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SIMPLE STEPS TO 3D SUCCESS
Tips for Success In 3D and CGI Industry
SIMPLE STEPS TO 3D SUCCESS, Tips for Success In 3D and CGI Industry. This guide was developed as part of our program to ease the transition of new or potential digital artists into the 3D industry for professional careers. Does the thought of all this 3D stuff have you wondering if there is anything you can do in 3D? Today 3D and computer graphics are used in many of the great films (not just animations) to bring movies to the big screen like never before. Not to mention those awesome console games and online gaming. With 3D it seems that if you can imagine it, then it can be created (at least in the virtual world of 3D). If you want to explore the possibilities of 3D for yourself, then you will need to become familiar with what 3D can do for you and decide if and how to become the next great 3D Artist. You will find information in this guide to help get you started by introducing much of the general information and questions that most people think about before beginning their own 3D quest. Our goal is to encourage each and everyone who reads this to enter some field in the 3D industry. You can read the topics and issues covered along with an overview preview showing the layout of all of the pages in the guide below. Just starting out and don't know where to begin or what to buy? TOPICS covered, To 3D Or Not To 3D; what can I do with 3D? Digital Graphics; exactly what is CGI? Tools & Equipment; what hardware do I require for 3D? Endless Apps; which platform do I choose for my 3D work? Best Fit; what personality type am I; Builder, Painter, or Producer? Build It Or Buy It; should I make it myself or pay someone else for it? Piecemeal Or Publication; should I research the subject or purchase tutorials? Honesty Is Not The Best Policy; OUCH! How will I live with myself? Low-Key, High Alert; Eyes Open, Mouth Shut! Ask For Every Penny It's Worth? Overpricing seems to be the trend. You Can Do It All Yourself! Or can you?
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Topics covered include:
To 3D Or Not To 3D; what can I do with 3D?
Digital Graphics; exactly what is CGI?
Tools & Equipment; what hardware do I require for 3D?
Endless Apps; which platform do I choose for my 3D work?
Best Fit; what personality type am I; Builder, Painter, or Producer?
Build It Or Buy It; should I make it myself or pay someone else for it?
Piecemeal Or Publication; should I research the subject or purchase tutorials?
Honesty Is Not The Best Policy; OUCH! How will I live with myself?
Low-Key, High Alert; Eyes Open, Mouth Shut!
Ask For Every Penny It's Worth? Overpricing seems to be the trend.
You Can Do It All Yourself! Or can you?







SIMPLE STEPS TO 3D SUCCESS: Tips to help you be successful in 3D and CGI
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Copyright (c) 2014, Winterbrose Arts & Graphics.  All Rights Reserved.
http://www.WINTERBROSE.com
This document contains original copyrighted material developed exclusively for Winterbrose Arts & Graphics.  You may not modify, sell, or claim authorship to any portion of this document.  However, the colorful 20-page illustrated PDF version is available free upon request using this link:  http://eepurl.com/gdNjtf
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Table of Contents
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* Introduction
* To 3D Or Not To 3D;  What can I do with 3D?
* Digital Graphics;  Exactly what is CGI?
* Tools & Equipment;  What hardware do I require for 3D?
* Endless Apps;  Which platform do I choose for my 3D work?
* Best Fit;  What personality type am I; Builder, Painter, or Producer?
* Build It Or Buy It;  Should I make it myself or pay someone else for it?
* Piecemeal Or Publication;  Should I research the subject or purchase tutorials?
* Honesty Is Not The Best Policy;  OUCH!  How will I live with myself?
* Low-Key, High Alert;  Eyes Open, Mouth Shut!
* Ask For Every Penny It's Worth?  Overpricing seems to be the trend.
* You Can Do It All Yourself! Or can you?
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Introduction
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- So, the idea of all this 3D stuff has you wondering if there is anything you can do in 3D.  Today 3D and computer graphics are used in many of the great films (not just animations) to bring movies to the big screen like never before.  Not to mention those awesome console games and online gaming.  With 3D it seems that if you can imagine it, then it can be created (at least in the virtual world of 3D).
- If you want to explore the possibilities of 3D for yourself, then you will need to become familiar with what 3D can do for you and decide if and how to become the next great 3D Artist.  Or you may discover that your role is more behind the scenes, after all, no one person can do it all.  Or can they?
