Bold. Imaginative. Unmistakably his own. Curated by Zach has redefined what 3D design can be, turning hyper-realistic car renders into viral works of art that set social media ablaze. It all started with a matte pink Bugatti Chiron that pulled in over 20 million views and proved his vision could resonate on a massive scale. But Zach isn’t just chasing clicks — he’s fiercely protective of his artistic integrity. In this candid interview, Curated by Zach reveals the moment his designs truly took off and dives into how he navigates the delicate dance between staying creatively pure and building a thriving brand.
Curated by Zach has built a signature style that’s impossible to mistake — bold colorways, imaginative wings, and hyper-realistic builds that look like they could roll off the production line tomorrow. But that distinctive voice didn’t just appear overnight.
“I’ve always been obsessed with cars,” he explains. “I remember sitting on the Porsche configurator thinking, ‘There’s not enough creative freedom here.’ I wanted to build something that didn’t just look different — it felt different.”
Experimentation, he says, was the key. Once he got access to more advanced tools, he let his creativity run wild. “I just kept trying things — wild colorways, unconventional materials, unique wings, all of it. And bringing it to life in a realistic way made it feel even more powerful. That freedom to experiment has 100% shaped my voice.”
So what’s his recommendation for anyone just getting started in 3D modeling? He doesn’t hesitate: “Start with Blender.”
“It’s free, powerful, and has a massive community. Everyone says it — but watch the Blender donut tutorial. I dreaded it too, but it teaches you the fundamentals. From there, YouTube is your best friend. Whether you’re into art, cars, or architecture — there’s a tutorial for you. Just get into the software, play around, and build that foundation.”
Zach is quick to warn newcomers about the most common trap: shortcuts.
“Biggest mistake? Trying to take shortcuts. You’ve got to do the hard stuff. Watch the tutorials. Learn basic modeling. Understand how mapping works. If you skip those early steps, you’re gonna hit a wall later on. It might feel slow at first, but that foundation will make everything easier — and better — down the line.”
Social media has been instrumental in Zach’s rise as one of the most recognizable names in 3D design. But for him, it’s not just about posting for the sake of posting. “It all comes down to content. Not just any content — great content,” he explains. “You have to find a way to blend short-form content with real art. If someone can’t tell whether your post is ‘just content’ or an actual work of art, that’s where the magic happens.” Consistency, he believes, is just as critical as creativity. “Once you figure that out — do it consistently. Whether you’re into automotive, architecture, fashion — it doesn’t matter. Make it engaging, make it visual, and keep showing up.”
Despite the highly technical nature of 3D modeling, Zach insists that the work is just as much about feeling as precision. Striking the right balance is essential. “I try to sit right at the edge of what’s possible,” he says. “The clear wing is a great example — I’m actually working with a company now to make it real, but it’s tough. There are all these safety regulations and production hurdles. So yeah, sometimes I push things into that dreamlike space — but I always try to keep one foot in reality. If it feels too fake, people won’t connect with it. But if you can dream up something that could be real… that’s the sweet spot.”
Looking ahead, Zach is especially energized by the rapid evolution of tools and technology in the field. “AI, no question,” he says when asked about trends he’s most excited about. “There’s so much that can be streamlined. I’ve already been testing tools like Topaz AI for post-processing and even some early modeling tools powered by AI. There’s a Claude plugin where you can generate models — and it’s only getting better.” But he’s clear-eyed about what that means for designers. “I think we’re heading toward a world where AI enhances our creative process, not replaces it. More plugins, more automation, but still rooted in creativity. You’ve got to stay ahead of it though — it’s moving fast.”