August is a time of rest, relaxation, holiday and  vacation for many people all over the world. In that spirit, this Featured Artists Sampler will be dedicated to a single shot of each artists’ work that we’ve featured – all in one place and in no particular order.

We’ve talked with 3D character artists, a steel maker, industrial designers, architects, printers, computer wizards and a roofing and siding expert amongst others. All have one thing in common – a passion for 3D modeling! So, snack away and go visit the artists that make you hungry for more!

Be sure to stay tuned in early September for our next Featured Artist – Abdullah Shaikh (abu_roadking)! Abu is a master at telling engaging 3D stories that bring out the best in all of us. You won’t want to miss his work!

See you soon with more great 3DVIA Featured Artists and more great 3D models!

Send me (dswavely) a message with your suggestions for who you would like to know more about, so that we can include them as Featured Artists in the future.

With 218 models (at last count) here on 3DVIA.com, alfredix has become a valued part of our modeling community! His models are always impeccably detailed and usually just the right size to use in 3DVIA Shape, so we can all make our own scenes too. He is always ready with a compliment or a good question about other people’s models and is fantastic about sharing his creative process – as you shall see.

Alfred has been featured in 3DVIA Top 10 posts – 014, – 015, – 017, – 019,  – 020, – 023 and – 026 and as an Honorable Mention in posts – 018 and – 021.

PLEASE NOTE: All model images are linked to Alfred’s models and the web album images are also linked to the appropriate url, so click and enjoy!

Now it’s his turn to tell us about himself:

My name is Alfred Schallert, I am 40 years old and I come from Amberg, a little city in Germany, about 200km north of Munich (which is most probably much better known).

I first came in contact with computers in 1988 with a Commodore C64. Despite the wide range of games for that machine, I did not have one single game for it. I started programming in BASIC and made a bearing calculation software, which was useful for my engineering schooling.

After finishing college for Mechanical Engineering I started to work for SIEMENS and bought my first PC (286 processor, 1MB RAM and 40MB hard disk). Quite funny, my mobile phone today has better performance specifications. Since then I worked for several companies, mainly in the CAD environment.

Since 2005 I have worked for TraceParts GmbH, which is the German subsidiary of TraceParts S.A. in France. We have one of the biggest CAD libraries on the Internet, with more than 750.000 registered users and over 150 international companies publishing their products as CAD data on our website. If you would like to learn more about TraceParts see us on www.traceparts.com or www.tracepartsonline.net.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
My first contact with 3D modeling was during my time at SIEMENS, where I was responsible for the selection and setup of a new CAD system. In 1996 I bought a 1:35 scale model of a US Army HMMWV and started to remodel this plastic kit in AutoCAD 13, using the basic 3D commands at that time.

This is a more recent Hummer modeled using Pro/E. Check out the incredible drive line detail!

This was when the whole modeling hobby hit me. I bought more and more plastic kits and remodeled them in AutoCAD. In 1999 I switched to Inventor. Inventor was brand new at that time and it was fun to model now in completely shaded environment. (In AutoCAD, I was able to do shading, but it took a lot of resources, so the pure modeling was done in wire frame mode.)

A few years later I started with SolidWorks, which, at that time, was a lot more advanced than Inventor. Since 2006 my main CAD system is Pro/ENGINEER.

Q2: What types of 3D modeling do you do?
I do mainly 1:35 military models, which I buy as plastic kits. Up to now I have done tanks, helicopters, airplanes and most of all trucks and jeeps. At the moment I am adding a lot of accessories to my models, to build scenes that can tell a little story.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?
Even though there is no relationship to my work, my private modeling helps me a lot in my profession, because I learn a lot about the use and the functions of many different CAD systems.

TraceParts is a CAD library that provides the users (designers) with ready to use CAD models of supplier parts from many different companies. As part of my work I have a lot to do with CAD data coming from our customers. Those data are published on our web site so that a wide range of users can benefit from.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
The time needed for one model, heavily depends on model itself. In general it goes from 1 week (like for the A-10 ) to several months.

The B-1 Bomber, for example, kept me busy for 2 months. I must admit that I started to learn surface modeling on that one :).

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your models and images?
The main software I use is Pro/E. In general, I use all CAD systems that are available. Inventor and Solidworks play a big role, of course, since there is a lot of legacy data available from my earlier years.

