Interviewing Idols: Wes L Cockx

Belgian 3D Illustrator and Type Designer, Wes, produces unique and experimental designs that combine digital graphics with realistic textures, materials and lighting to create incredibly versatile designs which has gained him a substantial position in the 3D design world. Wes was one of the first people I spoke to about 3D design, and he really is a design idol to me.

Wes, better known by his online pseudonym CREAM, is one of a kind. When you think of type design or hand lettering, Seb Lester or Jessica Hische are the typical names that pop up, but with 3D being more and more popular and accessible, a whole new breed of ‘illustrators’ appeared. Wes is one of the forerunners in this department. He has worked for plenty of big-name companies, like as Nike, Pepsi, Absolut Vodka and Land Rover, which shows he certainly is good at what he does!

Why does he inspire me?

When I started doing Product design in AS/A level, I realised I wasn’t a drawer, that’s still true to this day. So I used my computer skills to try out 3D modelling, slowly developing my skills on Fusion 360, trying Blender and eventually, I stumbled upon Cinema 4D. I’d used it before, but not for more than 10 minutes. I decided to go on Instagram and see what others were doing with it, Wes was one of the first people I religiously looked at. I’m not sure if it was the flashy gold colours on the 3D modelled letters, or the intricate still life’s that hooked me on Wes’ work, but boy I certainly wanted to find out how to do that!

Wes’ work showed me that you don’t have to be the best at drawing to be a “designer”, you need to be creative, inventive, innovative, experimental and all the other adjectives that describe his work. Not only is Wes’ work aesthetically pleasing, but his attention to detail is second to none. Whether it’s lighting or texturing, Wes makes sure his designs are as realistic as possible. Though Wes doesn't post on Instagram daily, his consistency, like many other designs, is what has allowed him to grow his following. Wes told me in one of our first emails to…