Exploring the World of 3D Art with Nako Baev
Hailing from Bulgaria, Nako Baev brings a unique perspective shaped by a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic personal journey. From his early fascination with technology in a small southeastern town to establishing his own creative studio, Nako’s story is one of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As he navigates the intersection of art and technology, his work reflects a profound understanding of how geographical context and historical influences shape artistic expression. Join us as we explore his experiences, the cutting-edge technologies he employs, and his vision for the future of digital art.
What an immense pleasure it is to be able to chat with Nako Baev about the world of 3D computer graphics! Hailing from Bulgaria, please tell us a bit about your background and how your geographical context informs your overall perspective on what it means to be an artist?
Thank you! My story starts in a small town in southeastern Bulgaria, where my early love for technology blossomed. After middle school, I moved to a bigger city to dive deeper into computer graphics and design. By high school, I was already working with clients. Seeking broader horizons, I moved to the Netherlands to study at a university but soon dropped out, dissatisfied with the educational approach, to start my own studio.
Despite Bulgaria’s turbulent history—from world war alliances to post-communist struggles—it remains a cradle of talent across various fields. Here, it’s especially true that our past shapes the present and underscores the importance of civic engagement. Being an artist in Bulgaria means balancing rich heritage with new possibilities to create something impactful. If you want to learn more about what I mean by turbulent history, watch the “Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War” series.
Your studio, Baev Creative Studio, is known to be multidisciplinary in practice and boasts a growing team that is utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Can you explain the ways in which your studio uses Unreal Engine 5 and Houdini to create truly innovative works? How do these technologies benefit the studio’s performance?
We use Unreal Engine 5 with Houdini to combine the best of both worlds. Houdini’s procedural workflows allow us to create complex, dynamic 3D scenes quickly and efficiently, while Unreal Engine 5 brings them to life with stunning detail and real-time rendering. Houdini speeds up our prototyping and boosts creativity. With Unreal Engine 5, new features like the Motion Graphic Tools, Nanite, and Lumen ensure our work is visually stunning and runs smoothly in real time.
This allows us to execute projects faster and with incredible flexibility, pushing the boundaries of 3D art and design. Using Unreal Engine, we provide real-time feedback to clients and show results much quicker than traditional offline rendering. While we specialize in UE, we also use Blender, Cinema 4D, and Redshift for specific projects.
Every design studio has its own aesthetic, which makes them stand out from the others. For Baev Creative Studio, what are the defining visual stylistic choices that come to life in the products/experiences?
We embrace a wide range of visual styles to create captivating and diverse 3D art. We love minimalism for its elegant aesthetics and futurism for its bold, innovative point of view, while high-tech visuals allow us to explore advanced and sleek designs. Ultimately, we draw inspiration from the Y2K aesthetics of the late 90s and early 2000s, blending influences from films, video games, architecture, and music to tell compelling visual stories. This diversity defines our unique approach and keeps our projects dynamic and engaging.
Could you share insights from a recent meaningful project?
I recently worked on an interactive environment configurator for the Las Vegas MSG Sphere under a tight deadline. This challenge for such huge production greatly enhanced my skills in organizing and optimizing workflows, thanks to a fantastic team. This experience expanded my boundaries and fostered a positive growth mindset. I’ve also lately collaborated with high-profile clients like MasterCard, Apple, Kansei Wheels Co., and TERMINO.
Beyond this, I find personal work vital for self-development. My short film “Till This Day,” created entirely in Unreal Engine, won awards for Best Animation, Visual Effects, and Sound Design in Hollywood and Europe. Now, as I build my own studio, I’m excited to elevate my creative pursuits to new heights.
Currently, I’m seeking talented individuals who are passionate about 3D and design innovation. If you thrive on cutting-edge technologies and crafting incredible visual experiences, let’s connect. We’re a remote studio with plans to establish a physical space in Europe soon—it’s the start of an exciting journey!
What sort of projects do you take on? And can you tell us about some of your own ambitions and goals for the studio?
I aim to work with companies, agencies, and studios that prioritize sustainability, ethical work practices, and spreading positivity. These are the heroes I want to collaborate with. That’s why, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be partnering with Typecampus and Zetafonts to set up a non-profit exhibition in my hometown, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with the help of my friends at studio PUNKT.
The exhibition, titled “Fight for Kindness,” invites the creative community to contribute artworks with typographic messages about respect, inclusivity, environmental protection, and empathy. Everyone is welcome to join! Catch the open-air exhibition starting November 13th, right in the heart of Plovdiv’s city center! Learn more on the Typecampus website: www.typecampus.com
As an artist, what values do you hold when it comes to creating? What is the overall goal for an artist like yourself? Tell us about the bigger picture and what really matters to you.
My work is deeply influenced by my passion for science and technology. I’m fascinated by the fundamental elements of the universe—from quarks to cosmic phenomena—and how they shape our perception of reality. This curiosity drives me to explore physics and attend science fairs, connecting with others who share my enthusiasm. Technology plays a central role in my art, as I continuously explore its potential to transform human interactions.
Sustainability is also crucial to me. Moving to the Netherlands was a turning point, exposing me to forward-thinking environmental policies and innovative approaches to green living. In my line of work, sustainability means optimizing workflows to save energy, utilizing cloud-based rendering to cut down on hardware waste, and creating reusable assets. As an example, during my last project, my power supply suddenly failed.
When I had to replace it, I chose a sustainable, energy-saving model made from recycled materials and offering immense long-term benefits. Collaborating with like-minded partners and using efficient software can also make a big difference. In essence, my artistic goal is to merge my love for digital art with my fascination for science and technology, creating works that inspire, engage, and contribute to a brighter future.
What do you imagine the future of Baev Creative Studio to look like? How are you advancing the studio’s prowess through its initiatives and goals?
Our goal is to merge art and technology to create innovative and impactful experiences that inspire and connect people. I see our studio as a hub of innovation and creativity, committed to advancing our capabilities with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. We aim to create a positive impact through our work and inspire others to pursue their dreams. Together, we’re making a difference, one project at a time.
Please leave us with some thoughtful parting words about your outlook on the future generations of artists. What wisdom can you share with us?
Honestly, I feel the most important thing is to never lose your curiosity for life. At 20 years old, I know I have much more to learn, but that’s what makes the journey exciting. My message is simple: no matter where you’re from, if you pursue your goals with passion, dedication, and consistency, you’ll make it. Surround yourself with like-minded people, strive for changes, think long-term, and never give up.
All images courtesy of Nako Baev, shared with permission
Nako Baev website: www.nakobaev.com