Recently I bought PaintShop Pro from Corel to start working on textures and decals. For publishing my pictures I use Picasa, which is a free tool from Google. There you can also upload your albums to make pictures available to everybody. You can see all of my albums here: http://picasaweb.google.com/alfredeix.

Q6: What is your work/modeling day like?
My usual day starts with going to the office (well who doesn’t…). Because I am traveling a lot; mostly by car inside Germany, it is quite often the case that modeling has to be postponed to the weekends. But at least I check everyday on the web to see what is new on 3DVIA. When I do not travel, I try to work a bit every day on my current project.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?
I think the first thing you need is a good plan for what to do. Earlier, I just started with something and then I got lost in details and finally was overwhelmed by the whole thing. I try to work on my current project every day a little bit.

Usually I do only one big project at the time. Smaller things will be squeezed in at any time, like accessories etc., but there is only one main project (like a plane or helicopter) at the same time. Those big projects are split into smaller groups (like the main body, the landing gear etc).

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
My main source for modeling is the plastic kit. In 1:35 scale there is enough accuracy to recognize not only visual details, but also to figure out how a specific mechanism works in reality (like for the landing gears of an airplane). My first models were “only” a copy of the plastic parts. The parts were measured with calipers and then modeled.

After gaining more experience, I started to “modify” the model parts, so that mechanical functions could be included. If there is information missing in the plastic kit, I search the web or I buy books that describe this particular mode in real.

Q9: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?
There are several rewards for me. The first is for myself, when I can say “I did this”. For me it is a great satisfaction to see my model and it really looks like the real one. Especially my first helicopters and airplanes were a great reward for myself, because I learned to do surface modeling by myself.

Since I started to publish my models on 3DVIA, an even bigger reward is positive feedback on a model from anybody on 3DVIA. Of course, when people like Smike, who is in my eyes, one of the greatest artists on 3DVIA, makes a positive comment or gives me 5 star rating, this is just great!

Q10: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help children as they learn about the world?
Actually I did not think about that a lot up to now. But I think the kids of today grow up with 3D animations like you can see in movies, on TV, in advertising etc. What makes my jaw simply drop to the floor, is normal for them. From that point of view, 3D modeling is THE way of the 21st century to support any learning process, especially for kids, because they have the best feeling for that.

Q11: Just for fun, what is your favorite game?  Movie?  Comic Book?
My favorite game(s) are the LEGO games that you can buy for some consoles like X-Box etc. I have an X-Box360 and I enjoy LEGO StarWars and LEGO Indiana Jones a lot. Most of all,  I enjoy those games because you need to play with a partner, which makes a nice “Game evening” with friends (even at my age [:)]).

I must say I am a huge movie fan. And if I could tell which one is my favorite, there is a long list crossing lots of genres. But there is one that really hit me: The Lord of the Rings (all 3 parts). There are many reasons for that. One is definitely the computer animations in the movie. I think I saw the “making of” on the DVDs as often as the movie itself.

In terms of comics, I was a big fan of Asterix, when I was a child. At least the Europeans among you should know him and his friend Obelix very well. For all the rest, check here: http://www.asterix.com/.

BTW: Asterix was the inspiration for my username (alfredix). I was sick of being Alfred0815 or something like that. Then I tried to add the Asterix specific “ix” and became Alfredix. I was surprised that not a lot of alfreds in this world had the same idea. Since then alfredix is used for any private login, and it works fine!

Q12: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
When there is time after work and modeling (I must admit, those two occupations really dominate my life) I like to ride my motorcycle and enjoy Formula 1 racing. Both start in Spring and end in Fall. So the whole winter is “free” for modeling, well and a bit of work :).

Thank you Alfred for your thoughts, methods and for being an inspiration for the rest of us!

Alfred also has a good sense of humor, as the model called “Wild Horses” below illustrates.

Corey Papadopoli provides us with some great images, project descriptions and comments that all add up to a clear window into how 3D computer modeling is now an integral part of architecture. 

Corey has worked in Boston, New York City, Puerto Rico, Seal Harbor, Maine, and Florence, Italy prior to joining Elliott Elliott Norelius in Blue Hill, ME.  His design experience ranges from single-family residential to office buildings and religious structures.

Corey received his Bachelor of Architecture degree magna cum laude from Wentworth Institute of Technologyand holds an Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology summa cum laude from the same institution.  While at Wentworth he received the Henry Adams Medal and the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and Co-Curricular Involvement. 

