A work from the HERMÈS X Paul Milinski collaboration titled 'Interludes'. Image courtesy of the artist. Australian 3D artist Paul Milinski hasn’t taken the traditional route into the art world. The former labourer from Melbourne began his journey while working onsite, teaching himself digital art through YouTube at night.
“I’ve always been creative, so I never really saw my shift from labouring jobs to digital art as a transition,” Milinski tells T Australia. “It was more about embracing what I was good at and pursuing it.”
His passion for 3D computer games and Pixar films sparked his interest in digital art. When Milinski first bought a laptop, he didn’t just see it as a tool for connection; it became a gateway to creating works that had always fascinated him. This enthusiasm drove him to explore 3D programs deeply, a stark contrast to his school days when he often struggled to concentrate. In those early days of learning different software, he says he “felt like a sponge”, absorbing everything he could about digital art. A true indication of where his passion lies.
In 2019, Milinski’s online work began attracting the attention of luxury global brands such as Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier, and by 2020, he was actively collaborating with them.
“One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was the Cartier Australian Dreamscapes campaign in 2021,” he says. “This project holds a special place in my heart because it allowed me to create landscapes that represent my home country.”
Fast forward five years, and Milinski is now a leading digital artist, engaged in ongoing projects with several luxury labels, including a recent collaboration with Samsung. This partnership is part of an initiative to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, resulting in a new Web3 TV bundle centred around NFT art and culture. This premium package includes a Samsung TV, a custom Ledger Nano X, and exclusive NFT art created by Milinski.
It’s not just NFT art that Milinski is exploring. As the art landscape continues to evolve, he is also adapting, working with AI to enhance the offerings of luxury brands.
“AI is becoming more prevalent in design, but it’s important to view it as a tool rather than art itself,” he explains. “Luxury brands can leverage AI to enhance the creative process without compromising traditional values of craftsmanship, quality, and scarcity.”
However, he acknowledges the limitations of AI for these luxury powerhouses. While it aids in tasks like pipeline production and visualising initial ideas, it can sometimes lead to generic outputs. “AI is very good at mass-producing content, which can undermine the luxury cornerstones of scarcity, attention to detail, and craftsmanship,” he notes. The key, he emphasises, is to use AI to complement traditional techniques, allowing for innovation while ensuring that the final product maintains the brand’s unique quality and craftsmanship.
