The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, January 3rd through Friday, January 9th are highlighted here. This is the 10th post with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 are displayed is based on color, type of model and how I’m feeling, not any particular ranking. I just rearrange them until I like the way it looks. It’s as simple as that!

Be sure to check out the models that received Honorable Mentions too!

Our users live all over the world, so I include in my comments where each modeler is from. It’s great that language and distance are not barriers when we’re all sharing in 3D! (Modelers may choose not to share where they are from, so some countries of origin will remain a mystery.)

The Top 10:

I had to put smike’s model of Giger’s Alien Monster first just to get the scary part done right away. This is the only movie monster that gave me nightmares as an adult. Check out more info about Giger’s Alien here. Smike did a great job with the textures and uses Google SketchUp as his modeling tool. [ smike is from Denmark ]

terri modeled a Silverado Crewcab and then mvcomputers did a remix using 3ds Max and added lots of color to the original model. This is a great opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison and point out that remixing/reusing other folk’s models (when they give permission) is a great way to see how other people made their models and to more quickly be able to make your own version.

I did a blog awhile back that is focused on remixing in 3DVIA Shape, but the concept is valid with whatever tool set and work flow that you use.

There are good reasons to both keep your colors and textures simple and for adding lots of both. So, you decide when and where to use how much of each technique. Thanks terri and mvcomputers for providing the chance to do a comparison! [ terri is from Norway and mvcomputers is from the US ]

This very nicely done building was created by dodi using 3dVIA Shape and was also in a previous Top 10 post with an Honorable Mention. I include it again because dodi did such a nice job of adding more detail and making the model even better. For most of us there is always something more that we want to add and it’s hard to say a model is done. Thanks dodi for continuing to add to the details! [ dodi is from France ]

mini-nato used CATIA V5 to make his Jante Avante Assemblage model. The attention to detail is wonderful to see. Anyone who has ever respoked or tried to true a wheel can appreciate the dedication needed to model this so nicely. [ mini-nato is from France ]

Possible999 used 3DVIA Shape to create this model entitled Nature. His simple description says it all “ahh…nature is out there”. Especially at this time of year (for those of us located closer to the earth’s poles) it is nice to be reminded of nature and the simple pleasure of warmth and growing things. I really like the sculptural presentation of this model that allows us each to add to it in our own way. Great job! [ Possible999 is from Sweden ]

Maison JPJ by Jean-Pierre was created using 3DVIA Shape and I like it for its variety of shapes and spaces and interesting use of textures and colors. [ Jean-Pierre is from France ]

Tomy’s model Fireworks! made it to the Top 10 on sheer exuberance! Tomy is always adding new models, new ways of looking at things, positive and interesting comments on other folks’ models and I think this one model exemplifies his character. Great job Tomy! Keep lighting things up! Be sure to check out Tomy’s web site for a treat. [ Tomy is from Canada ]

mvcomputers used 3ds Max to create this Funky 4 wheeler (his words, not mine). I love the detail and color that really bring the whole thing to life. Lots of great detail also make it a fun model to explore! I’m also happy that he uploaded one version with the body and another without, so it is even easier to enjoy all the chassis detail. [ mvcomputers is from the US ]

D-dd-88 used simple, but dramatic uses of texture along with interesting volumes and sub-volumes to make this building model using 3DVIA Shape. It is also an example of how some times the thumbnail of a model doesn’t show how nice the model itself is. Very nice.

Due to the continuous challenge of narrowing the number of great models uploaded each week down to just 10, I’ve included five Honorable Mentions to spotlight even more modelers!

Honorable Mentions:

Peter13263952 used 3DVIA Shape to create this fun to explore model of a simple castle. [ Peter13263952 is from the Netherlands ]

This elegant phone model was created by smeller using a VRML generator.

casaapg is an interesting home compound created by reiner using 3DVIA Shape. [ reiner is from Brazil ]

Monster is linling’s model of a “teraquasaurus, an biogenetic invention of Darwin. To show the theory of the evolution.” [ lingling is from Belgium ]

Proyecto is a nice interior model made by jkmonteros1 using 3DVIA Shape. I’m not sure how that sink will stay up, but it’s still a fun model. [ jkmonteros1 is from Costa Rica ]

Be sure to visit the previous Top 10 lists: 001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009

Here’s a brief recap of what I look for when I select the “Top 10″ and “Honorable Mentions”:

Variety – One of the most important factors. I try to show models created using lots of different software products and showing lots of different ways of using 3D. I include brief comments on why I chose each model.

Creativity, unusual subject matter and humor – These are big factors. We should all be having fun and feel free to model our passions!

Models must be uploaded by the original modeler – Many times I find models that I think will add to the community and will upload them with credit given to the modeler. These and other models that I can’t be reasonably sure who modeled them (for example – commercial models) are a welcome addition to the 3DVIA community, but the goal of the “Top 10″ is to encourage individual modelers and reward their special creativity.

Models entered in the 3DVIA Challenge contests will not be considered – They’re already getting plenty of attention and I want to spotlight models we may have missed.

There is no reward given – Other than the satisfaction of being noticed, spotlighted and being brought to the attention of more modelers. In my personal experience, the pleasure of having my work appreciated is the ultimate reward anyway.

Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged! Your responses will help the modelers and the 3DVIA community as a whole. Feel free to bring other models to my attention and let me know why they attracted you.

One final note of caution: these are my choices (dswavely) and my choices alone. So, aim the tomatoes appropriately.