He has entered several competitions, winning the ASHRAE Architectural Systems Design Competition in 1998.  He is currently licensed in Maine and Massachusetts and is NCARB certified. 

When not drawing or modeling he can usually be found atop a mountain or hitting a volleyball.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
When I was in architecture school I actually stayed away from 3D modeling as long as possible, choosing to work by hand.  Most 3D programs available to me at the time felt clumsy and were not good design tools.  Handwork was quicker, more expressive, and easily manipulated to achieve the effect I was after.  I still work in large part by hand.  My 5th year of school I was working for a firm in Boston.  The project I was working on was a residence in Maine and the clients were having a difficult time comprehending the design.

I was simultaneously taking a class using 3D Studio Viz and began creating a model of the house.  From this model I was able to generate rendered perspectives and animations but also cut-aways and exploded views that the clients could understand better than the 2D drawings and sketches we had been showing them to date.  It was then that I began to realize the potential the computer model had as a design and presentation tool.

Port Clyde Residence
Peter Forbes, FAIA, Architects
This was the first project I modeled.  It was for the firm I was working for, Peter Forbes & Associates in Boston.  Its initial purpose was as a design tool and learning model.  It became useful when we were able to show the client the 3D cutaways of the interior.  These initial models were just hidden line renderings but the model became more refined as time went on.

Q2: What type of 3D models do you do?
I essentially model buildings and furniture.  Models are used early in the process to help establish spatial relationships and site connections.  They allow us to look at, through, around, and under the building in a way that can quickly shape design decisions.  Light is the lens through which architecture is seen.  Modeling the play of light and shadow on a model is extremely informative in the design process.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?
Models are essential to the design process, not only as a visualization tool but also as a design tool.  Models allow us to present ideas to clients from a number of viewpoints.  As design tools they provide a way to check the vision in our minds against the “reality” of three dimensional space.  Is what we conceived plausible?  How do structure and systems integrate into the architectural concept?  How does light affect the space at different times of the day and year?  What is the site relationship?

97 Sylvan Way
ARCHITECTURE RobertCollins
This was a house that I helped design with Robert Collins.  The model initially served as a design tool for us to study the exterior envelope, interior spaces, and structural components.  It became very involved.  We later refined it with the help of Paul Kempton for lighting studies and marketing purposes.

Lights off

Lights on

Outside stairs and the studio

Different plan views cut through the building at different levels.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
It varies depending on the use of the model.  Some models are done quickly to look at a design decision three-dimensionally.  These might take minutes and are mostly about space and light.  Clients generally never see these.  Presentation models are at the opposite end of the spectrum and can take days or longer depending on the level of detail required or if animation is necessary.  Usually what we do falls somewhere in between: not quite presentation quality but more than schematic.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?
Photoshop is used to touch up almost any image.

Studio

ARCHITECTURE RobertCollins

This was a separate structure for the clients to utilize as both a studio and an observatory.  They had a great interest in the stars and the model was used to demonstrate the structure’s relationship to the sky.

Q6: What is your work day like?
It can be all over the place.  Some days I may be out at a site observing the state of a project under construction.  Others I am behind the computer working back and forth between drawings and models.  Sometimes specifications and schedules can absorb an entire day of my life which I will never, ever get back.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a big project?
For me a large project translates into a complex building (typically).  I find it is good to move back and forth between a small detail and the entire exterior of the building.  Work inductively.  Move from the bottom up.  There should be a concept that drives every project.  This concept should not only describe (in my case) the way the exterior is designed but also what derives the smallest detail.  Knowing that concept is there to help resolve any issue that comes up is the biggest key for me.  In a successful and solid project that concept is traceable down to every decision made. 

Freeport Residence
Elliott Elliott Norelius Architecture
This project was fairly complex and one of the first I worked on for my current firm.  We had a compressed period of time to work on this: design began in July with construction starting in November.  We were still working on construction drawings while they were pouring concrete.  We needed to convey to the clients the relationship of the modern glass elements to the traditional wood boxes, the underlying concept of the project.  This model was fairly schematic and served its function well. 

As modeled

As built

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
Museums are great places to go but I am unfortunately no longer surrounded by many of them.  I do try and go when I can.  I find a lot of inspiration in books.  The connection between literature and architecture is more relevant than it seems.  As architects we are generally trying to tell a story; how well the story is told is a direct relationship to the success of the project.

