Meet the Merchants - judee3d

[Guarie]

When did you start doing 3D art?
Early 2004, which means I've still got a long way to go!

What made you get interested in it?
The discovery of Daz Studio. I had seen some Poser Art here and there, thought it looked interesting, but no way I was going to spend that kind of money just to try something out. When I found out about Daz Studio, I was so glad to be able to try it out for free. It took me awhile to figure it out, but once I did, I was hooked!

Why did you decide to become a merchant?
Well, I found myself more and more making my own textures for renders - regardless of so many beautiful textures I already owned, I couldn't resist the challenge of trying to do my own. I enjoyed the creative process of it so much I ended up making some freebie packs. Eventually I decided to see if I could sell some - again, more for the challenge than anything else. It was a nice surprise!

Are you able to support yourself as a merchant?
Heavens no! I'm not nearly dedicated enough. I've always done this as a hobby, what I want, when I want. Selling products I make does help some of the costs of the hobby, but I think if I had to depend on it to live, it would become too much of a stress, and that would take the joy out of it.

What programs do you use in the creation process?
Mostly Paint Shop Pro X for creating the texture maps. I then apply them in Poser, and use a magnificent little python utility made by Netherworks - Mat Writer Plus in Poser6, or Mat Writer Premium in Poser 7.

When creating something do you listen to music and if so what is it?
Actually, no I don't, and I really don't know why. I keep thinking one day I'll grab some CD's and a few favorites and listen while I work - but I never seem to do it. Besides, I get so lost in the creative process I'm not even sure I'd hear the music if I did!

Will your products work in Daz|Studio?
Most of them yes, though there are a couple that used the Poser Material Room for parts of the product, because I couldn't figure out how to get the particular result I wanted without it. But I try to make most of them compatible with Daz Studio if I can. And I always test in Daz Studio to be sure.

Personally, what is the most pleasing memorable instance(s) you've seen a product of yours used in someone's artwork?
Believe it or not, it was when I saw someone in a forum who posted a short render of something just to illustrate a point he was making, and I suddenly realized that the character in the illustration was wearing an outfit with one of my free texture sets! It was so unexpected, and the first time I ever say something of mine used by someone else! Of course, any time I see something, it's always exciting, but that first time was a real treat!

How many hours sleep do you think you lose creating a product?
None. Like I said before, I don't stress over it or create deadlines. If I do work on something in the evening and lose track of time, I just sleep later the next day. Easy does it and keep it fun.

Now that you're a merchant, do you still have interest in creating 3D images?
Yes, definitely. I was just thinking about that the other day - being a merchant is fun, but I've noticed the only renders I end up doing are for store promos. While I enjoy that along with the rest of it, such rendering is more constrained, because, obviously, it requires making several different renders of the same outfit. I really want to start taking some time again to try some new things, and play around with the programs without a specific goal in mind. See where it takes me. icon_wink.gif

What inspires you, in your artwork and products?
It really depends on what I am doing. My TINTation sets were inspired by the toon characters - I love anything Toon, really just wanted to try something new for fun. I really did enjoy working on those - might even try some more eventually, with different toon characters. As for clothing textures, I have to say that my initial inspiration comes from the outfit itself. Something about an outfit will catch my interest, and I start thinking of how I might texture it. If it pulls at me hard enough, I just can't help myself.

Any advice for people thinking of getting into being a merchant?
Whatever your goals are (if any) don't expect to be an overnight success. Some people do manage to find that special idea that makes them a name very quickly, but for the most part it takes time to build up a reputation. If you are just doing it for fun and a little extra cash, then keep it that way. Don't stress, allow yourself to play and enjoy the experience.

If you want to try to make it more than that, then be prepared to work at it. It can still be fun, but the people you see that are top sellers didn't get that way by just playing. No matter how good you are, if your goal is to make serious money out of this, then you are going to have to put in some serious hours, probably plenty of overtime. And even then it's not guaranteed. Lol, as they say, "don't quit your day job" at least not until you're well on the way to making it.

I want to say thank you to Poser Pros for this opportunity. And especially, thank you to any and all who have shown interest in my products. I hope you enjoy them at least as much as I enjoyed making them.

Don't forget to check out judee3d's store this weekend (4th and 5th of August) as her products will be on sale for up to 30% off!

[tiggersprings]

Congratulations, Judee3D. It's good to see you--and your products--in the spotlight.

[judee3d]

Thank you tigger - nice to be here! Of course, as usual I got sidetracked by something and only ended up coming in here now. Ha! The creative mind at work!

[karanta]

Hi Judee

nice to read a bit more about you

[dark angel]

great to read more about you judee3d, miss seeing ya at DSA too.
_________________
DarkAngelsfire Designs :: Fantasies rEalm Market

[judee3d]

Hi karanta, nice to see you, and thanks for stopping by!

darkangel, you know I love DSA - I just get swallowed up by that big ole time monster Thanks for coming by here!

[mcv001]

Hi Judee,

Congratualtions on your wonderful art and store creations.
So glad they got "round to" recognizing your excellent quality works!

Best wishes for continued artistic success!

( a friend )

[judee3d]

Thanks so much (a friend) *winks* You have always been a great encouragement to me! Your good wishes are welcomed and as always, taken to heart.

[DRAKELOT]

Fantastic to read about your products ...
Congrats on this my friend.

Antonio !