“Reality is boring. I focus on crafting an abstract visual world with a realistic tone—evoking familiarity through subtle imperfections and carefully placed details.”
A Journey from Graphic Design to Immersive CGI
Wes Cockx, a Brooklyn-based designer and creative director, has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and visual experimentation. Operating independently and through his creative studio, CREAM3D, he specializes in crafting compelling CGI imagery and motion work. His creative practice extends beyond traditional digital design, integrating branding, animation, and sound to create immersive visual experiences.
Cockx’s journey began in graphic design, with an early focus on branding and packaging. While these disciplines provided a solid foundation in composition and visual communication, they lacked the expressive depth he sought. Illustration became his initial outlet for artistic exploration, but it was the discovery of 3D design that truly reshaped his creative direction. The shift toward CGI offered him a limitless canvas, allowing him to manipulate form, texture, and motion in ways that traditional design could not. This transition was more than a technical evolution—it was a complete redefinition of his artistic identity.
Through CREAM3D, Cockx leads projects from conception to execution, challenging conventional aesthetics and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. His work is characterized by an ongoing desire to experiment—whether through software, lighting techniques, or abstract forms. By blending technology with artistic intuition, he continues to refine his approach, ensuring that each project delivers both conceptual depth and striking visual impact.
Wes Cockx: The Art of Balancing Abstraction and Realism
Cockx’s artistic style resists rigid classification, hovering between abstraction and realism. While his work incorporates realistic textures and lighting, he gravitates toward abstraction, using visual metaphors to communicate ideas beyond the literal. Instead of pursuing hyper-realism—common in CGI—he crafts imagery that feels familiar yet dreamlike, embedding subtle imperfections that mimic the unpredictability of the real world.
His philosophy stems from the belief that “reality is boring.” While many digital artists strive for photorealism, Cockx is drawn to the artistic potential of abstraction. He constructs visually rich environments that suggest rather than dictate meaning, leaving space for interpretation. These compositions often blur the lines between digital craftsmanship and fine art, proving that CGI is more than a technical tool—it is a medium capable of poetic expression.
By infusing his work with a realistic tone without fully adhering to realism, Cockx creates visuals that resonate on a subconscious level. His use of lighting, texture, and composition invites viewers to engage with his work beyond its aesthetic appeal. This approach makes his projects distinctive, offering a fresh perspective in the evolving landscape of digital design.
The Power of Environment and Distraction in Creativity
For Cockx, creativity is deeply influenced by his surroundings. Living in New York City provides endless visual stimuli—whether through the architecture, street scenes, or unexpected moments of everyday life. Rather than seeking inspiration solely from other CGI work, he looks to the world around him, capturing spontaneous details that later inform his designs. Exploring the city with a camera allows him to document textures, patterns, and lighting conditions, all of which contribute to his visual language.
His workspace is designed for both focus and flexibility, centered around coffee, music, and moments of intentional distraction. He embraces the idea that stepping away from a project can often lead to breakthroughs. Whether through playing synthesizers, cooking, or taking a walk, these seemingly unproductive moments allow ideas to develop organically. Instead of forcing creativity, he trusts in the process of letting concepts emerge naturally.
This approach reflects his broader perspective on design—creativity cannot be manufactured on demand, but rather cultivated through experience and observation. By embracing distractions and allowing time for ideas to settle, he ensures that each project benefits from a fresh and thoughtful perspective.
Wes Cockx: Pushing the Boundaries of CGI Motion Design
Among Cockx’s many projects, one that stands out is his collaboration with Microsoft, where he played a key role in shaping the visual language of the Fluent Design System. This project marked a significant milestone, allowing him to engage in a true creative partnership rather than simply executing a predetermined vision. The experience reinforced his passion for pushing CGI beyond static imagery, incorporating motion and interactive elements that add depth to digital experiences.
His fascination with motion design has grown in recent years, leading him to explore new techniques in animation and sound design. What began as a New Year’s resolution—to transform his personal still imagery into motion pieces—quickly evolved into a defining aspect of his portfolio. These short, atmospheric clips, often accompanied by immersive soundscapes, have garnered widespread attention, both in his professional work and on social media.
Cockx continues to explore the evolving potential of CGI, constantly challenging himself to experiment with new technologies and creative directions. His dedication to innovation, combined with his refusal to adhere to traditional design limitations, ensures that his work remains at the forefront of digital artistry. Through each project, he reaffirms his belief that CGI is more than a technical tool—it is a limitless medium for artistic expression.