Q9: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?
When a 3D model can be used to inform a design decision or help me see something I had not previously thought of or considered, it definitely becomes worth it. 

Q10: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?
I created a model of our house which I used as a design tool.  It is now under construction.

Sylvan Way
This is a model of my house, currently under construction which can be seen here: http://sylvanway.blogspot.com .   The model was used as a design tool quite heavily as I would constantly make changes in it while evaluating it from different angles.

As modeled

During construction

Q11: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? comic book?
I am definitely a Trivial Pursuit kind-of-person.  Movie is a lot tougher.  I guess I would have to say The Godfather.  Never got into comic books; prefer to read literature or poetry. 

Q12: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
Architecture, of course.

Thank you Corey for your great project descriptions, process insights and comments about the value that you find using 3D modeling in your chosen profession.  And good luck and good weather as you finish the house!

Mark Biasotti is quite well known within the SolidWorks community for his mastery of the complex surfaces often needed to design and manufacture many consumer items. As an Industrial Designer, he was always working to make the products fit our needs and our physical capabilities. When we pick up a product and it just feels right when we use it, we can thank folks like Mark. Now he works directly at SolidWorks to help make their products even better at helping designers help us.

Mark’s wide background and long experience add valuable perspective to his comments. We appreciate that he was able to make the time to share his images, videos and thoughts with us.

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

This is going to date me, but it was back in 1985 when I was an Industrial Designer for Hewlett Packard. I got involved with, HP’s product , ME30 and then later Solid Designer (code named Quintus) and today known as PTC’s One Space Designer. 

This is a mock movie poster for an incredible video that Mark created using SolidWorks and additional production tools. Go here to watch it – it is definitely worth it. Then go here to read a complete explanation from Mark about how it came to be.

Q2: What type of 3D models do you do?

All types, but the most enjoyable types of modeling for me are ones that are geometrically challenging – they involve an intense amount of problem solving and design.  Often times, they fall into the category of Consumer Product Design type shapes.

Blender model courtesy of Mike Garman – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?

Currently I’m a Product Manager for the advanced concepts group at SolidWorks. I’m involved with direction and strategy for future SolidWorks products which involves a great deal of customer observation, storyboarding and working with the development team.

The next “production” that Mark did was for SolidWorks World 2007 in New Orleans called “Better Products for the Future”in which, again, he used the combination of SolidWorks, NewTek’s Lightwave3D and Adobe’s After Effects to create. You can download it here

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?
Hum… that really depends on the complexity of course. I would say on an average two to five days from initial shape creation to parting it out and rendering.

Camera courtesy of WaterShot Inc. – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?
If I’m creating still images from SolidWorks, I use PhotoWorks and PhotoView 360 and ALWAYS post-process it in Adobe Photoshop. If I’m creating animations, I love to use Lightwave3D and Adobe After Effects for the post-processing, additional effects and final composite.

Guitar model courtesy of Paul Reed Smith Guitars – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q6: What is your work day like?
What I get involved with in a typical day and week varies greatly and that is, perhaps, what makes this job interesting. Stepping away from a formal Industrial Design role four years ago and into a product management role has not stopped me for being able to contribute creatively.  As you can imagine, The Product Management role does not afford me to be an isolationist (although there are days…) and I’m constantly in meetings and brainstorming sessions with developers and Product Marketing. One thing that is constant in my day is monitoring and contributing to the SolidWorks Forums and blogs. I  love to stay in touch with our customer. I also try to visit user groups around the country as well as many customer visits and customer observations.

racecar model courtesy of the University of British Columbia – rendered by Mark Biasotti

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a big project?
Start with the difficult tasks up-front instead of putting them off to the end. Don’t be afraid to solicit feedback early and be aware that human nature leans toward avoiding conflicts so be proactive.

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?
I’m a big fan of science museums – we have a particularly good one here in Boston, but I’m also a big fan of science fiction. I subscribe to some ID and 3D CGI magazines and hanging out at forums like Product Design Forums which are good for staying current and observing current trends.

Q9: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?
Yes, but for things that are not so challenging geometrically. Years ago, when I was in California and my children were young, I built a Hexagonal 2 story tree house for them – entirely built in SW and design so it could be disassembled.

Q10: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? comic book?
I love team games like Scattergories and Balderdash. Favorite movie: Gladiator. I never really got into comics.

Q11: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?
My faith in Jesus Christ and my pursuit of knowing Him better.

