Sometimes, life throws you curveballs, and you have to rethink your path. Thats precisely what happened to Martin, who found himself at a crossroads at 50, looking to make choices that truly served him. Instead of staying stuck in a job he no longer wanted, he made a bold movehe quit and started learning Blender.In this interview, Martin shares how CG Cookie came into his life and how he's continued growing his 3D modeling and animation skills. From discovering Blender tutorials to teaching beginners and creating projects that are entirely his own, Martin's journey is both inspiring and a reminder that today is always a good day to pursue what you love._____Hey there, could you take a moment to introduce yourself?There's not much to say about myself. My job took me to many places, but when things took a turn for the worse, I had to reevaluate my life. Now, at 50, it's time for me to start making decisions that prioritize my own well-being.What was the turning point that led you to use Blender in your creative work?I was tired of my job and didnt want to continue, so I quit and started working with Blender.Who or what has been your biggest influence in your 3D modeling journey?After spending a lot of time on YouTube trying to pick up Blender tips, I realized that, back in 2009/10, many tutorials only told part of the story. Some were helpful, while others were really bad, and finding good information was challenging. Thats when CG Cookie came along at just the right time. It wasn't easy initially eitherI remember struggling with Blender 2.49 and older courses as new versions were released. It was a tough time for me.What initially drew you to CG Cookie, and how did you first discover it?It was just a regular day of searching the internet for help when I came across CG Cookie. It quickly became my favorite platform because, even back then, they had so much to offer.Can you describe a moment when you significantly improved your skills thanks to CG Cookie?It's hard to pinpoint a single moment. I've had so many instances where I felt my skills were really advancingand I still experience those moments today.Can you share more about your experience teaching Blender to beginners at the art and design school? What techniques or approaches did you use to help these students, who had no prior knowledge, create impressive scenes in just three days?Initially, I saw an ad on a well-known job platform and applied without any real expectations or ulterior motives. I didnt think I would land the job, especially since Im not a skilled 3D artist, nor did I have any teaching experience.The first thing that came to mind was CG Cookie, and Im so grateful for the Blender teaching guide they offerit helped me a lot! The Blender videos, showing how little you need to create something, were also a huge help. Kents Cubicity course inspired me to model a car with the class and then expand the scene with more simple objects. I basically took the techniques and approaches straight from CG Cookie.The first day was tough, and my first class was a bit of a trial run. The biggest challenge was explaining things that seemed logical to me, like navigating Blender or the difference between Edit Mode and Object Mode. Time was another challengetrying to deliver the information quickly enough so they had time to work on their own projects. I only had three days and had to keep them motivated, making sure they didnt give up.What is one of your favorite projects youve completed since joining CG Cookie? What made it special?Id say my Zuriga coffee maker and Guitar Boss pedal are two projects Im particularly proud of because they werent tied to any course I followedthey were completely my own creations.What was one of the biggest challenges you faced while learning Blender, and how did you overcome it?Plain and simple: rigging and animation. I'm still working on them.How has being part of the CG Cookie community helped you tackle challenges or stay motivated?I dont think I could have continued with 3D without a platform like this. None of my friends are into this, and Id probably just bore them with it. Having a place to share my work is truly a blessing.What are your goals or next big projects in Blender that youre excited about?Rigging and animation are my biggest challenges, but I know I have to tackle them, no matter the effort. It's definitely the area I struggle with the most.If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting with Blender, what would it be?Stick to it, repeat it, and then do it again.Thank you, Martin, for the time! Be sure to check out Martin's work on CG Cookie and ArtStation