Meet Mo

We spoke with Mo Eid, 3D artist, multidisciplinary designer and Unsplash contributor, who first joined Unsplash in January of 2018. Since then, he has gained over 380M views and uploaded just over 700 images. Tune in as we get to know Mo, and his journey as a 3D artist.

Who are you & where are you based?

My Name is Mohammad, most people call me Mo. I am a multidisciplinary designer based in Dubai.

Why did you first get started in 3D design?

You gotta blame Pixar and video games. They were pretty much the reason I started learning and experimenting with 3D design software and game engines as well. Initially, I naively thought that was all I needed to make 3D animated shorts and games. Turned out there’s so much more to it than just mastering software.

What is your #1 top tip for beginner 3D artists?

Patience, a lot of patience, and daily practice.

Your go-to editing software?

The software I am using at the moment includes Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, Unity 3D, and currently I am exploring Unreal Engine.

Your favorite photo on Unsplash right now?

That drone shot of Lago di Braies by Finge Holden.

How has 3D design changed your life? 

Hmmm, it has definitely increased my screen time and the hours I spend indoors. But on the flip side, it connected me with cool people and clients.

Why did you decide to join the Unsplash community & contribute your designs?

I came across Unsplash a while ago, I think it was on Tumblr back then if I remember correctly. At that time I was working for an advertising agency, and Unsplash was the go-to website for any images we needed for clients' websites.

Then, around 2016, I got into photography. It became a kind of therapeutic creative practice and a break from all the screen time. Also, I was traveling a lot for work back then, so it was a perfect chance to snap pics of all the places and moments I encountered, turning work trips into spontaneous photo shoots. Fast forward a few years I’ve built up a few collections of street, experimental, and landscape shots that are I guess pretty okay.

Around 2019, I started posting these photos on Unsplash. It was pretty much my way of saying 'thanks' to the community, giving back to a platform that's been a big help for me over the years.

But then the pandemic hit, travel stopped, and we were all stuck in lockdown. My photo options were down to my kitchen really, which is honestly speaking not that great for pictures. That's when I turned to 3D, using design software to keep up the creative habit and go through the lockdown period. And btw It's been really inspiring to watch the platform grow over time, hitting one milestone after another. Kudos to the team and everyone who made this possible.

What motivates you to keep creating?

I just love what I do, and it's really easy for me to sit down and work on new visuals or an animated piece. It's probably just the love of the game.

Have you ever hit a design slump? How did you get over it?

Yep, it happens. I just step away from the screen. Sometimes, I grab my camera and go out to take pictures, or I might go for a run, workout, or just do something else entirely different and not related to design.

Where do you draw inspiration from outside of 3D design?

From many sources like photography, art, architecture, and sometimes even in the mundane aspects of daily life.

What is the key to a great 3D design?

In my opinion, it's about whether it tells a story, evokes emotion, or simply makes you stop and look.

What's your favorite design you’ve created? 

It’s still a work in progress. But If I have to choose it would be this one in the link below:

Why this? Normally, I find myself disliking my work a day after they're done, except for this one, which I created back in 2021 and I still like it to this day.

What are your hobbies outside of 3D design?

Skateboarding, basketball, cycling, street & landscape photography, gaming. 

Describe yourself in 3 emojis