- You will find information in this guide to help get you started by introducing much of the general information and questions that most people think about before beginning their own 3D quest.
- Our goal is to encourage each and everyone who reads this to enter some field in the 3D industry.  Why not?  You would not be reading this if you didn't have an inkling of interest in this stuff.
- We believe that 3D is one of those achievements of mankind that is a positive thing.  We will present information as straight-forward and truthfully as possible, so don't take it the wrong way or start feeling intimidated by the subject matter.  At no time are we presenting information to influence a person not to explore and choose some aspect of 3D to get involved in.
- Never doubt yourself!
- Please remember that like any other interest (hobby or professional), you may find that 3D is just not for you, or perhaps you are not suited for 3D.  If you do decide to move forward in 3D or CGI, the best advice I can give you is to never doubt yourself regardless of what obstacles you encounter or what others may say.  Press on continuing to learn and gain experience until you have reached success.
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To 3D Or Not To 3D;  What can I do with 3D?
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- In the beginning, you may not realize how many different things you can do using 3D applications.  Generally speaking, what you can do with 3D can be classified as either "Artwork" or "Animation".
- In layman's terms, if it is static and doesn't move then it is artwork.  If it is dynamic and moves (changes) in real-time on the computer or some form of projection screen then it is an animation.
- By far, the volume of artwork outweighs the number of animations.  This is do in part to the complexity of creating animations which requires all the skills of producing artwork and much, much more.
- There are many things in your daily lives that you may not even realize were created directly with 3D or in some form of 3D production facility.  Artwork includes (but is not limited to) comics, fantasy art, posters, book covers, advertisements, web graphics and more.  Just watch those television commercials closely or take note of those ads when flipping through your favorite magazine.  Without a doubt, you will find something either created entirely with 3D applications or that uses components that were created with 3D and modified as needed for publication.
- We haven't even touched the surface.  What about all those awesome computer and video games that look so scarily realistic?  Games are very popular, especially with the younger crowds.  Just remember, creating 3D stuff for games has no age limits!
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Digital Graphics;  Exactly what is CGI?
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- When it comes to 3D graphics, "CGI" stands for computer generated imagery.  If you happen to do an internet search, you will find that "cgi" is also a term used in web programming.  Please be careful not to confuse the two abbreviations.
- Using 3D applications, you can create virtual worlds where anything can happen.  The uses of CGI include artwork like landscapes, architecture and games or animations for training, simulations and visualizations, and the list goes on.
- To better understand CGI, we recommend that you visit the Wikipedia link:  Computer-Generated Imagery http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-generated_imagery
- You will often find the acronym "CG" used in the 3D industry in place of "CGI".  We are not sure how or when it all started, but since most 3D related issues are usually referring to imagery of some sort, the "I" seems to be unnecessary.  This may be why the industry has shortened it to just "CG".
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Tools & Equipment;  What hardware do I require for 3D?
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- Regardless of whether you're a PC or MAC user, the system configuration and operating system version you use may determine which software and content is available for you to use.  You might even find yourself in a situation of changing from one O/S to the other, or using both PC's / MAC's together to reach your goals.
- Just like in real life, the more powerful your tools are, the more productive you can be.  Just think how much more gets done because of cordless drills, nail guns and electric saws than if we were only using hand-powered tools like the hammer.
- This doesn't mean you have to go out and buy the latest computer system and operating system available to get started.  It just means that once you start to figure out what and how you will use 3D, you will understand that your need to upgrade your computing system may come much more often than anticipated.
- One of the unfortunate downsides to any computer-based industry is that to stay on the forefront of advancements in technology and applications will usually come at a significantly higher price.  However, once you have gained some experience and are an established artist, you will find that more powerful hardware will make you more productive and hopefully much more profitable.
- Still not convinced that keeping your computer hardware and operating system up-to-date will eventually become a necessity?  Think about this:  You wouldn't enter the family van to compete in a NASCAR race.  However, since you may not be able to afford that pimped out high-powered car yet, you may use the van until you can prove to someone that you are a great driver and can win future races.
- You should stick with the type of computer (PC or MAC) that you are comfortable with and enjoy using.  Just be aware that each of these systems is built around different hardware and your creations may not always work across both platforms.
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Endless Apps;  Which platform do I choose for my 3D work?
