My Journey in 3D: From Truespace to 3D Printing

My journey into the world of 3D began in the late 1990s with a software called Truespace. Back in 1997, Truespace was a robust 3D modeling and rendering tool, offering features that were quite advanced for its time, such as basic animation tools and real-time rendering previews. However, compared to today’s standards and industry giants like 3ds Max, Truespace had its limitations. It lacked the sophisticated tools for complex polymodeling, advanced UVW mapping, and the photorealistic rendering capabilities we now take for granted.

Transitioning to 3ds Max

Around 2001, I transitioned to 3ds Max, a software that opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. It allowed me to dive deeper into 3D modeling and rendering, mastering techniques like UVW mapping, polymodeling, and texturing. With 3ds Max, I learned how to create detailed, high-quality 3D models and renders, which became an essential skill for both personal and professional projects.

Exploring Organic Modeling with Mudbox and ZBrush

My foray into organic modeling began with Mudbox, developed by Skymatter (later acquired by Autodesk). Mudbox allowed me to create intricate, organic shapes, a completely different approach compared to traditional polymodeling. I later explored ZBrush, starting with the version available in 2007, which introduced powerful tools for digital sculpting and detailing. ZBrush revolutionized the way I approached 3D, providing unparalleled control over sculpting, texturing, and even polypainting.

Although I loved working with ZBrush, I unfortunately stepped away from it around 2009 due to a lack of work opportunities in Costa Rica. The global freelancing market, which today allows artists to find work from anywhere, was not as accessible back then.

Continuing with 3ds Max and Product Rendering

Despite stepping away from organic modeling, I continued working with 3ds Max, primarily focusing on product renders. This type of work allowed me to create high-quality, photorealistic images of products, showcasing the versatility of 3D for commercial purposes. Even though most of these projects were occasional, my passion for 3D kept me engaged in the field.

Rediscovering ZBrush and the World of 3D Printing

In recent years, I’ve rekindled my love for ZBrush, this time with a focus on creating models for 3D printing. The advancements in ZBrush and the growing accessibility of 3D printing have opened new avenues for creativity. Although I have yet to purchase my own 3D printer, I’ve been actively producing fan art 3D models, which I share for free on platforms like Thingiverse.

3D Printable Models for Free

My collection of 3D printable models is available for anyone to download and use. These models reflect my passion for 3D and the joy of sharing my creations with a broader community. You can explore and download these models for free by visiting my 3D Printable Models page.

A Continuing Passion

3D modeling has been a cornerstone of my creative journey, evolving from early experiments with Truespace to advanced sculpting in ZBrush and the exciting possibilities of 3D printing. Whether for personal projects, product renders, or fan art, 3D continues to inspire me, and I’m always looking forward to what the future holds.