Daz Artist Interview Series: Dekogon Studios

One of the newest artists to join the talented group of Daz PAs is Dekogon Studios. Known for their incredibly detailed environments and props, we’re excited to sit down with Dekogon Studios founder Clinton Crumpler and learn more about his team and his experience.

The Interview

Clinton, thanks for interviewing with us! Let’s start with the basics. How did you learn about Daz 3D?

The Daz 3D team reached out to us some time back as they had noticed some of the scenes we were creating. This led to us joining up to bring some of our work to the Daz community!

And we are so glad to have you. How did you pick your artist name?

The name Dekogon Studios has three parts:

• Deca: I had 10 years of industry experience before forming the company
• Deco: An artist coming from a traditional art background
• Gon: Polygons in which we use to make the art in 3D

Very clever! Now, let’s talk about your work as an artist. Where do you get your inspiration when designing a product?

We look at current and emerging trends and games to see what people are looking for and playing. This typically is right in alignment with what people are buying to put in their own products and games. 

And how would you describe your style?

We tend to stay in the realistic space as much as possible, all while keeping an eye on color combinations and composition to find a nice balance between what looks good and what feels real. 

What’s the most difficult aspect of designing products?

Finding what people want and need for their projects while also ensuring that we enjoy the process. There are a lot of things we could make that people would just purchase purely out of need, but we want to make sure we enjoy the artistic process at the same time as we are selling our work!

We totally understand that. What’s the product you had the most fun creating and why?

The Albert Manor was my favorite project by far — there’s so much character and storytelling within that space. Nothing needs to be said aloud to get the idea.

How has your work changed over time?

Dekogon’s work has gone through a lot of changes and growth as our team members come and go with certain skills they bring with them. We always aim toward game development but keep a careful eye on what our strengths and weaknesses are to provide the highest quality content we can make. 

And what challenges have you overcome as you developed as an artist?

I think one of the biggest is finding times to make art for yourself and as a commercial artist. When you start to make art for a living, there are times when you will be making things that aren’t quite your specialty or desired focus, but that’s okay! Finding time to make art for yourself is a great way to reflect and recharge your skills and interest. It took me some time to find a good balance. 

We agree, finding balance in the creative space is so important. Where else can we see your artwork, products, and other work? 

My personal ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/ccrumpler

Dekogon Studios ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/dekogon

Here’s my Twitter as well! https://twitter.com/Crumplercm

Now, Clinton, let’s talk about you outside of Dekogon Studios. What do you like to do when you’re not making awesome products or renders?

Spending time with my little girl and wife and getting outside to the beach or nature trails!

Very nice! What advice would you give your younger self?

You don’t have to say yes to everything, and opportunities will come again. As a young artist, you might find yourself jumping at any and all opportunities thinking this will be the last and best you ever get, but if your gut tells you it’s not a good decision or gig to take on — go with your gut!

That’s solid advice we can all reflect on. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was and still am a big fan of animals and helping with animal welfare. For the longest time, I wanted to be a veterinarian but felt I might not have the stomach for some of the operations or the ability to look past some of the darker parts of the job. I am still a big animal lover and advocate in other ways though! 

We love that. What are some fun facts the Daz community would be surprised to learn about you?

I started as a graphic designer before getting into 3D and starting Dekogon Studios. I also have three degrees (Graphic Design, Game Design, and Animation) as I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do when I first started my career. 

And last one. You can choose one superpower — what is it and why? 

I think the ability to travel through time would be amazing. I’m not sure if this is a superpower or not, but I would avoid jumping into my own future and be more interested in exploring the history of the world — past and future. 

That would be super cool! Clinton, thank you again for taking the time to talk and share more about your professional and personal self. Welcome aboard to the PA community, and we look forward to your next products in the Daz shop!

Featured Image: Restaurant Crime Scene by Dekogon Studios