How did you get started in 3D art? I have a long history in Art. Educated at Memphis College of Arts, worked in numerous Ad agencies and even had a stint with Memphis Magazine and Times Herald Union newspaper, (working in the ad & paste up departments). When I became computerized about 10 yrs ago and online about 8 years ago I started doing logos and 2D graphic work for Web page builders. My interest in 3D probably happened when I begin to haunt the online art galleries, then gradually onto 3D art galleries around the Internet. I was amazed at the beautiful art work that could be done digitally. Back then my first interest was 3D animation. I was downloading every free and shareware animation software I could find. I was only doing this for a pastime giggle, nothing serious, mind you. Then I met a guy who also did art for web pages and he was using a program called Poser for some of his graphics. I inquired about this strange and wonderful program called Poser and found it had animation capabilities too. Well, I was hooked and acquired Poser right away, but after having it for several months I unfortunately found I had no talent or patience for animation. But I did find rendering stills to be my enjoyment. My minor in college was Photography. With lights and camera in Poser I found it to be a great substitute for a live studio. Thus my first introduction to real 3D art was Poser. So, as you may see with my 2D art, web graphics and photography background, and my love of computers; making digital textures seemed only natural to me. What software do you use and why? Poser and Photoshop by all means. I don't think I could have one without the other. I have a lot of 3D and 2D software that I use (my husband Kenneth would say too much...ha!), but these two, that I mention, are my favorites and most often used in my personal art and in my texture making. Photoshop not only is used for texture making but also for enhancement of my 3D artwork and for the digital photography that I still try to do, when I have the time. Poser for it's simplicity, ease of use and greater control than other 3D software I've worked with. And because of it's main theme of the human form, from which I am also am more interested in. Any advice for getting started in selling 3D work? The best advice I can give is know your line of work and know your software well before you consider making items for sell. Problems will inevitably occur in any business. Being an expertise in your line of profession will certainly make this business easier and more enjoyable. You need to understand people will be spending their hard earned money for your products and they expect and deserve the best product and service possible. I suggest starting off giving some of your products away for free. Some of the most popular and respected merchants out there were people who started off giving many wonderful things away first and getting to know people personally in this community. They had a reputation for good products, and being known and trusted by the members, way before they ever considered selling their work. Also this way people will get to know you and your work and you will get to know the people who use your items. I believe it's always best to know the territory before you start peddling your wares. It also will help you to find your weaknesses and strengths, where you need to improve and what you should build upon and enhance. Last but not least, listen and read to what people are saying in the forums. You will probably acquire more wisdom in the forums than anywhere else. There is a wealth of information out there in the forums for aspiring Merchants. Where do you find inspiration for your products? Most of my inspiration comes from my family and friends. Especially my son, Chris, who for instance suggested I create a Slavic texture in honor of his great interest in Russian culture and language. Thus came Oxana. My latest, Djana, was inspired by an immigrant school friend of my son, from Bosnia. Amy Marie was inspired by love and pain for a wonderful sister who passed away recently and who always loved and encouraged me in my art work. Sometimes I'm inspired by other texture artist too, but my inspiration can also come from simply a magazine ad, a line of thought, a personal need, or from people on the street. In fact I really never know where the inspiration is going to come from or when. But it's always nice when it does. How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning? Without Renderosity, I probably wouldn't be doing 3D graphics today. I became a member back when it was called "The Poser Forum" and the only Poser related forum I could find at the time. Interestedly it was only about 3 months old when I found it, but It was a Godsend for me. I had so many problems learning 3D and Poser that I surely was about to give up. Without the talent of the old masters here, I think I would have become totally disinterested, and disgusted with 3D and probably would have moved onto other things. I also don't think I would be selling 3D graphic related products if it weren't for Renderosity. I started selling in the Marketplace when it first opened, for the sole purpose in helping support this site. I think many of the old timer marketplace merchants originally started selling here for the same reasons I did, in order to save our beloved 3D haven. And of course without the consumers and the wonderful contributors in the forum and the free stuff, Renderosity wouldn't be one of the top 3D/2D resources it is today. That's why I'm still here and never left. I consider it the best place to get started, to get serious, and to have fun in 3D, or just for any form of art in general. Before I end this, I'd like to thank all the artist who have bought from me and continue to do so. And to those of you have sent me emails of encouragement, compliments, suggestions and feedback. Your input is more than appreciated and it's put me at ease knowing you felt your money was well spent. I can't even begin to say how wonderful it has been getting to know some of you personally. I'd also like to thank the pros out there who have helped me over the years when I was ready to quit, and gave me enough confidence and encouragement to keep me at it. I'd like to thank Renderosity's overworked testers too, who really do their job well.....Also to Clint Hawkins who has put up with more than one of my goofy inquires, and stupid mistakes. You've been a complete gentleman and without you, the Marketplace wouldn't be as great as it is for the merchants here. And thanks to Renderosity staff for giving me this opportunity to be on center stage for this brief moment to snap my fingers and shift my hips.................=) Regards to all! Cindy Imhoff =)