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- There is such a wide variety of 3D applications that it can become overwhelming trying to decide where to start.  Of course, if you are a student or employee then you will have to choose from the line of products being used in your class or job.  Many people start out using what their friends, family or associates use.  This creates an instant support network for you as you learn.  It will be a good idea to make a sincere attempt to resolve problems on your own before engaging your supporters.  In most cases, it is a good rule of thumb is to ask last.
- In the world of 3D, the price and of a product is not necessarily directly related to the quality or professional capabilities of that product.  You will find that there are many professional-level applications and products that are available for absolutely free.  The only way to know is to either research it beforehand or just experience it yourself.
- You will find that 3D applications like many other industry-based products range across a spectrum from Low-end to Mid-Level to High-end.  As a general rule, the price of a 3D application relates to the level of its use in the industry overall.  Just be aware that this is just a basic guideline and that each 3D product would have to be individually rated on its own merits and specifications.  If one attempted to apply dollar amounts to this spectrum, they might look something like this for the year 2014 in US Dollars (USD):
    $0     -     $500    Low-end 3D Products
    $500    -    $2,000    Mid-level 3D Products
    $2,000    and    higher    High-end 3D Products
- The guidelines above do not relate to other 3D products like models and textures.  These prices for these product types range so drastically that they fall into some sort of supply and demand model which is usually dictated by the manufacturer or vendor selling them.
- Remember that free is always good, but free things may come at a cost later.  And also that paying more doesn't necessarily make a product better for you.
- For the absolute beginner, we suggest that you start with one of the following:
        Digital Artwork/Animations      3D Sculpting and Modeling
            DAZ Studio (FREE)            Sculptris Alpha 6 (FREE)
- With DAZ Studio you will be able to create digital artwork and animations right away with its wide variety of included characters, props and accessories.  With Sculptris Alpha 6 you will be able to enjoy the fun of sculpting and modeling 3D meshes with an excellent range of tools that are powerful yet very easy to use.
- Here is a sampling of other 3D applications available to you:
        Blender (FREE), Poser, Vue, Lightwave, Silo, Zbrush, Modo,
        Sketchup, Maya, Hexagon, Carrara, Bryce, and more...
- Each 3D modeling application will have different features and layouts.  If you simply cannot afford any new software right away, take a peek at this blog:
     25 Free 3D Modeling Apps
     {http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d-modeling-applications-you-you-should-not-miss}
- At some point, you will need a good “paint” program.  Here is a sampling of Paint programs available to you:
        The GIMP (FREE), Project Dogwaffle, Photoshop, Paint Shop PRO
- On a final note: if you are new to 3D then when starting out you will undoubtedly value the user-friendliness of a product more than the range of features it offers.
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* NOTICE *
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Winterbrose does not recommend any one particular product and must warn you that downloading or installing any product is completely at your own risk.  We highly recommend the use of anti-virus/anti-spam software as well as ensuring that your operating system (Windows or Mac) has the latest updates/patches.
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Best Fit; What personality type am I; Builder, Painter, or Producer?
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- There are basically two main categories of digital artists in the realm of 3D; Content Creators and Content Users.  In basic terms, Creators create all the stuff needed for 3D apps to be useful like characters, clothing and weapons, whilst Users use all of these items to make digital artwork and animations.
- CONTENT CREATORS:  If you are the sort of person who likes to "make" things from the ground up as it were, then you are likely to become a Content Creator.  These people do all the mesh modeling/rigging or design the material/texture graphics needed for virtual worlds.  Don't let this discourage you if you also feel that you have the artistic talents to create scenes and animations as well.  People who become Content Creators are also the biggest Content Users in almost any niche of the 3D industry.
- CONTENT USERS:  If you just don't have the patience or attention to detail to create all the resources used in 3D apps, you may find that you can still excel as a digital artist in the 3D industry.  These people create static scenes that range from Fantasy Art to Commercial Advertising.  If you are more the producer/director type of person, you may find that creating animation shorts or even full length movies is where you excel.  In almost any industry in the modern world, there are far more "users" of products than there are "makers" of those products.
- Most artists become Content Users rather than Content Creators.
- No matter what category best fits your personality/talents, you can still have fun!
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Build It Or Buy It;  Should I make it myself or pay someone else for it?
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- Most CGI Artists will start out their careers either purchasing products to create their artwork or by downloading some of the freely available quality products which many experienced artists have gracefully made available to help us all.
