Congratulations
to pgmeri01 for being Renderosity's
Vendor of the
Month for February!
Who is 'pgmeri01' and how did you come by this user name?
I am 37 years old, male, married and live in Frankfurt, Germany. I am not sure how this username evolved, it came once from a roleplaying game where I signed in under "Meridian" and the system recommended this abbreviation. Since then, I am carrying this with me through my life ...
Have you had any traditional art experience or training?
No, but I started very early with an early 3D Renderer called Reflections. That's now probably 12 years ago. Since then I have always been trying to get my imagined worlds into pictures. So, I just went on trying by error and so, all I do now is learned by doing. However, I need to credit the 3D Community as a whole as I have found a lot of help and wisdom just by asking and getting help from others.
What are you currently working on?
I am having four product lines that I continuously extend with products: The 2260 series, which is nearly finished now, the Streets series, which is about to be extended next, the K-Azonica Series which is another SciFi Series for my comic I am working on, and the newly emerging Underworld Series, which is the Fantasy World. The next set will be another Products to the Streets set, I am just figuring out what...
What software is currently in your digital toolset and why?
I am using CINEMA 4D R11 for creating of the objects, Poser 2010 Pro for the Poser Stuff and Photoshop LE and Corel for the textures. I am also using Bodypaint for the more complex textures. I just grew up with CINEMA since its early days and have found it to be the most stable and easy to use engine. Within CINEMA I use Riptide and some other OBJ Converters.
How would you describe your creative process?
Uh, that isn't easy. My inspiration comes from different angles, therefore the process starts in different ways. Mostly, I draw up sketches to see if I can find a way of putting my imagined pieces to a picture. Then, I start building raw objects and see if it results roughly in what I want. If I find it to be a valuable thing to develop, I create all the pieces and the entire product in CINEMA. I then export it to Poser and bring it into shape. I then spend the other half of the time of the development cycle with creating the Poser content, such as poses and lights.
Are there perhaps any tips or tricks you have found in your own work that might be of help to others learning the software you use?
As said, it is all trial and error and learning by doing. Don't feel frustrated if you don't get the result you'd wished for in the first place. And never be afraid of asking questions. This community, especially here on Renderosity, is very open and helpful. Also, just be patient with the learning curve. Most of those 3D programs have a hell of a lot of options and I haven't even figured them all out after 10 years and more ...
Where do you find inspiration for your products, and do you have any particular favorite among the products you've created?
I have an active imagination and I still want to get my dream of my comic alive. I already started the first round of the K-Azonica series, so the story gives me inspiration. I also get a lot out of games or movies. I read a lot and that usually comes together into an imagined world I then start to build in my head. The recent K-Azonica sets are definitely my favorites as they allow me to build my story and comic, and it reflects a dream come true from my earlier years...
Have you ever created product in response to customer feedback?
Yes, I regularly read the suggestion box here in the forum and see if there is something in there that fits into my visions. I also receive a lot of mails about desired products, etc. I listen to what people ask for, also for recommended changes or additional freebies.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Digital Content Developers?
Just hang on to your dream. I find a lot of content providers start creating content cause they once had a dream or an imagination of something, but once you are stuck doing this for your life, you lose your dream out of sight and begin to develop content because you MUST. Your creativity gets lost and you somehow begin to hate it. So, keep yourself open and do content development because you like it. And don't let yourself get pushed into a corner, because of the money.
How has this online Community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?
Well, it simply started it! Renderosity was my first shop I bought from, once I started working with Poser. Since then it lead and guided me through my own development. I learned a lot here by reading the forums, asking questions, etc. Renderosity has become a place for me, to feel home with my stuff.
Do you have any final words or advice for other digital artists or vendors?
I want to thank you all at Renderosity. The testers, the MarketPlace admins, everyone. But, also, I want to thank my customers, a lot of them are returning with every product I load here, and I cannot appreciate your trust and loyalty in just these few words. I feel honored being with you all here and I feel part of something greater. Thank you.
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