We had the good fortune of connecting with Can Sarac and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Can, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks is in the nature of an art career in general. First of all, you decide to separate yourself from others at an early age and start moving toward the uncertain reality that awaits you. Then, after you complete your educational journey, you move toward the work environment, which also has many uncertainties and risks. These include changing your country and not having a secure job that you will have for a long time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It was definitely a tricky one. I was born and grew up in Turkey. Even though there are some art-related sectors and education available, it is not comparable to what is happening here. While getting your education in my country or similar countries, you do not have many options but to study to become an engineer, doctor, or follow other exam-based, traditional career tracks. There are not many art or potential future-related job paths. So, deviating from the well-trodden path that many have experienced to a never-before-tried path by your surroundings is challenging both for you and your circle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ah, Los Angeles. It is definitely one of the most magnificent places I have ever been. The second you arrive at LAX, feeling the smooth breeze with the golden sun shining on you, you know this place is special. If someone were visiting me in LA, I would definitely go to good old Santa Monica first. I truly believe Santa Monica is like a small demo of Los Angeles with its sea, quality food, and nice people.

After enjoying some seafood and drinking my coffee there, I would definitely drive to Downtown LA to see the beautiful architecture. After taking some photos, I would head to Hollywood and then end the day at Universal CityWalk for sure! Even though this would be a possible short-term visit plan for your guest and you, you need quite some time to fully see LA. No matter how long you live here and travel, there is always something new that will surprise you in this city.

Oh, as a side note if your guest is a GTA V fan, they don’t need you to travel around—you are the guest at that point!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my story, there was a lot of support from many people I know. It began with my friends from first grade to high school. They were always supportive, even though many others said otherwise. Then, there was my school – Gnomon School of VFX – which took one of the most important steps in making me a true CG artist. And last but not least, my family. They all helped me move forward in my story, which otherwise would have been impossible.

However, I want to share one very important thing with you all. Until the second I got accepted to Gnomon and started my career, there was always doubt from every single person I knew. My friends did not believe at the beginning, my family said I would possibly not get accepted by this school, and so on. The point is, even though everyone is supportive and very helpful right now, they were not always, and that’s okay.

You have to be the one who knows that it will happen and how it will happen. Do not listen to people who say otherwise. Even though they might not intentionally try to be mean, they might not believe in you and your capabilities until the second you prove yourself. Life does not move perfectly or positively all the time; to reach your dreams, you need to create that path first.

Website: https://www.cansarac3d.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cansarac3d_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/can-sara%C3%A7-309061169/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cansarac

Other: https://cansarac.artstation.com/

Image Credits
For the Zip Cart project (the ship on the cloud)

Clouds – Angel Villavicencio

Concept by Zhou Kun

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