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3DVIA Featured Artist – Shannon Sands (sandman14)
Shannon Sands (sandman14) has been rocking 3DVIA’s world with his multitude of incredible guitar models. His models have been featured in Top 10 – 014, – 015 (two models), – 017, – 018, – 020, – 023, – 026, and – 028, and as Honorable Mentions in Top 10 – 022, – 023, and – 024.
It’s about time that we got the inside scoop on what drives Shannon’s guitar obsession and provide a showcase for his fantastic models! Each of Shannon’s guitars bring some history and memories with them. I’ve learned more about guitars by reading his descriptions and comments (and the responses from 3DVIA users) than I could from a book.
Shannon’s first response was short and to the point: “My name is Shannon Sands. I am 37. I do construction (roofing & siding) for a living. I live in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.”
Then, just like at a good concert, he realized his audience was with him and he opened up to tell us a lot more about himself:
I was born in Atlantic City, NJ on January 3, 1972. I lived there for ten years until I moved to Hatboro, PA in 1982. My Mother was from Atlantic City and my Father was from Hatboro. I’m the youngest of six children and though my name is Shannon I am a male (it’s just a lot of people think Shannon is a girl’s name).
I picked up the guitar at the age of nine, and I never put it back down (haha). As long as I could remember I’ve been into art. When I was younger I would draw non-stop. I loved drawing cars, plans, motorcycles etc. (didn’t really draw guitars when I was younger). I graduated from Hatboro Horsham high school in 1990.
I didn’t go to college :(. I went to work with my Father (Howard Sands) doing roofing & siding after I graduated from high school, and I worked for him until his death in 1999. Now me and my two bothers (Brian & Dwayne) run the family business.
Also, the reason why I called myself sandman14 is because I was nicknamed sandman in school (my brother Brian as well) and the 14 was Brian’s hockey jersey number when he played in an amateur hockey league on a team called the Ice Dragons.
Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
I was an artist all my life, and I liked the idea of turning my 2D drawings into 3D models.
Q2: What types of 3D modeling do you do?
I just mainly make what I’m most interested in at the time. Most people who know who I am know what that is…Guitars!
Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?
Well, I do construction for a living, so my 3D modeling doesn’t play too much of a part in my work other than kicking back and relaxing after a hard day. Making 3D models is one of my most relaxing things to do.
Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
I try not to spend too much time on any one model, but on the average I spend about 2 to 4 hours on my models. Sometimes it could be longer though.
Q5: What additional software do you use to create your models and images?
I basically just use Google SketchUp. Nothing else at this point in time.
Q6: What is your work/modeling day like?
My modeling day is my time to be creative and unwind. As I said before, it’s my time to just relax and do what I feel like doing.
Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?
On a smaller project it’s kind of easy to wing it, but on a larger project I think you should have a good idea of what you’re doing before you start. Not having a good plan before you start can make you lose focus quickly.
Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
Most of the time I just think up something, picture it in my head and just go for it.
Q8: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?
I think the most rewarding part of modeling is seeing your idea take shape. It’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment.
Q9: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?
Basically all my 3D models are personal projects, and they are all done at home.
Q10: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help children as they learn about the world?
I think the most important thing to have is a good imagination, and I think 3D modeling can really help a child out in that area.
Q11: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? Movie? Comic Book?
My favorite game is Civilization II, my favorite movie is Jekyll & Hyde…Together Again, and I don’t read comic books, but if I did it would probably be something like Spawn or Hellboy.
Q12: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
Music and Art.
Oh, did I mention that Shannon also has a thing about skateboards?
But that’s story for another day. Make sure you click on and visit the guitar models that scream out to you. And check out Shannon’s comments and follow his links.
In particular, check out the video link for the Michael Angelo Batio 29 fret guitar. If you have any unscrambled brains in your head after that – you’re way younger than I am.
Thank you Shannon for your incredible models, great comments and helping us all rock on, roll on or whatever your particular favorite music moves you to do!
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Hey Shannon, great article. Congratulations for being chosen as a featured artist (it was about time, if you ask me) Actually, thank you fo answering one of my questions. I know Shannon ONLY as a girl’s name :)
I must agree with Don. From your models I learned more from guitars than from anywhere else. And that is great. I think your modeling is one of the finest here on 3DVia and I am glad that you are patient enough to kindly answer the questions of those “non-musicians” like me :)
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Keep uploading those great guitars. I love them. I have seen many (for me) new guitars in this article. AWESOME!!
