Maxim Zhestkov (1985) is a video artist, and motion and graphics designer based in Ulyanovk, Russia. At the age of six he was given his first computer, a ZX Spectrum, and devoted his time to drawing huge and very detailed illustrations. He was also a keen gamer, and believes his enthusiasm for design and CG effects can be traced back to those days. After high school he undertook a degree in architecture, which he followed by studying graphic design, fine art, illustration and sculpture. In 2009 he signed to Partizan. (Maxim Zhestkov)