3DVIA®

Michael White is better known to 3DVIA visitors as toymaker! Michael seems limitless in his choice of model subjects. We just never know what he’ll do next. His models have been featured in twelve 3DVIA Top 10 posts from the very beginning, including – 001, – 004, – 016, – 017, – 018, – 019, – 020, – 022, – 023, – 025, – 026 and – 027. He also added an Honorable Mention in Top 10 – 027.

Along with all of that, toymaker has been a finalist in six 3DVIA Challenges 7 - Jack-o-Lanterns, 9 – Snowman, 10 – String Instruments, 11 – Entertainment Center, 12 – Eco Crate and 13 – Helmets! Wow! 

Now, it’s time to let his models and his own words tell the rest of the story:

My name is Michael White, I am 46 years old and I come from Clemmons, North Carolina, USA, a little village just to the southwest of Winston-Salem. 

I never had a job, or any training on a computer, never touched one until 2000. So I was very surprised by this invitation to be a featured Artist. I Have always thought of myself as a tinkerer “jack of all trades, master of none” more than an artist. “But if you never try, you will never know.” So have smelling salts handy, this could get boring !  :)

Dragons and broken whiskey bottles? Doesn’t seem boring to me!

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
In January of 2000 the first computer I ever touched arrived at my house.(Windows Me 600 MHz, 64mb ram, 28gb hard drive) About two weeks later; I went to Staples for some very important software, OK, I was looking for games! In the discount bin I found Expert Software CAD 3D for $5.00 and that is how I became interested in 3D modeling.

Q2: What types of 3D modeling do you do?
Most of the time I don’t start with a plan, just with random shapes & doodles, then think to myself that looks like “something”, delete that and really draw it. Since this is a hobby for me and not a job, I draw just whatever strikes my mind.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?
I work at a family-owned letterpress print shop in central North Carolina, so not much. I do use it for my other hobby woodworking / toy making.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
I don’t know how to answer this one, Since I don’t think a model is ever finished, I have just stopped working on it. I am always thinking I should have … I can add … or that could have been done in a different way.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your models and images?
For my hobby I go cheap. free Google SketchUp, mgi  PhotoSuite 95 (came with my first pc) paint.net (free download), Photo Impression 4 (came with a camera) and Inkscape (free download). I also search for images online for parts to clip or modify.

Q6: What is your work/modeling day like?
Very random, whenever I have a free moment  I’m working on a model.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?
Sometimes the best way to stay focused is to do something else, for me at least, if  I try to force myself through something it just gets worse and worse! Take a break and in the back of your mind you’re still working on it and the solution will come to you when you least expect it.

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
I often just ask people who know me and my addiction to 3D what should I draw next.

Q9: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?
Doing the drawing. When one is “finished” I lose all interest in it.

Q10: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?
Yes!

Q11: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help children as they learn about the world?
I think it would help some children, but not all, The problem with schools is no two children are alike, but schools try to hammer them all through the same slot. In my case it would have been a bad thing, pencil & paper was bad enough. All my teachers complained that all I did was draw. If I had this, then school would work would have been a lost cause!

Q12: Just for fun, what is your favorite game?  Movie?  Comic Book?
Monopoly, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Incredible HULK

Q13: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
Carving  figures & bowls – woodworking

From fantasy to reality and from ghoulish to foolish, toymaker does it all! Thank you Michael for answering our questions and for all the great models that you’ve added to 3DVIA. You have a great sense of humor and we always look forward to your comments on other folks models.