Q: How did you get started in 3D Graphics? I studied Directing and Art Direction for film. That gave me my first glimpse of what computers could do. Used to working with bulky and slow systems, I had to learn computer editing for a project, from the manuals, in literally 4 days. After that task, everything seemed very easy and I was hooked on computers! I started my own business in Interior and Product design and discovered that 3D helped immensely for product development and for getting you ideas across. About that time I was using models rendered in Bryce and Photoshop for post work. Then I discovered Poser4 and still remember myself being ecstatic with Business Posette and giggled watching their hands grow to the floor with the y scale! That was it, I was addicted! Q: How long have you been working with 3D Graphics? About two years with 3D. First I began by downloading things to make renders and slowly started making my own textures from photographs. Modeling came later on. Before that, I was into Photoshop and 2D and considered 3D a distant thing. I still have a great deal to learn. There always seem to be so many things out there. Q: Do you have any formal training? I never had any formal training. Although coming from an artistic background, it helped a lot in terms of aesthetics. Im a very stubborn person and if I have to know how something works, I end up looking it up and doing the same thing for days until it works. It can drive people around me crazy. Q: What software do you use to develop your products? I use Photoshop7, Poser 4, 3D Studio Max 3 and a trusty digital camera. There are now also loads of utilities available to make our lives easier. Im currently having a go at learning Maya and Deep Paint 3D. Q: How much time is required for product development? I usually make at least 3 or 4 versions of the completed product, from scratch, before deciding to go with one. Quality is a big issue for me and I prefer to not release something than to have a product out there that if I was a customer, I wouldnt be satisfied. It does take a lot of time and thats why I dont have so many things out yet. But in the end, when you get so positive feedback, its worth the effort. Plus, nothing is wasted. Even if it doesnt end up in the marketplace, I would definitely have learned something new. Q: Do you have any advice on how to get started selling 3D Products? Id have to say, if you want to sell something, take your time. Test and double check and make sure that youd be satisfied with it if you were a customer. Think about it as something youre making for yourself rather than something that will bring money. It really pays off in the end! The pleasure of receiving positive comments and content customers surpasses that of gaining a few bucks. Q: Where does your inspiration come from when developing new products? Lately, Ive started observing people more closely. At the street, in magazinestheir hair, their skin. Its also very entertaining being Hanibal with your friends when you get to scare them by saying Ooh, got to get your skin and get my digital camera out. Its so much fun watching their expressions! Now I dont have enough time to play with Poser and do renders for pleasure, but I miss it. I do most of my renders for testing products and spend the rest of my time learning modeling. But its fantastic when you see your stuff in artists renders. The images some people make are astonishing and they do it so much better than I ever could. That inspires me! Q: How has Renderosity's on-line community played a role in regards to your products, friendships and learning? I have learned a large amount from those generous people who have taken the time to write tutorials or simply to just sit down and explain. If you ever had a question, you were sure to get the answers here. You get a genuine feeling of a community, with all its ups and downs. The idea that anybody can sell or share anything gives freedom to creativity and from this place Im sure many people have discovered their skills and talents. The fact that you see so many new products, renders, free items and discussions everyday is a sign of a community that is extremely animated and dynamic. Thats what differentiates this place from anywhere else. I really enjoy that part! For me, language is a barrier, since English is not my native language, so I dont feel very comfortable participating in forums. But I had the luck to meet very stimulating people and to make some great friends. Q: Do you have any final words? Ooh, can I get to thank people, just like the Oscars? ;) I just want to express thanks to all those people in the community that have helped and been supportive and to all my customers. Everyone who has been a motivation with their vision and talent. A huge appreciation to all the staff doing an excellent job coordinating us crazy lot!! And an enormous thanks to my boyfriend George, whos always been so patient with my late night 3D frenzies!