Best regards
Alfred
Thanks Alfred!, I have to say that I would have never thought in a million years that I would be a featured artist on 3dvia. I have to thank Don for this honer!
Also, I notice that you did think I was a girl right?.. I’m Irish and that what my parent named me. I always liked the name though:)
I was never 100% sure if you are a boy or a girl :) When I read Shannon, I think of the 80s artist “Shannon” (I think her only hit was “let the music play”) Hope you don’t mind :)
I do mind. And I mean that seriously
no offence intended Shannon. Don’t worry, now I know and I will remember.
I have to apologise to you Alfred, It’s just a lot of people made fun of my name when I was younger. Not so much recently though. Again, please forgive me for my earlier response.
no problem Shannon. I did not mean to make fun of your name. I am German and not very used to english/american names. The Shannon I refered to is the only one I know, and she is girl. Sorry for not being more specific
Congrats Shanon :D
That’s really weird, I actually have been recently asking myself when will you be chosen as a featured artist :p
I really like all of your guitar models, you made people explore another dimension of electric guitars.
Who said that 3D models can’t make sounds, I can hear the sound of each electric guitar you made, just by watching them :D
thx
(I tought you chose your “sandman” name from the Metallica song, but I noticed now that Sand is your real last name :p)
Thanks jackred!, I’m really happy that you like my models:) Could I ask you which one of my models is your favorite?
I really like the “Harp/drone-string Guitar”.
Cool!, That’s one of my favorites as well!.. It is based on a real guitar you know. It’s not just something I made up:)
Actually, if you search camera, there is an orange camera that makes sounds.
What do you think your best model is?
Thanks Sam!, great question, I’m going to narrow it down to what’s on this page . My favorite model is the 1920’s Gibson L-5. I poured my heart out for that model when I made it.
That’s weird Shannon – when I was putting your article together, the very first guitar that I put in was the 1920’s Gibson L-5 because I knew it had to be included and I like it so much too! Such great models!
Thanks Don! I love that model! …I think a lot of people have the misconception that I’m only into heavy metal music. The fact is, that’s probably the least music I listen to.
That is a beauty. I like it because everything comes from something else and an appreciation for that history makes today all that much richer. I, too, like all types of music (well, except maybe some opera). so I really like seeing the variety of guitars that you model!
the best guitar model for me is your own designed “Inferno” :D
I like it’s shape and design :)
I think the Flying V Flame Guitar is great too
Thanks jackred!, I take that as a real complement from someone who made a great guitar model them self! I’m referring to your Thunder G model:
http://www.3dvia.com/jackred/models/1DA481132537091B
… Awesome!!!
That’s great Jack RED!
When I was choosing which guitar should be the spotlighted one in all the images I picked Shannon’s own Inferno without even knowing it.
After I had everything done and was making sure the links were right I found out that it was his own design – the choice was perfect to celebrate Shannon’s own creativity!!
Don, Thank you! I have to show my appreciation the only way I know how… You liked the Ventures video I showed you right?… Anyway, I see you like surf music, and here’s the King of that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVduB6as2VU enjoy:)
Thanks sandman! At that time, teenagers really only heard what was on the top 40 stations, so I heard a some of the Deltones, but did not know Dick Dale was so good!
It’s really ironic that I lived in California during that amazing time and never once rode a board. Now I live in Massachusetts, where waves are almost non-existent, and all three of my sons are surfers and I stumble over their boards every time I go in the cellar! LOL
I’ve taken them surfing (at their insistence) the day after Thanksgiving, the day after Christmas, the day after New Year and a few other days when it was snowing or sleeting or just plain miserable. They just pile on the wetsuits and have a blast!
I also really like the “Yngwie Malmsteen’s Stolen Abstract Guitar”.
There’s only one of those in the world!… And it was stolen:(
Here’s another one of my favorite guitar players
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4q3p_o8A6g
I listened to him way before he played for Guns & Roses :D
Yep, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Stolen Abstract Guitar is cool, Yngwie Malmsteen is Swedish like me:D
Congrats Sandman14 on being chosen as the “Featured Artist”!!
You bring a completely new and distinct dimension to both Music and 3D modelling world… your models aren’t just informative… they’re entertaining as well…
Hope you keep on adding the good models to us to enjoy :)
i said it!i said !
my biggest congrats,shannon
and don too,for the pics,for the whole collection here
As always, Shannon has done the hard work and provided the inspiration to us all with his modeling. I just try to make them look the best I can, but I do appreciate that you notice the effort :)
Nice models you have to create an exhibition with this models