Thank you again, Mark, for adding your perspective about 3D modeling and for sharing your images, videos and comments.

Matthieu Negrier is quite a well-rounded 24 year old 2D/3D artist living near Paris in France. For work, he is part of the 3DVIA Web Application Team and in charge of developing Virtools applications. He also works on reconstructing 3D models from photography. For himself; he keeps busy doing 3D modeling, game creation, writing plays and novels, developing web sites, keeping up on most scientific subjects, playing video games, going out and even finding some time for sports like running and tennis.

We’re happy that Matthieu has been taken time to be our Featured Artist and to give his thoghts on a wide range of topics to help us all get to know him better and to put our own modeling experiences into a broader perspective. 

Matthieu (3DVIA username Balgin) is also our current 3DVIA Challenge Champion! His model of “Jack” made me glad that my kids are older and won’t be scared! He used 3ds Max to create his ghoulish goblin.

Now, on to Matthieu’s answers…

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

I remember my first contact with 3D; like everybody, it was using the the first PC games and spending hundreds of hours alone (and with friends) to my parent’s despair. The current debate about children spending too much time in front of their computers is not new. Ten years ago I was impressed by the power of 3D as a medium. I have to admit that my fascination with the medium has only increased over time.

“Giving life to 3D” is fantastic stuff. Being able to visualize and share what you have inside your head brings a great sense of satisfaction, like a writer who can put his story on paper to bring it to life. Today we have very powerful tools which dramatically increase the possibilities. Yesterday, 3D was like a “virtual Lego game” with limited pieces to use. Today we can invent whatever pieces we need.

When I was only 15, I began creating images and 3D animations using PowerPoint (yes, it is possible). It was very hard, but it allowed me to create things in 3D and that made me very happy. Later I began use other tools like 3ds Max, which allows both simple and complex 3D modeling through a powerful range of parameters that I could learn to manage. I spent many hours reading the tutorials just to create a small animation, but even though it was a lot of work it was also very interesting and gave me great satisfaction when I watched the results. I think the most important thing is the pleasure you can get from your results, no matter what software you use.

Whether your model has four polygons or four million, the only really important thing is the creative passion you bring to your work. Sometimes you may hesitate to show your results, but usually the reactions and feelings of other people are very positive. In fact, you cannot always create Square Enix’s state-of-the-art animations, but even with today’s free modeling software you can easily create a lot of things. The challenge of creating something fabulous is even more exciting. With a triangle, everything is possible, isn’t it?

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

Until now, I have rarely made independent models; that is to say objects or characters without a precise goal. In general, I have the idea for a more global project like an animation or an illustration for a story or a game. My modeling really depends on the project. Because of this I use a little bit of many 3D tools with more or less success. Usually, my models are more oriented towards fantasy and entertainment and don’t tend to be photorealistic.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?

I do not need to use or import 3D models in my day-to-day work, at least for the moment. I actually work on 3D object reconstruction from images.

This is one of Matthieu’s models created using 3DVIA Shape. It’s called Magic Castle and has amazing details when you zoom in, including a topiary animal!

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average on one particular model?

I prefer not to count the time spent on projects in order not to know all the things I could have done instead. Anyway, I need a lot of time to build a model, especially when I want a more precise result than usual. I often need to dig deep inside the documentation to understand how to create a particular effect or how to use a new tool. I think a lot of casual users are like me.

I would say that it also depends on the software and the complexity of the model. In general, I’m working in my free time and I would really like the days to be longer. I often work on a model in the evening, look out the window and am surprised – “Wow, is it that late already?”

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?

When I had to create animations or needed to add effects, I usually used Photoshop or After Effects. I speak of the past because as a student I had free access to the software and today I can’t afford to own them. Now I’m using free tools to save money and it is sufficient for what I want to do. I don’t need to use complex products.

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

Talking about 3D modeling, my large projects are all personal projects. Therefore, I don’t have deadlines. What motivates me is the will and impatience to see my ideas turned into 3D. Sometimes I may be discouraged about the viability of my project, especially at the beginning, but usually the feeling doesn’t last for long. The hardest thing is to stay on course and focus on the long term; that is knowing my priorities and putting the whole thing together.

