CS.MONEY Blog returns with a fresh series of interviews with skin creators! This time, The Gallery Case skin creators are in the spotlight.
Today we welcome Horameow, one of the creators behind USP-S 27, made together with the experienced HEWOK. He’ll dive into why making “Blue” skins is both challenging and rewarding, whether skin earnings are enough to live on, his past work at a factory (!), the grind of skinmaking, his inspirations and switching to Source 2. CS.MONEY Exclusive!
USP-S 027 and the Complexity of “Blue” Skins
Let’s start with our main character today: USP-S 27. Horameow shared how the idea for this seemingly simple but actually quite complex skin came to be.
“I love experimenting with shapes, adding unconventional cuts and playing with weapon compositions. That’s how the main 3D base for this skin came together, and HEWOK added his textures and lettering to it—the ‘027’ text was entirely his idea.
“I think it’s tougher to make blue-quality skins because you have to stick to a subtle palette and avoid overloading the design. These skins usually require high attention to textures and 3D modelling. Any experienced skinmaker could make something like the 27, and I think this USP was chosen because of the simple yet unusual 027 on it.
“A lot of creators are afraid to simplify their work. Skinmakers are often designing with other skinmakers in mind and don’t want to look inferior in their peers’ eyes. Here’s a little secret: almost every skinmaker with some experience can’t really see a skin from a regular player’s perspective. Players usually don’t know the creation process or the technical aspects.
“So, it turns into a competition among skinmakers. Competition is a great motivator, though!”
“I actually think blue skins are best for 3D-modellers. They require a strict military design and a subtle palette. When making dragon designs or other more intricate works, you spend ages on composition, color, etc. With simplest skins, your imagination is limitless, and that’s what makes opening cases exciting!
“When creating a skin, I never think about a weapon’s popularity; I just make what I feel like making. If a concept doesn’t fit a popular weapon, it’s okay. Weapons that suit blue rarity are likely to be chosen for it, so there’s no point in making them super colorful.”
Personal Things, Earnings, and Life at a Factory
Horameow first tried his hand at skin-making back in 2015 but left the idea behind. He picked it up again in 2021, diving into the software and fully immersing himself in the process.
“My main job had nothing to do with making skins. I was a Modelling Master at a factory, designing 3D models for metal casting and manufacturing them on machines. I got into skins after watching an interview with skinmakers.
“Initially, I was drawn in by the money, to be honest, as it wasn’t enough for us and a good lifestyle back then. I think many start that way, but eventually, you begin to really enjoy it. It becomes part of your day, and ideas start flowing naturally. Soon, you’ll just picture a new skin, and all that’s left is to bring it to life.
“You get enough money from one accepted skin to focus just on skinmaking without needing another job. I quit right after getting accepted. It’s enough to cover all the things I want, too. My expectations were met.
“This past year, I was working both at the factory and on skins. Intensively. I only slowed down before the case release due to burnout, but I spent every spare moment on skins. I’d be at the factory from 7:30 to 16:00, then work on skins from 18:00 to 01:00. I barely slept, but I was determined to change my life, so I pushed through. (laughs)
“I have a habit of turning off notifications and internet at night. The day The Galley Case launched, I woke up as usual, checked messages, and saw a bunch of congratulatory texts on Telegram. I didn’t believe it at first—thought it was a joke. Then, I checked my email and saw that the skin was accepted. I woke up my wife, and soon enough, even our child was awake from the excitement. Safe to say, I didn’t go to work that day!”
On Inspirations and Transitioning to CS2
So, as an artist, what inspires you to make skins?
“I usually find inspiration in technically complex works by pro 3D-modellers and other skinmakers who are always coming up with ways to impress! It’s really motivating to bring an idea to life, especially when you’re not sure you’ll pull it off, but then you see the results of your efforts. You should always be setting new goals, never staying stagnant.
“I started making skins in CS, but soon realized my skill level wasn’t enough to get in—I needed to improve the quality. At that time, I was still trying to draw, so I switched over to RUST to build up my skills. Eventually, I focused more on 3D; it just felt like a better fit.
“RUST was a place to practice texturing and 3D-modelling to keep up with experienced creators. And with those skills, I gradually started making skins in CS2. RUST allows you to make more than just weapons, which gives your creativity a break and expands your imagination, and that’s why I enjoy creating skins for it.
“In CS, checking your skins in-game was inconvenient. You had to replace an accepted skin with your own, and the engine didn’t render materials accurately. CS2 has full PBR material support, so transitioning wasn’t hard; the pipeline is similar to RUST.”
Which skin are you most proud of?
“I have four skins that I’m really proud of and would love to see in the game! If I had to pick, though, it’d be Dual Berettas DUALIS [STEEL].
“This was challenging for me since it was my first time engraving and working with lighter metals. CROPE did amazing with realistic drawing, and we put in 100%, but even screenshots don’t capture how cool they look in-game.”
You can read other editions of The Gallery Case Skin Makers Interviews via this link.
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