The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 31st through Friday, November 6th are highlighted here. Instead of the usual snappy repartee about how excellent all the models are this week (although they are, of course, in your face fabulous) I must mention that I will be out of the office for the next four weeks :( and will not be doing Top 10 posts (or any other posts) during those weeks.

You will also notice an abrupt cessation of my incredibly witty remarks about your models :(. I am as sorry as you are (if you are at all sorry and not actually planning a huge party) because it is so much fun (and hard work too).

So, PLEASE be nice to each other, support each other and kick only the people who deserve it (but kick kindly of course). See you all in a little while!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 31 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

Easy links to the previous Top 10 lists: 001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009 – 010 – 011 – 012 – 013 – 014 – 015 – 016 – 017 -018 – 019 – 020 – 021 – 022 – 023 – 024 – 025 – 026 – 027 – 028 – 029 – 030 – 031 – 032 – 033 – 034 – 035 – 036 – 037 – 038 – 039 – 040 – 041 – 042 – 043 – 044 – 045 – 046 – 047 – 048 – 049 – 050 – 051 – 052

The Top 10:

I am very impressed with Macaquekillerbot (Textured Version) which was created by lof1 using 3DVIA Shape. The level of detail is phenomenal and I really like the concept of pivoting the skull on two spheres to control its actions. If I ever see this thing, I’m running – fast!

You know I’m going to love this Ferrari 599 GTB, carefully crafted by Oscar using Blender, and I do! I know he’s still working on it, but I just couldn’t wait to show it off. He also painted it Ferrari Fly Yellow, which is my favorite color for a Ferrari after red. :) Great job Oscar! [Oscar/mynameisoscarjo is from Sweden]

Take some time to enjoy 24-Cell constructed by Scott (mtgtopdeck). It’s worth taking it for a spin and finding each new and surprising view as you move it around.

Bulby Fights LUXO by Parth uses 3DVIA Shape and its great remix tools to pull in most of the elements that he needed from his own models. That left him able to concentrate on getting the humorous story that he is telling just right. Everyone will know when the KO punch comes – they’ll be avoiding shards of flying glass! [Parth/XQH_XXX is from India]

Meshup Cylinder is a fantastic piece of sculpture by 01337 using Photoshop and an OBJ Generator. Great colors and shading and an involving form both inside and out!

Shrek is going to need all the help he can get in May the Force Be With Shrek!! by Abu. Using 3DVIA Shape, Abu has created what looks like a fantasy mash-up of fairy tales, movies and user models. I hope he tells us in a future model whether Shrek made it or not!  [Abu/abu_roadking is from India]

Antichron by Scott (mtgtopdeck) shows the amazing artistic and totally logical connections of sculpture and mathematics. Go here for a quick description of the more esoteric reasons why this is true.

Mahendra’s Coxept model shows where incredible exuberance and creative energy can take you! Of course not everyone will like every part of this concept, but when you’re exploring, anywhere is a good place to go. Great job Mahendra! CATIA V5 is his tool of choice. [Mahendra/mahendra48 is from Indonesia]

John used a VRML Generator to create his Oil and Gas Noavatarz corrected model. Please view the model carefully and zoom in to get a much better appreciation of the huge amount of work John did to create an accurate model like this. Without models like this and patience like John’s, most of the things that we take for granted wouldn’t even exist. [John/johnc is from the UK]

This amazing Sphera Simplified was imagined and modeled by epcinnova and then uploaded here in 3DS format. The imagination and engineering stretch to create concepts like this are fantastic to see! [epcinnova is from Spain]

Honorable Mentions:

Great textures make Camera by Abu a useful little model that can be used in lots of places without loading up on polygons. 3DVIA Shape is Abu’s modeling tool in this case (he also uses CATIA and other more sophisticated software). [Abu/abu_roadking is from India]

This simple and very elegant Candle by Parth was modeled using 3DVIA Shape. [Parth/XQH_XXX is from India]

perecat1 has turned his imagination to the skies in one of his latest models – Airplane. I sure do enjoy looking at it, but don’t think I’d be too eager to take a ride. perecat1 uses 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

This little Duck Train by fnj_123, makes me smile and quack every time I see it! Who knew that modeling in 3DVIA Shape could end up being so much fun? :) [fnj_123 is from India]

I appreciate all the detail in both the wheel and the tire tread that makes Truck Wheel by Marian such a great-looking and useful model. He created it using Google SketchUp. [Marian is from Romania]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (PLEASE NOTE: In order to make it easier to explore, all photos are linked directly to the model’s page.)

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

Thank you everyone for participating in the voting round of the Classic Transformers Challenge! This was a tricky challenge to choose the finalists, but after that selection we had an amazing selection of finalists. Please join me in congratulating our new community member and this challenge’s winner, Amidal! Bellow you’ll find the judges, community and final scores.

Thank you everyone for your patience with me while I was at Siggraph :)

Checkout Amidal’s Winning Entry. Congratulations Amidal, you are our new 3DVIA Champion!