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

It is great these days that 3D has been democratized and spread to so many users. Information and help is available from so many web sites with really useful tips, tutorials and very active communities. Being part of those communities opens many possibilities for sharing your projects with interesting people and discovering new ideas in return. Search engines make it easy to find what you’re looking for and the variety of 3D models available for downloading allow you to study and analyze many different ways of modeling.

I regularly visit these types of web sites to see and be “Wowed” by other people’s projects. I also like to go to Dailymotion or YouTube to watch short video clips from professionals and students. As far as inspiration, she usually arrives when you least expect her!

Matthieu also used 3DVIA Shape to create these two models: Airship and Zeppelin.

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

What I find the most rewarding is the joy of seeing my idea in 3D after a lot of hard work. I like the excitement of making breakthroughs and realizing that I’m progressing through the steps of a project and nearing the end. It is a feeling that is quite euphoric and yet misleading too. I often look at my creations afterward and find the feeling is so different and strange.

I also love to show my work to different people to see their reactions. In fact, I don’t think 3D makes sense without the “sharing”.

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

I only do 3D modeling for my personal projects and I have a lot of those, and not enough time to do everything. Currently I am creating games using Virtools and XNA. They provide me with well made engines and easy to use interfaces and features. I work on small games now and will move on to larger projects later. In small games there isn’t a lot of modeling, but I will do more on the larger ones.

Personal challenges like entering the Imagine Cup are important because they are interesting and motivating. When I was a student, some friends and I started creating a short movie clip for it, but we haven’t been able to finish it. There should be more challenges like the Imagine Cup.

Q10: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? Movie? Comic Book?

My taste in movies is wide-ranging, which makes it hard to pick just one. I like authors’ movies (they can sometimes be very strange) as well as classical Hollywood productions (even if I think that too much of the budget goes to special effects and not enough to the plot). I think that we are now so used to massive amounts of special effects that we are more demanding on the story and characters, hoping that they will move beyond “cliches”.

I don’t really like the mass-audience comedies except for chilling out with friends. On the other hand, I love old black & white movies from the 50’s and 60’s (especially American ones). I also like animated movies, especially the ones from Pixar and Tim Burton (I like his movies too).

In video games, my taste is more classical, like Final Fantasy and other games from Square Enix. I moved from the Nintendo NES to Sony PS2 playing Final Fantasy X and this game has definitely marked me! I love role playing games because of the long stories and immersive aspects of a complete universe. MMPORG [Massively-Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game] doesn’t really attract me, maybe because I’m afraid of becoming addicted.

I like Tolkien books and Robert Jordan. I also enjoy books that fully present a historical period, like those by French author Emile Zola. 

Q11: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?

I’m very attracted to all aspects of science: physics, chemistry, biology, astonomy, mathematics and archeology. I follow scientific news and keep up with articles and files from a variety of scientific sites. Another scientific interest is the environment, which I’m a bit pessimistic about right now. I’m working on a web site project in this area. I miss science and experimentation in my daily job and balance that by following all of these subjects.

Wow, thank you Matthieu for providing so much background and insight into what helps make you an excellent artist! We do appreciate the time and thought that went into your answers and look forward to seeing your new models here on 3DVIA – when you have time.

Fasten your seat belts! Benoit Caselli is one incredible modeler!

I’ll let him introduce himself:   I live in Gentilly, in the southern Paris suburbs. I have been in an apprenticeship contract for 3 years at Dassault Systemes (DS), where I had the pleasure to work on the CATIA industrialization team and in pre-sales design. I am now working for Dassault Data Services (DDS) as a PLM Automotive Consultant. The major part of my work is therefore done for customers in the automotive market. What I like most in my job is the diversity of missions. I like challenge and to discover new things in my everyday life.

My other passion is music and sound. I am a big fan of electronic music and I have been mixing that kind of sound at student parties and Parisian night clubs for more than 5 years. I am also composing my own electronic music and will try to release my own titles.

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

When I was at University, I attended special courses to work in the research and studies departments. I became really interested in 3D modeling during these courses.

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

I work exclusively on CATIA and I prefer surface modeling because in allows creating shapes that are much more beautiful and harmonious than classical volume design. I love 3D challenges and the more complex the shape is, the more it interests me. Another aspect that I really love in 3D is “knowledge-ware”, which deals with setups and templates for 3D models.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?

The majority of my models have been created to help train users of different CATIA V5 modules. Those same models are used to test CATIA products for both 3D creation and rendering functions. Other models have also been used for customer presentations.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?

