3DVIA®

Mark Biasotti is quite well known within the SolidWorks community for his mastery of the complex surfaces often needed to design and manufacture many consumer items. As an Industrial Designer, he was always working to make the products fit our needs and our physical capabilities. When we pick up a product and it just feels right when we use it, we can thank folks like Mark. Now he works directly at SolidWorks to help make their products even better at helping designers help us.

Mark’s wide background and long experience add valuable perspective to his comments. We appreciate that he was able to make the time to share his images, videos and thoughts with us.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?

This is going to date me, but it was back in 1985 when I was an Industrial Designer for Hewlett Packard. I got involved with, HP’s product , ME30 and then later Solid Designer (code named Quintus) and today known as PTC’s One Space Designer. 

This is a mock movie poster for an incredible video that Mark created using SolidWorks and additional production tools. Go here to watch it – it is definitely worth it. Then go here to read a complete explanation from Mark about how it came to be.

Q2: What type of 3D models do you do?

All types, but the most enjoyable types of modeling for me are ones that are geometrically challenging – they involve an intense amount of problem solving and design.  Often times, they fall into the category of Consumer Product Design type shapes.

Blender model courtesy of Mike Garman – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?

Currently I’m a Product Manager for the advanced concepts group at SolidWorks. I’m involved with direction and strategy for future SolidWorks products which involves a great deal of customer observation, storyboarding and working with the development team.

The next “production” that Mark did was for SolidWorks World 2007 in New Orleans called “Better Products for the Future”in which, again, he used the combination of SolidWorks, NewTek’s Lightwave3D and Adobe’s After Effects to create. You can download it here

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
Hum… that really depends on the complexity of course. I would say on an average two to five days from initial shape creation to parting it out and rendering.

Camera courtesy of WaterShot Inc. – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?
If I’m creating still images from SolidWorks, I use PhotoWorks and PhotoView 360 and ALWAYS post-process it in Adobe Photoshop. If I’m creating animations, I love to use Lightwave3D and Adobe After Effects for the post-processing, additional effects and final composite.

Guitar model courtesy of Paul Reed Smith Guitars – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q6: What is your work day like?
What I get involved with in a typical day and week varies greatly and that is, perhaps, what makes this job interesting. Stepping away from a formal Industrial Design role four years ago and into a product management role has not stopped me for being able to contribute creatively.  As you can imagine, The Product Management role does not afford me to be an isolationist (although there are days…) and I’m constantly in meetings and brainstorming sessions with developers and Product Marketing. One thing that is constant in my day is monitoring and contributing to the SolidWorks Forums and blogs. I  love to stay in touch with our customer. I also try to visit user groups around the country as well as many customer visits and customer observations.

racecar model courtesy of the University of British Columbia – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a big project?
Start with the difficult tasks up-front instead of putting them off to the end. Don’t be afraid to solicit feedback early and be aware that human nature leans toward avoiding conflicts so be proactive.

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
I’m a big fan of science museums – we have a particularly good one here in Boston, but I’m also a big fan of science fiction. I subscribe to some ID and 3D CGI magazines and hanging out at forums like Product Design Forums which are good for staying current and observing current trends.

Q9: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?
Yes, but for things that are not so challenging geometrically. Years ago, when I was in California and my children were young, I built a Hexagonal 2 story tree house for them – entirely built in SW and design so it could be disassembled.

Q10: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? comic book?
I love team games like Scattergories and Balderdash. Favorite movie: Gladiator. I never really got into comics.

Q11: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
My faith in Jesus Christ and my pursuit of knowing Him better.

Thank you again, Mark, for adding your perspective about 3D modeling and for sharing your images, videos and comments.