What makes 3D characters outstanding? Photorealistic results? An original idea?

What makes 3D characters outstanding? Photorealistic results? An original idea? Sometimes you can make your art stand out by adding a 2D style. Sounds crazy, right? Here’s an example. A 3D artist Miki Bencz took a concept by j.f shi and turned it into an amazing 3D model that looks like an illustration. 

Wanted to do something relaxing, and this is what I settled on.. I LOVED the illustration and wanted to capture it in 3D to the best of my ability… 

Miki Bencz 

The artist created this work with the help of 3ds Max, 3D-Coat and Photoshop. Take a detailed look at the final model with Sketchfab: 

Light by Miki Bencz on Sketchfab

Have you tried this approach yourself? Share your results with us!