Our next Challenge will begin next week, and I’m even taking suggestions! So everyone start practicing for next week, because next time, you could be our Champion!

-Juan

A complete list of 3DVIA presentations can be found on the 3DVIA SIGGRAPH event page.

Not Going to SIGGRAPH? No Problem – Watch us LIVE!

Not being able to attend an event is no longer a reason to miss out on all of the fun.  You may have noticed the launch of our own online video channel, 3DVIA.tv.  We’ll be live streaming video from the SIGGRAPH booth including our presentations, demonstrations and interviews with 3DVIA staff and customers.

Watch the 3DVIA Live Video Broadcast from SIGGRAPH 2009

Follow Our Twitter Updates, Ask Us a Question!

3DVIA will also be live “tweeting” right from the show floor sending out the latest news, pictures and video clips from the 3DVIA booth.  Send us a question via Twitter or just let us know that you are there and we’ll re-tweet your posts.

Send 3DVIA a Question Via Twitter

See you there!

One quick note:  At the end of the video, Bernard mentions the V+R challenge, which supports Sports without Borders.  This is something that Bernard is also passionate about, and you can find more information here.

3D is in our DNA, is it in yours?

Take 30 minutes on Wednesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. to learn new skills with 3DVIA Virtools.

The Benefits of Virtual Versus Classic Training
Wednesday July 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT

Discover how on-demand virtual training with 3DVIA Virtools enables users to learn any time, anywhere in a safe and forgiving environment. Using multiple, real-life examples, you will understand how 3DVIA Virtools can be used to create 3D training applications quickly, affordably and with a variety of scenarios that would be expensive and difficult to recreate in a classic training environment.

I saw the Transformers 2 movie and I loved it!!  Easilly the most entertaining movie of the summer. Seeing as how I love the original cartoon, lets see if you guys do.  Build your own Classic Transformer from the Cartoon TV series, any Autobot or Decepticon!  I’m in mid modeling for my Autobot (hint hint), but I didn’t want to wait any longer to share the challenge with you guys.

Transformers is a registered trademark of Hasbro.

Come on and test your mettle against the best of our community for the chance at fame and fortune. Winners will recieve all the acclaim of being own of our Challenge Champions, a special page we create with your winning entry, and a space on our newsletter, letting everyone know who the Champion is.

Are you the next Champion?

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

REMEMBER THESE KEY DATES:

UPLOAD YOUR MODELS:

Thursday, July 9th, 2009 through Sunday, July 26th, 2009

VOTE:

Monday July 27th, 2009 through Sunday August 2nd, 2009

WINNER ANNOUNCED:

Monday August 3rd, 2009

3DVIA USERS – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHALLENGE:

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE WE WILL BE AWARDING A PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND AGREE TO BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST.

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here. Click the link below (or at the end of each section) to see the terms and conditions in full:

* For full details see the 3DVIA Challenge 14 - Classic Transformers Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

1c. DS 3DVIA employees involved in the organization of this contest (including their family members) and members of any agencies involved in the organization of this contest (including their families) are not eligible.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Challenge 14 - Classic Transformers Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must upload one “Classic Transformers” model by Sunday July 26th, 2009.
Starting on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 through Sunday July 26th, 2009, upload your best “Classic Transformer” to 3DVIA. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, 1 submission per user, NO team entries.

2b. You must tag your 3D model with “3DVIAChallenge14″.
Tag your model with the keyword “3DVIAChallenge14″ – you must use this exact tag to enter (the tag is not case-sensitive). When you add this tag to your model, you will see a pop-up reminder that you must have read and agreed to the 3DVIA website Terms of Use AND the Terms and Conditions specific to this challenge.

2c. Models created using the 3DVIA Shape software which constitute derivative works reproducing existing models created by third parties under the Creative Commons license are eligible for this contest.
More information about Creative Commons can be found at http://creativecommons.org/ and, with respect to the existing licenses, at http://creativecommons.org/about/license.

2d. Models created using the 3DVIA PrintScreen software or any other software that copies existing 3D models, as well as creations containing any third party proprietary elements are not eligible for this contest.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Challenge 14 - Classic Transformers Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE MODELS

3a. By uploading your model to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your model may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Challenge 14 - Classic Transformers Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. Each registered member of the 3DVIA community will be allowed one vote per contest.
3DVIA community voting will start on Monday July 27th, 2009, and will continue through Sunday August 2nd, 2009.

4b. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each model from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the models artistic merit, technical merit and accuracy.

Artistic Design - Eye catching design, the coolness of the model.
Technical Accuracy – Mechanical or realistic accuracy and detail
Modeling Efficiency – Polygonal construction, modeling skill.

4c. The average value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will be combined with the percentage of the 3DVIA community’s votes multiplied by 10 (i.e.; if a model receives 45% of the community votes, it would get a score of 4.5 added to the 3DVIA representatives’ average score).
If more than one model receives the same score, each model with the same score will be designated as a Winner and will receive the same prize.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Monday August 3rd, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Challenge 14 - Classic Transformers Terms and Conditions

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

Many of the VR technologies used were developed with 3DVIA Virtools.

