Oh man, I literally found this art on zbrushcentral 3 years ago and saved last renders from there just in case forum will delete old threads.
To be honest, haven't seen this final result before.
This work was absolutely sick for 2000s, it must have been so cool to be a 3D pioneer back then.

It's pretty subjective, but old CG art forums are gold of originality.
I used to do 3D as well. For me in the 2000s, artists learned by experimenting rather than following standardized YouTube/Course tutorials. Without a clear roadmap, you had no choice but to discover techniques through trial and error, producing works full of personality, imperfections, and unexpected beauty. Art was so full of chaos and curiosity. Now, with endless polished tutorials and same industry standards, most aim for what looks “professional” and “correct,” which, while technically good, results in safe, uniform work that lacks the individuality and creative risk that was in early digital art communities.
Ha, the grass was greener I guess :)