- As you develop your skill set, you will find that you are drawn to and have more interest in some aspects of the 3D industry than others.  This is not a bad thing it’s just that there are so many facets to 3D that it is nearly impossible to become an expert in all of them.
- Artwork and Animations:  For most people, this is where their comfort zone is.  And because of this, you will usually procure or purchase all the items needed to create your digital art or animations from other sources.  On the road to your success you find that the relationship between price and performance do now always work in your favor.  Just be sure to abide by any licensing requirements for items you get for free.
- Modeling Figures and Props:  If you decide that you are the do it yourself type and just love to work with models at the mesh level, then you will find that even though you are making it yourself that you will still have to buy things like the software tools and perhaps training to fully develop your skill set to become successful as modeler.  This does not mean that you cannot start out with "free" products; it just means that at some juncture in your professional development, you will need to buy something.
- Creating Textures and Shaders:  Oh the joy of texturing and using shaders!  These are what gives the character, clothing or prop the "realistic" look or feel so often desired.  It takes a lot of experience and the right kind of tools to create awesome textures and shaders.  This is something you must have an eye for to be successful.  In fact, many artists who become modelers will still buy or license sets to include with their products, or even pay an expert in this field to create custom textures for the model.
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Piecemeal Or Publication:  Should I research the subject or purchase tutorials?
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- Even though we would love to say "buy tutorials" because we sell tutorials on a wide variety of subjects relating to 3D and digital graphics, we firmly believe that each individual should pursue whatever course of action fits their budget and available time.  Using the Internet or your local library you can find information on about any subject that you want to learn, but more often than not you will spend countless hours, days and even months trying to find enough information to fully develop almost any 3D skill.  You can also research the forums, blogs and freebie sites, but eventually you may need to purchase a commercially available tutorial.
- Most tutorials today are either the standard readable PDF format or in WMV/MP4 video format.  While the written PDF's can take longer to read, you can go at your own pace and easily and quickly find information or reference techniques when needed later.  Videos are great because you can watch and see exactly what to do, but they are very hard to reference back to because they almost never include any practical indexing.  In either case, look for tutorials containing good illustrations and step-by-step instruction for technical procedures.
- When time means money, purchases are an investment that can pay for themselves!  But if you have plenty of time and limited money, then start with researching as much as possible!
- When other artists are developing good tutorials, it often can take weeks, months and sometimes even longer to cover the subject thoroughly.  Only you can decide exactly how much your time is worth.  For example, let's say that at your level of development you decide that you are worth $15 per hour.  If you are researching a complex subject like "morphing", then you will quickly find that you can spend countless hours just wading through all the search results you discover.  By comparison, you can see that forking out $50-$100 for well-written tutorials or properly developed videos by reputable artists can easily pay for itself in the time you just saved.  Not to mention that most will cover almost everything you need to know and you just need to complete the hands-on to develop your experience level.
- If you must buy, then get everything which might contain the information, training or insights directly related to whatever skill you are currently developing.  You just do not know where that one golden nugget of information will be that will take you over the edge from amateur to professional or from pro to expert!
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Honesty Is Not The Best Policy:  OUCH!  How will I live with myself?
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- The sad fact is that to succeed today, the people who will impact your career must first like you.  Of course you need to get training and develop professional skills, but if you are not liked then they are less likely to hire you or promote your work.
- If you must speak, tell the truth!  Otherwise, keep it to yourself.
- It would be great if objective criticism were the order of the day every day, and you didn't have to worry about pleasing other people.  But in order for your career to survive, you must learn how to speak "nicely", or learn how to keep it to yourself when you know what you are about to say will be hurtful.  If you are asked to provide a truthful response to an inquiry, then take into consideration the personality of the requestor.  If you must say something controversial, then think long and hard on a way to respond with a non-threatening answer.  You might even consult someone you can trust beforehand.
- In this industry like many others, you cannot afford to be "boldly" honest until you have fully succeeded and are a recognized name among your fellow artists.  Does this sound pathetic and saddening?  Well it should, but believe me when I tell you that I have learned that many artists are so full of themselves that your criticism of any fault of theirs can get you a life sentence on their "F" list.
- Just remember that "honesty is the best policy", but telling it like it really is may be detrimental to a successful career in 3D or just about any other business.
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Low-Key, High Alert:  Eyes Open, Mouth Shut!
