May Merchant of the Month is Dark_Whisper

How did you get started in 3D art? My fascination with 3D art began a long time ago - I remember the scenes I used to create in Moray/Povray. Things sure have progressed, I remember spending hours upon hours rendering one picture only to find that right at the bottom was a problem ;-) I then followed the Bryce range from Bryce 3D, and spent hours creating virtual scenery. I think the "bug" really bit when I stumbled across Renderosity about 2 years ago, although it wasn't called that back then. The virtual community who could interact and share their art inspired me, and it wasn't very long before I got Poser and started clogging up my hard drive with tons of free downloads ;-). As my skill in 3D grew I ended up making models to use in my scenes, and well - here I am! What software do you use and why? Although I have tried many different packages, I was first struck by the modeling power of Rhino 1.0. The NURBS capabilities gave me a power I could not achieve in other modeling packages. In a short space of time I could take an idea in my head, and translate it to polygons on my screen, and I loved this. I have since upgraded to Rhino 2.0, and have become a dedicated fan. I also use Poser Pro Pack in my character/clothing/hair design, and on the odd occasion I still fiddle around with Bryce 4. Any advice for getting started in selling 3D work? My only real advice is simple: Never stop doing stuff for fun. The fact that you might make some money on it is cool but focus on the enjoyment of creation. And dont rush into the marketplace, as your skill increases, you will have more and more requests for the stuff you make go with the flow. Where do you find inspiration for your products? This is an easy question to for me to answer. Everywhere I watch how people walk, how their hair falls, their mannerisms, etc. Sometimes the line between real and virtual can be very faded I have caught myself on many occasions staring at someones hair and thinking Man what an awesome texture map! ;-) In my mind, each of the characters that I make has a personality. I love conceptualizing my models long before I get started with the actual modeling. How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning? Renderosity has been the biggest factor in my 3D career. Not only is it packed with talented artist sharing ideas, but it is also made up of real people people who have good and bad days, who say nice and nasty things, who jump to conclusions, who ultimately help to carve you into the person you are. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me to become who I am. I have made (and will continue to make) many friends here. Thanks also to all the Renderosity staff you guys do a wonderful job, and I wouldnt trade places with you for all the biltong in South Africa! Steve Corder [Dark_Whisper]