How long have you been using 3d apps?

Err I hate to say this but 17 years approx. Architectural 3D's first of all, then I moved into visualisation and animations much later

Which apps do you use/like the most?

Oh such a hard question. I guess the easiest answer to that is to say which applications I could not be without.
3Dstudio Max 6 is my main program, it is truly amazing and getting better every release. I feel very lucky that I have a job using this software.
Poser 5 for sheer enjoyment, If four years ago someone said I would have a character design tool where I could manipulate every strand of hair or make cloth move as the figure walked all for less than $500 I would not have believed you.
Vue d'Esprit Pro. Not my most useful app at the moment as I am still trying to see how I can use it in my current workflow, (render times too slow for my requirements), but wow this is like a boyhood dream to be able to make my own worlds and set my characters/actors within them.
And finally Photoshop. Most of my 3D work is animations these days but I use Photoshop at work and at home and I would be lost without it.

When did you start PlanIt 3D?

Oh an easy question 2nd October 2001

Why did you feel the need for another graphics site?

Well to be honest I didn't even consider it. I started the site because I wanted my own resource library I could access from anywhere in the world. I was travelling a lot and working at client's premises, I needed a way to get to certain textures and models. Simple things for stage dressing really. I suddenly got loads of Emails about the site. Have you got this model, can I use this one, would you post this artwork in your gallery, etc, etc. After a year the libraries had grown very quickly through certain artists help and donations. At the start of 2002 P3D had taken over a large portion of my life as I started to develop the site into something visitors really wanted. As I surfed the net. I got really annoyed at 3D sites that suddenly demanded yearly subscriptions, just disappeared forever or just stopped evolving. I wanted a totally Free Site that would be around for a long time. No tricks, no gimmicks, no sudden demands for cash. Sorry if this all sounds a bit high and mighty but it was how I felt at the time.

Did you envision being part of the 3d community or was it just for your own model distribution?

I hope I have answered that above. Now I am part of the 3D community I would not be without it. There cannot be a friendlier group of people on the web. Just think for a moment about a young artist who posts his/her work for the first time in a gallery somewhere for all to see. It is so nice to see all the words of encouragement from so many members of the community.

What's your philosophy on the 3d community and the role P3D plays in it?

Wow! The 3D community has grown and grown and there are some really great places to visit these days. A philosophy, well one dictionary definition is "the pursuit of wisdom" I think we are looking for that, so I really could not answer any better.
The role of P3D? Many people have commented on how friendly they find it at P3D so that is a great start. If the site is only known for being a friendly place in the 3D community then I would accept that and be happy.

What milestones has PlanIt 3D had?

Too many to mention, but here are a few key dates. I think the real milestones are just round the corner.

Oct 2001 - Site started
Oct 2002 - Site develops into an all round 3D resource directed by visitor's comments.
Jul 2003 - Forums added to provide an area for knowledge sharing.
Dec 2003 - A really great community spirit has sprung up aided mainly by site moderators (thanks guys and gals)

When did you first start adding content from other members and who were your first victims?

Victims? Well the body count is increasing very fast these days if we continue on that thread. Many are now good friends so I do hope victim's is not the right term. ;)

June 2002 Montree of smoke3dstudio.com donated many of his models; it is with many thanks to him that we now have over 100 seating models alone.
Also June 2002 Lyne of Lynescreations.com sent through a piece of artwork using one of the fish models available from P3D (always nice to see). Lyne was having problems with her freebies hosting and I offered to host straight away. We are lucky to have unlimited bandwidth and server space here so helping artists to keep their freebies on the web, rather than them disappearing forever is one of our main missions.

What impact has the forum had on PlanIt 3D and what made you decide to include one?

I needed more feedback from users to make sure the site was providing the right content and I was getting so many Emails with great tips, links, questions etc I needed a place to post all these little gems.
Impact? I have been amazed in 6 months we have gone from 0 to 2000 (well almost) members. We have some very active members, a great bunch of fun loving moderators who seem to move heaven and earth to answer all questions or find that elusive model on the web. It has transformed P3D from a pure download site to a real 3D Community on the web. Oh and I met you, that has certainly been a life changing experience LOL

Did you imagine the member list would get this large so quickly?

Straight answer no, not in a million years. What I have been really impressed with is the number of people who visit daily just to check out the forums it is really great to see. We have a member's only area where we add a few extra models and textures as a little thank you to people who have joined the Forums, I really hope to add to this in a big way in 2004.

How do you feel about interacting so closely with all the members?

Oh this is really great. I enjoy all the posts and try to answer everyone even if it is with a polite thank you. It is great to see friendships building up between members and I am amazed with some of the information and advice forum members can offer each other (I learn so much). It is also great getting so much support and encouragement from other webmasters, I did not expect it.

What would you like to see happen for PlanIt 3D in 2004?

The Forums continue to grow, be able to offer loads more freebies and generally make access to the site features easier for visitors.
Oh we have some great stuff planned. Automated gallery submissions, Newsletters, Competitions. 2004 is going to be a great year for PlanIt 3D.

What advice would you give to those new to the 3D community?

Wise old man head now on ;

1. Practice, practice, practice with your chosen 3D application.
2. Join Forums on the web. They are a great source of information; advice and most importantly can be great fun. But to get the most out of them you must join in.
3. If you get stuck or unsure about something - just ask. No one can know everything and there is always someone willing to help.

Who are your heroes in the 3D community?

My hero's are the programmers and designers who develop the 3D software applications that I use. Without them I would not be watching films like Finding Nemo, thinking how do they do that and then setting up a scene to practice caustic lighting. Okay I may be working on a pond scene and not the open sea but it's a start. ;)

What are your top three favourite 3d sites, other than PlanIt 3D?

Only three BD? That is mean I may have to add a few more.

Okay in no particular order my favourite sites during 2003 have been.

Faeriewylde - Nice concept, really friendly place to visit.
3D Commune - A slick site with loads of features and has managed to keep a really friendly feel within the forums (well done Mark)
RDNA/Poserpros - I put these two together as excellent resources.

BD that was a very mean final question, sorry to all the sites I have missed out.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who visited PlanIt 3D during 2003; everyone who provided content for our libraries and posted in the forums; all the moderators for their help and encouragement; and of course my family who cannot understand why I stay up till the early hours every morning developing this site.
I am really enthusiastic about 2004 so I do hope you all will continue to visit and support PlanIt 3D as it continues to grow and evolve into something the whole 3D community can be proud of (I am really proud of it already).

Interviewer's note: I'd like to thanks Fitzy for our final interview of 2003, I can't think of a better way to wrap up the year. Fitzy has given all of us here a place to come together and share knowledge, make new friends, and grow as artists. I'm looking forward to all of the new things he has planned for PlanIt 3D and to becoming even better friends with not only him, but all of the other PlanIt 3D members. 2004 will be a stellar year for us, our goals are big and our spirits fresh. Join us in making PlanIt 3D one of the top 3D sites around.
Thank you for your attention, have a safe and happy New Year's Eve and do come back and share with us.

Interviewed by Ben_Dover.

©2003, PlanIT3D.com