

Some of your collaborations have focused on online identity—how has your social media presence affected your real-world self and vice versa?
Social media has connected me with a lot of really cool people and artists whilst opening doors that have revealed a path for me to get paid to be myself.

What are your thoughts on the popularity of AI influencers?
I, of course, love this as it creates more opportunity for myself and other artist like me. What’s not to like?

You get to bring one of your animations to life as a living, breathing being, which one will you choose?
I feel like this character will bring forth something positive, whereas my other creations have a more demonic energy that our world has enough of as is.

Looking ahead, do you have any speculations on the future of digital advertising and 3D animation?
It’s a strange time in the world relating to CGI as it gets harder to tell what is and isn’t real, I sense these technologies will/are being used to deceive or control people. I think it's important to second guess the motives of any mainstream media outlet/anything viral, even if it does sound like paranoia and make life a little uncomfortable.

Modern 3D animation has brought up questions about race, gender, sexuality, and more with regards to creators and their creations. What does inclusivity in 3D animation mean to you?
This is why you will see skeletons in lots of my work, I think it's important we recognise that inside we are all the same regardless of sex, gender, race or religion.