That totally depends on my objectives and the complexity of the model. Actually, I am able to design and shape a complete car (interior and exterior) in 10 days. I do not, of course, design the motor parts.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?

I am usually trying to show the capabilities of CATIA V5 compared to other 3D and 2D programs, so I try not to rework my images. All the images here I have created using CATIA V5 modules exclusively.

Q6: What is your work day like?

I do not have a typical work day.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

During a large project, I am generally under pressure so I cannot really become unfocused.

Q8: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks , anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?

My favorite websites are www.clubic.com and www.emob.fr.

Q9: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of 3D modeling is the creation of really innovative designs. I know I have achieved this when somebody tells me “I would really like to have this in my kitchen” or “I would really like to drive this car”.

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

I have needed to model several 3D objects and buildings for personal projects. For example, I have created furniture and then put them in my model of a friend’s apartment so he could optimize his design.

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

My favorite movie is American History X and my favorite book is The Secret of Ji.

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

I am also passionate about electronic music and I have been mixing it for five years now and composing it for one year. I also really like to create 2D images with Photoshop for my CD packages. I often insert 3D models made with CATIA as part of my designs.

Thank you, Benoit, for helping us understand you and your 3D modeling world a little bit better. It is really a pleasure to have a modeler of your caliber uploading models and sharing your thoughts with 3DVIA’s visitors.

mvcomputers (Matthew Viets in the non-virtual world) is a regular 3DVIA contributor that many 3DVIA vistors will immediately recognize from his profile thumbnail.

Matthew always has something positive to say about other models while uploading a steady stream of his own excellent 3D contributions. He has been our 3DVIA Challenge winner three times! His 3D cell phone, Pontiac dragster and Tank were chosen as Challenge winners.

Take a look at his 55 models (probably more by now) and you’ll see two other important parts of why Matthew is such a excellent 3D modeler; he has a great sense of humor and he’ll model just about anything! He’s always trying new things.

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

I had seen how Disney Pixar made all their wonderful animations with 3DS Max and other 3D modeling programs. I became interested in in it, so I bought 3DS Max and began making simple shapes. Soon after playing around and reading lots of tutorials I was making much more complex models.

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

I play around with many types of modeling. I have recently been making animations and posting them on YouTube. My favorite form of modeling is what you see on 3DVIA, still models. I have also done a lot of modeling for Unreal Tournament 2003 and 2004 maps. I have published many maps for the game and it has been quite rewarding to see people from around the world enjoying playing them.

Q3: What role do your models play in the work you do?

For me, modeling is just a hobby. I would never sell my models for profit because if people get a kick out of them then they can have them. My reward is just to make people happy.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?

I will spend anywhere from 10 minutes to several days depending on how much free time I have – mostly at night, when everyone is sleeping. lol

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?

Photoshop has been key in making textures for my models. 3DS Max is my 3D program of choice.

Q6: What is your work day like?

I run a small computer business designing custom built computer systems part time. Full time, I am a steel worker in a steel mill here in Ohio.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

For me, key to keeping myself interested throughout a large project is to take lots of breaks. I always make sure I am modeling something that excites me and something that I have interest in; such as robotics, sci-fi vehicles, guns and architecture.

Q8: where do you go (websites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?

I don’t have to go anywhere for inspiration; wherever I am at any given time there are always things around that inspire me. All one has to do is just look around and use your imagination. As far as tips and help, I usually like to find good tutorials on the web.

Q9: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding thing for me about modeling is the fact of knowing that “I made that!”. Another rewarding aspect of modeling is being able to help others, whether it is with positive support or with advice.

Q10: What is your favorite game? Movie? Comic Book?

My favorite game is Unreal Tournament 2003, 2004 and 2007. My favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I was never into comic books. lol

Q11: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?

Other than modeling, my best time is spent raising my son and spending as much time as possible with him and with my wife.

Thank you Matthew for answering our questions and for being such a valuable part of the 3DVIA community. Keep up the great models, comments and excellent humor!

Rob Rodriguez has earned a place for himself as an expert in photo-realistic rendering in fields quite different from the gaming and entertainment worlds. Rob’s expertise is used to help people visualize and make decisions before they make real products. From the architecture we live with to the products that we hold in our hands, Rob’s skills make the things we use better from the beginning. Rob’s business, Axis CAD Solutions, delivers the value and power of rendered images primarily using PhotoWorks from SolidWorks. He also shares his knowledge with others through presentations at annual events like SolidWorks World and at numerous user group meetings throughout the US.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling, animation and rendering?