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- When starting out in the industry, you should get involved in as many blogs, forums and chat rooms as time permits to get a general felling of what other artists are involved in and also to "feel" out the personalities of fellow artists.  Get actively involved in the conversations and messages, but keep your opinions as neutral as possible or even to yourself.  Bluntly speaking, when it comes to how you feel about something, the point is to keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
- At times, what you read and hear will be a rude awakening.  At others, it will help you to discover that other artists go through the same kind of road blocks as you do.  You may find that other artists will have a discussion with you via "private messaging" (PM) and tell you things they wouldn't say in the public arena of the forums or chat rooms.  That alone is the tell-tale indicator on keeping certain things to yourself and not speaking publicly about how you really may feel.
- Never forget, you are competing against fellow artists with the same interests.
- Be cautious of other artists, after all these people are or may someday be your competition; vying for the same customer dollars as you hope to put in your pocket.  It would be awesome if you could outwardly trust every one of them, but this is most certainly not the case.  If someone is out to tarnish your name, you may not even hear about it.  Be watchful of what you say and careful of whom you trust.
- If you do connect with someone who seems sincerely interested in helping guide your career, then try to build rapport with them.  In all cases, you should let those with more experience mentor you or share information with you if they are willing.  By doing this, you may gain more insight into the 3D community than you could possibly learn on your own.
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Ask For Every Penny It's Worth?  Overpricing seems to be the trend.
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- If you do decide to enter the 3D field and will be creating products or services, the best way to gauge what you should be charging for your works is to search the internet for similar products and see what the value on the market currently is.  Just be sure to be comparing prices with products that have the same target group of customers.  For instance, if you decide to create 3D models using Poser then you do not want to be comparing prices for Lightwave or Maya models; instead you should be comparing to similar Poser models.
- Don't be surprised if you discover that what you thought your new product might be worth is either much higher or much lower than expected.  In almost every case, the “value” of your product will depend on the quality of workmanship.  Be sure to allocate time into your project workflow to test your product during development.  Do not wait until the end to find out there are problems.  No customer will ever buy from you again if you release products with unacceptable flaws into the marketplace.  A good rule of thumb is to check, recheck and then check again.
- When it comes to 3D products, the market is very fluid and unpredictable.  If you check out similar products in the marketplace and still need to determine what price point you should use, you may have to start out with a price higher than originally planned to see if the market will bear it, but you can always lower the price later.  If you start with too low of a price then customers won’t much appreciate it when you raise it later, however you may be overwhelmed with initial sales which make up the difference.
- Strive to price your products competitively with similar products.
- Strive to always price your products competitively with like products.  If all else fails, then price the product slightly lower if you can sell directly to your customers and price it slightly higher if you must give up a commission to the vendor or broker.
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You Can Do It All Yourself!  Or can you?
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- Like all new artists you are probably full of excitement and ready to take on any challenge.  After all, this 3D stuff looks so cool and you just can't wait to do it all!  The reality of it is that not very many (and by that I mean a rare few) can actually grasps all the concepts and techniques for 3D from beginning to end and do it all.
- You will have to become truly aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.  Let's say for instance that you choose to be a modeler.  After you create the awesome new character and get all the texturing and rigging just perfect, you will still need to pitch it to a vendor or sell it yourself online.  And for that, you will need some good promotional images (often just called promos).
- In the beginning, we all need outside help.
- All of a sudden you need to know backgrounds, environments, lighting, camera angles, and you stop dead in your tracks because up to now you have not learned anything in these areas.  But that's OK, you need to get your new product to market before someone else makes a competing product.  Go ahead and hire another artist who is experienced and willing to do some freelance promo work.
- Once you have gained enough experience, then for the most part you will do all the development of descriptions and promos yourself.  The goal of a good description and impressive promos is that if you can "sell" the product to the initial review team for the vendor you have chosen, or you cab "wow" your customers enough to lay out the money and buy it from you.  If the vendor requests some minor revisions or adjustments to your promotional items, then do as they ask.  In the beginning at least they will have much more marketing experience than you do and what they ask for is usually best for successfully selling your product.
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* CONCLUSION *
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In conclusion we would just like to leave you with these final words of advice:  "Never give up on your dream and never compromise your values to reach success!"
If you have any questions, concerns or just need an opinion or support, please feel free to contact us and we'll try to help or guide you in the right direction.  Support _@_ winterbrose.com

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