In this blog post, we are excited to interview Ozgur Gorgun, our very own Maxon Cinema 4D Master Trainer who delivers various C4D courses at Docklands Media. Ozgur shares his journey, insights, and inspirations, providing valuable advice for aspiring 3D artists. This interview with Ozgur provides a glimpse into the world of a professional Cinema 4D artist and instructor. His experiences and tips can serve as a valuable guide for both beginners and seasoned artists. Let his journey inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of Cinema 4D and create your own path in the 3D art industry.
Docklands Media: Ozgur, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and how you got into Cinema 4D?
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Ozgur Gorgun: Thank you for having me! My journey with Cinema 4D began nearly 20 years ago. I started as a filmmaker, but my interest in motion graphics and animation led me to explore Cinema 4D. I first learned about Adobe After Effects and was blown away by what it was capable of. I then remember hitting a certain ceiling with regards to the 3D features of After Effects. That’s when I discovered Cinema 4D. The software’s user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities immediately drew me in, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects ranging from commercials to film, music videos and motion graphics. I also have the pleasure of teaching others how to use Cinema 4D.
Docklands Media: And how did you get into teaching?
Ozgur Gorgun: While I was doing my masters degree in Film and TV Directing at the University of Hertfordshire, an opportunity arose for me to deliver a set of workshops to undergraduate students at a different university (University of Westminster). By that stage, I had quite a bit of real life experience in film production but zero experience in teaching. So I decided this would be a worthwhile challenge. That’s when I realised how much I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
Docklands Media: You are also a Cinema 4D Master Trainer. Can you tell us what this title means and also a little more about the Maxon certification options for users and trainers?
Ozgur Gorgun: Sure. I have been teaching Cinema 4D for nearly 15 years. When Maxon recently went through a restructure in their training department, I was offered to be a Master Trainer. After a very very detailed and thorough skills evaluation processes, I was given the Master Trainer title. There are only a handful of us around the world and we are authorised to certify pro users, as well as trainers, who wish to offer Cinema 4D training to their clients.
Maxon offer two different certifications for Cinema 4D: The Pro User Certification and the Trainer Certification. The details for both of these can be found at https://www.maxon.net/en/certification
Both of these certifications are based on a very thorough and detailed test that lasts around 4 hours. The Pro User test requires a 90% proficiency in order to pass, whereas the Trainer Certification requires a 100%. The latter also includes a 2-hour teaching test to evaluate the trainers ability to teach.
I have also been an Adobe Certified Instructor for more than a decade and been certifying people in applications such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. I also hold a number of other certifications. I can easily say that the Cinema 4D certification is the best one to reflect a users ability as it’s a true representation of how much a user knows.
Docklands Media: Can you share a bit about your teaching philosophy and how you approach instructing your courses?
Ozgur Gorgun: My teaching philosophy revolves around practical, hands-on learning. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing, so I structure my courses to include plenty of real-world projects and exercises. I also focus on demystifying the software, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps. My goal is to empower students to confidently use Cinema 4D in their own projects.
Docklands Media: What are some of the common challenges your students face, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
Ozgur Gorgun: One common challenge students face is the initial overwhelm with the vast array of tools and features in Cinema 4D. To address this, I start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced topics. I also encourage students to ask questions and engage in discussions, creating a collaborative learning environment. Providing clear, step-by-step tutorials and offering personalised feedback helps students build their confidence and skills.
Docklands Media: What do you enjoy most about teaching Cinema 4D at Docklands Media?
Ozgur Gorgun: Teaching at Docklands Media is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy seeing the progress of my students and their excitement when they master new techniques. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to share my passion for Cinema 4D with others make it a rewarding experience. It’s gratifying to know that I’m helping to shape the next generation of 3D artists.
Docklands Media: How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and features in Cinema 4D?
Ozgur Gorgun: Staying updated with the latest trends and features is crucial in this rapidly evolving field. I regularly attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars. I also participate in online forums and communities where I can exchange knowledge with other professionals. We also have a confidential platform where we test the beta versions of C4D before public release and exchange valuable information with Maxon. Keeping an eye on updates from Maxon and experimenting with new features in personal projects helps me stay ahead of the curve.
Docklands Media: What do you find most inspiring about working with Cinema 4D?
Ozgur Gorgun: The most inspiring aspect of working with Cinema 4D is its versatility. Whether you’re creating detailed 3D models, complex animations, or stunning visual effects, Cinema 4D has the tools to make it happen. Additionally, the community around Cinema 4D is incredibly supportive and innovative, constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with the software.
Docklands Media: What was your first significant project with Cinema 4D, and how did it impact your career?
Ozgur Gorgun: One of my first significant projects was creating a series of motion graphics for a major television network in the UK. The project was both challenging and rewarding, as it required a deep understanding of Cinema 4D’s capabilities and its integration with the Adobe suite. Successfully completing this project not only boosted my confidence but also established my reputation in the industry. It led to more high-profile projects and eventually to my role as a Master Trainer.
Docklands Media: Can you talk about a particularly memorable project you worked on and what you learned from it?
Ozgur Gorgun: One particularly memorable project was a large-scale visual effects sequence for a feature film. The project was complex, requiring meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with a team of artists. It was a valuable learning experience in terms of project management, teamwork, and pushing the technical limits of Cinema 4D. The final result was spectacular, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work on the big screen.
Docklands Media: What advice would you give to those looking to build a strong portfolio?
Docklands Media: Lastly, what are your plans for the future, both in terms of your personal projects and your teaching career?
Ozgur Gorgun: I plan to continue pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with Cinema 4D, both in my personal projects and through my teaching. I’m excited about exploring new features and techniques, and I look forward to incorporating them into my courses. My ultimate goal is to continue inspiring and empowering my students to reach their full potential as 3D artists.
Docklands Media: Thank you, Ozgur, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences. We’re sure our readers will find this interview incredibly inspiring.
Ozgur Gorgun: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my journey with the Cinema 4D community.
Building a successful career in 3D art requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for creativity. If you’re inspired by Ozgur’s story and want to enhance your skills, check out our comprehensive Cinema 4D courses at Docklands Media. Enrol today and take the first step towards becoming a Cinema 4D expert.