Like everyone else I suppose I started designing in 2D with CAD tools like AutoCAD.  I can remember my professors from architectural school saying you have to learn how to visualize your design in 3D as you’re putting it on paper or the screen.  Sometimes this can be difficult when working on a complex design.  I can remember thinking if I can’t “see” the design in 3D then how is the customer going to see it?  2D CAD  was a step up from board drafting but it didn’t solve the problem of visualization for me.  I had worked in the architecture field for a while when I took a position designing decorative cast iron and sheet metal parts for a company that manufactures wood and gas heating appliances.  The decorative cast parts were very free form shapes with a more artistic feel and again I found it very difficult to communicate and visualize this type of design with 2D CAD.  This was the point I jumped into the 3D CAD world using SolidWorks.   I was amazed how much easier it was to “see” my design in 3D since I was working that way on screen.  There was no turning back at that point.  I was in the 3D CAD world to stay and 10 years later I’m still here.  Rendering and animation  just seemed to be a natural progression from modeling.  I used to see very life-like computer generated images while thumbing through trade magazines and they really caught my interest.  I wanted to learn how to create images like this and I’ve been learning ever since.

Q2: What types of 3D modeling, animation and rendering do you do?

Having been in a number of different industries, I’ve modeled a variety of things.  Residential homes, cabinetry, furniture, sheet metal parts, castings, monuments, mausoleums, etc, etc, etc.  It’s an odd combination really, especially when  people find out I use SolidWorks as my primary design, modeling, and rendering package.  SolidWorks is primarily an MCAD design tool and I’ll be the first to admit some of the things I use SolidWorks to design and render don’t fit with its normal usage.

Q3: What role do your models, animations and renderings play in the product development process?

That really depends on the context of the work.  If I’m working on consumer type products my renderings and animations typically come at the end of the design process and are used for more of a marketing or sales tool.  Most of my images and animations are used for print brochures, magazines and the web.  If I’m working on an architectural project renderings and animations are used to allow the clients to easily see the design and decide on revisions.

Q4: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular rendering?

Typically the modeling is already finished when I need to create a rendering.  I could have created the model at an earlier time myself or my client may have sent me their model to use for rendering purposes.  Since the work of modeling is already completed, the rendering process progresses rather quickly.  I’d say a typical consumer product rendering takes about a ½ day to a day depending on the complexity of the design and what exactly the client wants to show.  Architectural type renderings usually take longer just because the nature of them requires more work.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your images?

I like to do as much work as possible in the modeling / rendering package but there is always a bit of post processing required.  For this I use a photo editing program, Corel Draw / PhotoPaint.

Q6: What is your day like?

I’ll let you know when this one is over J.  It varies greatly but there are some constants.  Having a full time job and operating my own business makes for some long hours.  During the day I would typically be working on design projects for a wide range of customers.  This could include creating models, fabrication drawings, renderings and animations.  I usually have multiple projects happening at once so things can become hectic.  Nights you can usually find me creating renderings for various clients through my own business Axis CAD Solutions LLC.  Again I’m usually working on multiple projects of varying degrees of difficulty  across a wide spectrum of products.  I’ve also branched out into the education side of the software, collaborating on a rendering book for SolidWorks and providing rendering training classes for clients.

Q7: What tips can you share for staying focused on a large project?

Organization is really the key, especially when you’re working on multiple projects.  Document every detail of each rendering set up, you never know when you’ll need to go back to a particular point in time.  Time management is also very important.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed by  a large project but if you manage your time wisely and work in an organized fashion you’ll be amazed at how quickly it can all come together.

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

I really like it when I’m surfing the web or looking at a magazine and I see one of my images.  I can say, “I did that”.

Q9: Just for fun, what is you favorite game?  Movie?  Comic Book?

My all time favorite movie is Rocky I and II.  The whole “David vs. Goliath” theme appeals to me, probably because I’ve felt like the underdog most of my life.  Sci-fi action movies appeal to me the most, probably because of the special effects.  I’m always fascinated by how “real” it all looks in the movies. Star Wars, The Matrix, Alien, all great flicks.

Thanks, Rob, for taking time from your busy work and travel schedule to help 3DVIA visitors understand a little bit more about other areas of the world where 3D models are making a big difference.