3DVIA®

3DVIA.com welcomes 3D modelers of all levels of experience. Some users are an inspiration to us because of their long experience and incredible models.

Others are an inspiration because they are continually working on improving their skills and welcome comments and help from other modelers while sharing their own tips and tricks.

We are also inspired by users who are just geting started. They help us to remember what it was like when each new discovery was exciting and each new technology opened whole new worlds of possibilities to us. 

Newer modelers also help bring out the best in the rest of us by asking questions that we can answer based on our own experience – questions that we wish we could have asked other 3D modelers when we needed help.

Most importantly, newer users remind us of the joy of 3D and bring a perspective to modeling that is both fresh and often amazingly different!

Tommy Smith (not his real name, by the way); or tomy as we know him here at 3DVIA, has brought those qualities to 3DVIA from the first time he joined our community. He always asks good questions, provides answers to some tough questions and makes comments that help us and remind us to enjoy ourselves! His models have been chosen for the 3DVIA Top 10 models  - 003 and – 010 and received an Honorable Mention in – 027.

If you really want to be reminded of the joy and possibilites of technology in the hands of younger users, go spend some time at tomy’s web site. Open your mind and imagine yourself having so much fun trying so many different things!

It’s all yours tomy – take it away -

Hello! I am Tommy Smith and live in Alberta in Canada. I became interested in 3DVIA because of the 3D Life Player. I’ll explain that now.

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

Well, I have a little sister who likes this little kids flash website called “Nick Jr.”. One day they posted a game called Diego Mudboarding that Hannah didn’t know how to play because I needed to install 3DVIA Player (at that time, named Virtools Player). Then they changed it to 3D Life and eventually 3DVIA Player. The ad said to go to 3DVIA.com so I did. That was I while ago. 3DVIA Shape 1.0 was still out. mvcomputers’ “Red Lobster” was the most popular model and phong was also a very popular artist. I signed up because I thought I could make a videogame with 3DVIA Shape. But, oh well, maybe someday. It’s a good program, and you are not going to get a better deal!

Q2: What types of 3D modeling do you do? 

Just like toymaker, I don’t start with a plan on paper because sometimes something happens that I didn’t expect and I have to change plans.

Q3: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?

Oh, well usually, not long. Usually a few minutes to an hour. The longest time I took was about a month to make my ferris wheel model.

Q4: What additional software do you use to create your models and images?

Usually, I either search the internet or use 3DVIA Shape’s provided textures. Or, if I really have to, I will use MS Paint to make my pictures. But those are always opaque and I can’t make it transparent. I’m hoping GIF images will be supported for 3DVIA Shape soon!

Q5: What is your work/modeling day like?

I go to school, but as soon as I get a chance, I’m on 3DVIA.com. That’s usually at about 4:00 pm.

Q6: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

Remember that if you have to, you can save privately and continue later. I would suggest you don’t add models that are a big file size to your model. Don’t use too many models other users have made and don’t give up because there is always a smart way to do it.

Q7: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?

I use my imagination and come up with an idea. Sometimes other models on the site can give you an idea.

Q8: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

Getting good comments on your model, replying and starting a conversation (and of course, if you do get in the Top 10, that is rewarding as well!).

Q9: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?

No, and I don’t have any private models except my tutorial model.

Q10: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help younger people as they learn about the world?

I never thought about that. I do 3D modeling because it’s fun to do, not because you can learn facts from it.

Q11: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? Movie? Comic Book?

My favorite game? The games on my website! My favorite movie is definitely Wall•E and I was never interested in Comic Books.

Q12: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?

I like seeing new places and doing science experiments.

Thanks a lot to dswavely as he helped me a lot with setting up this Featured Artist page. This was a huge surprise that I could be in the Featured Artist blog and I am proud.

And thank you too tomy, for taking the time to answer my questions and for always being a bright and inquiring presence on 3DVIA.com. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!