For more detail on Laval Virtual, see the 3DVIA article and the 3D Perspectives article.

After a short absence from the spot light, we bring you 3DVIA Challenge #12!  Welcome back everybody!!  This month, we will try to help the environment by creating ecologically friendly solutions to one of our most frequent used conveniences; Crates!!  Lets put our brains together and come up with some fresh interesting solutions to packaging consumer goods by keeping in mind the 3R Concept: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

So come on and test your mettle against the best of our community! That’s right, if you win, not only will we give you your own Champion Page, and display you on the homepage, but you will also win a great tool for your gardening hour!

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

REMEMBER THESE KEY DATES:

UPLOAD YOUR MODELS:

Monday, May 4th, 2009 through Sunday, May 17th, 2009

VOTE:

Monday, May 18th, 2009 through Sunday, May 24, 2009

WINNER ANNOUNCED:

Monday, May 25th, 2009

3DVIA USERS – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHALLENGE:

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE WE WILL BE AWARDING A PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND AGREE TO BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST.

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here. Click the link below (or at the end of each section) to see the terms and conditions in full:

* For full details see the 3DVIA Challenge 12 – Eco-Crate Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

1c. DS 3DVIA employees involved in the organization of this contest (including their family members) and members of any agencies involved in the organization of this contest (including their families) are not eligible.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Challenge 12 - Eco-Crate Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must upload one “Eco-Crate” model by Sunday, May 17th, 2009.
Starting on Monday, May 4th, 2009 through Sunday, May 17th, 2009, upload your best “Eco-Crate” to 3DVIA. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, 1 submission per user, NO team entries.

2b. You must tag your 3D model with “3DVIAChallenge12″.
Tag your model with the keyword “3DVIAChallenge12″ – you must use this exact tag to enter (the tag is not case-sensitive). When you add this tag to your model, you will see a pop-up reminder that you must have read and agreed to the 3DVIA website Terms of Use AND the Terms and Conditions specific to this challenge.

2c. Models created using the 3DVIA Shape software which constitute derivative works reproducing existing models created by third parties under the Creative Commons license are eligible for this contest.
More information about Creative Commons can be found at http://creativecommons.org/ and, with respect to the existing licenses, at http://creativecommons.org/about/license.

2d. Models created using the 3DVIA PrintScreen software or any other software that copies existing 3D models, as well as creations containing any third party proprietary elements are not eligible for this contest.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Challenge 12 - Eco-Crate Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE MODELS

3a. By uploading your model to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your model may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Challenge 12 - Eco-Crate Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. Each registered member of the 3DVIA community will be allowed one vote per contest.
3DVIA community voting will start on Monday, May 18, 2009, and will continue through Sunday, May 24, 2009.

4b. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each model from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the models artistic merit, technical merit and accuracy.

Artistic Design - Eye catching design, the coolness of the model.
Technical Accuracy – Mechanical or realistic accuracy and detail
Modeling Efficiency – Polygonal construction, modeling skill.

4c. The average value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will be combined with the percentage of the 3DVIA community’s votes multiplied by 10 (i.e.; if a model receives 45% of the community votes, it would get a score of 4.5 added to the 3DVIA representatives’ average score).
If more than one model receives the same score, each model with the same score will be designated as a Winner and will receive the same prize.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Monday, May 25, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Challenge 12 - Eco-Crate Terms and Conditions

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

The 3DVIA team proudly presents the latest version of our free 3D modeling software 3DVIA Shape (Version 3.0)! It is the most feature rich release to date!  This new version extends powerful “freeform” modeling to everyone, allowing users to create smooth curved surfaces for boats, planes, rockets, or anything within a user’s imagination.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key features in 3DVIA Shape 3.0:

	Deform: Easily bend a flat surface to create wavy, swoopy, and curved objects.
	Draw on curved surfaces: Users have better control over deformed surfaces by having the ability to add control lines where needed.
	Revolve: Quickly creates cylindric solids to make cones, spheres, cups, vases, etc.
	Offset: With ease, users can create windows, doors, picture frames by having the ability to thicken, curve and manipulate facets to create depth in an object.
	Mirror: Creates a mirror based duplicate in order to design objects in perfect symmetry.
	Improved Distance Snapping: Snap to specific increments while pushing, pulling or rotating geometry.

3DVIA Shape 3.0 in Action

Check out the following video to get a peek at the above features in action.

NEW 3DVIA Shape Tips and Tricks Videos

We’ve also introduced a new series of recorded Tips and Tricks for 3DVIA Shape 3.0.  These videos range in length from 15 seconds to 2 minutes and are a great way to  quickly get up to speed with new and existing features.  For example, take a look at both Tips #17 and Tip #19 for a more in-depth look at the new deform feature.  I also recommend looking at Tip #4 to quickly learn how the new revolve feature works.  Click here to see all Tips and Tricks videos.  We’ll be adding to this library so please be sure to comments here if you would like to see something specific.

Try 3DVIA Shape today and let us know what you think!