February 2008 Vendor of the Month - powerage

Who is powerage?
I am 37 years old. I am French. I live in Bordeaux and I'm the father of a sweet girl named Charlotte. "Powerage" is a name I got from the AC/DC album bearing the same name, otherwise, it's Christophe.

How long have you have you been involved in digital art?
The first computer I ever touched was an Amstrad CPC464 !! I've always been fascinated by art and when I was a kid I used to draw a lot. I really started getting involved in the digital Arts in 1998. I am 100% self-taught. I began with the "simply 3D" software package and very quickly moved to a more serious tool : 3D Studio MAX 2. At the same time, I also learned the ropes with Photoshop 4. It is much later that I finally discovered Poser.

What are you currently working on?
I have many ongoing projects (some of which are secret lol). The next product that will come out in February is a sexy outfit for Victoria 4 ; style : "Sexy SWAT team police". I will, of course, continue with my "Live Architecture" series. Many of my clients love the concept and have asked me to produce other similar "breakable" products. I need just a little more time to think of a new theme I could tackle; the challenge being to keep the same basic principle but doing something different.

What software do you use and why?
The software packages I use are 3DSMAX 7, Photoshop 7 and Poser 5. I don't use a wide variety of software packages because I feel that with these three, anything is possible.

The potential of 3DSMAX is astonishing and I'm far from using all of its functionalities. I only use it to model, unfold UVs and create morphs. Photoshop, of course, is an invaluable tool for creating textures and last but not least, Poser which, even though it is simple to use, remains a source of headaches for content developers.

Where do you find inspiration for your products?
I have a passion for comics and, for me, it is a bottomless pit of inspiration. I also get some of my ideas from motion pictures. From these sources, I can get the creative process started and then my imagination takes over.

Do you have any advice for aspiring Digital Content Developers?
This has already been said : do your best and give the best of yourself, that's essential. I would also add that one should attempt to find new ideas and try to get out of the beaten paths. Ask yourself the question : Would I buy this product ? If you create a product and you don't like it, there is very little chance that your clients will like it. Don't compromise on quality and make sure that you complete your projects from the original idea to the end. Details are important and must not be neglected. Persevere, even if a product that you created with all of your heart and efforts don't sell well. Tell yourself that it does not matter, the next one will sell. If you put all of your heart and your best efforts in your products, you will succeed sooner or later.

How has this online Community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?
Unfortunately, the English language is real barrier for me. (For example, this text was translated in English for me: Thanks Fran_joel...:) However, this has not prevented me from meeting wonderful people who support me in spite of my poor English.

Do you have any final words?
Most of all, I wish to thank my clients for their enlightening feedback and the confidence that they have in my work. It allows me to go on and to try and give the best of myself.

I wish to thank the Renderosity staff; Debbie and Karen, in particular. Thank you to my friend Rena (renapd) for her kindness and professionalism.

Thank you to my friends from SubPoserForum French communityÂ : Arsenic, Ephi, EricFarris, clg, ClauDe, 2Mylent, SG, Tipol (and all others that I forget).
Thank you to my two favorite canadians : Louly and fran_joel who translated this interview and thanks to SaintFox, tabala and luciferino.

Finally, a very special thanks to my wife for her patience and her understanding and to my daughter Charlotte (thank you just for being there). Thanks to zucchini soup gives me so much energy :)Â and thank you to all who took the time to read this interview.

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