We're proud to bring you this installment of the "Artist Pedestal" featuring the talented Tony Lynch.
I've always marveled at Tony's quality furniture. His site has all kinds of terrific props these days in addition to furniture. Check out his gallery while you're there.

Tony Lynch Designs

Tell us Tony, which part of the world do you call home?

I could break this down a couple of ways...Currently, I call West Texas home, but being active duty Air Force that could change in a moment.
Originally, I'm from Southern California, about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, and that is where my family still lives.

Are there any non-3d hobbies you like to participate in?

There re hobbies outside of 3d? Actually, I like to bowl, fish, watch stock car racing, hike, read, and play guitar.

About when did you first become a part of the 3D community?

I think I found alt.binaries.3d.bryce shortly after I got Bryce 2 in 1997, although I must admit I was more of a lurker than anything else at that time. I guess you could say I became a more active member of the community in 2000 when I returned to the States from Korea.

Had you ever done any other art besides that of the 3d nature?

I'd done a bit of 2d work with Corel Draw, designing unit crests, t-shirts, military challenge coins. I also used to design typefaces, I think I made 20 or so of my own designs, and I also converted peoples printed handwriting into fonts.

So what was your first impression of the 3d community when you became a part of it?

In a word, awestruck...I was completely amazed at what some of these folks could turn out.

And did you imagine that you too would be "striking awe" eventually with some of your own quality models?

Never in a thousand years did I think that, I've just been having fun.
A lot of what I have out there are what I call my apprentice pieces, stuff I was making while I learned the various pieces of software I use. And I'm still learning, really, I'm always finding new and (hopefully) better ways of doing things. Getting the same done with fewer polygons, better texturing, mats and shaders are a couple of examples.
I doubt I will ever consider myself a master, though I'm getting close to being a journeyman.

What was your first 3D program and how long did it take you to master it?

The very first one was POV-Ray, but I have to admit, I never really mastered it. The first one I used extensively was Bryce 2.0, and I more or less tinkered around with it for a couple years, I picked up Bryce 3d when I was in Korea and started working more seriously with it, trying to figure out things in the Deep Texture Editor. Honestly, this is an ongoing process, as I'm always learning something new I can do with it.

And what was the first successful model you produced with Bryce?

The first one was probably a flying saucer that I made with booleans, not much, but it worked for the image.

Share with us which model you most proud of and what inspired it?

My mantle clock. It took about 3 days to model and texture. For inspiration, I used a clock that I had purchased at a flea market in Berlin when I was stationed there.

What was the first freebie you made publicly available?

I think it was a Crystal Ball. I used sPatch to model the base and a Bryce sphere for the ball, probably took 5 hours to make.

How long have you had a marketplace? What has been your most successful product?

Around 2 years now. To date, that would have to be my Woodsystem2 Bryce mats.

Were you first surprised that so many people wanted your products enough to pay you for them?

Quite surprised. I kind of scoffed at a couple e-mails I received early on that I could sell my models and mats, however profit has never been a motive, the stuff I put out there is my way of thanking a community that welcomed me with open arms and gave me more than I can ever repay.

>Tell us what actually inspires your pieces. Do you take requests, design them to fill a need in one of your own 3D projects, or do you just sit back and imagine what to make next?

Inspiration for one of my furniture pieces can come from anywhere, a picture I see in a magazine, a piece I see in the store, just from my imagination. I'll see something, and tell myself "You can make that."
I do requests; many times these are in response to comments on my items at 3d Commune, but I have gotten several in e-mail and do my best to get them done. The rest of the time, I like to make the stuff I can't make in my shop (which I don't have at the moment), mostly due to not having the right equipment.
On the computer, though, those restrictions are removed. I don't have to worry about not having a lathe or a steamer.

Have you ever used a 3d model to plan an actual furniture piece?

No, as much as I'd like to, we just don't have room here to set up our woodshop. So, the modeling is an outlet where I get to create things I made in wood, but can't right now. Nice thing about doing it on the computer...no sawdust to sweep up or brushes to clean.

I imagine it would streamline the concept and creation process of an actual piece?

It would allow me to see how everything fits together without having to draw it out first, although I still do that for some pieces. Having the model in 3-d and all the parts, I would know exact sizes (I build in 1:1 scale in Carrara) of the various parts, and it would help to visualize some of the more difficult cuts.

Have you ever attempted modeling something organic such as a humanoid character or animal?

I've tried it a couple of times, but not something I really have an interest in doing. I leave people and critters to Aine (my wife).

What's the typical workflow process for creating one of your models?

First I try to do a little research, either on the web or the reference books I have here. Once I decide what I want to do, I usually do a rough (very rough) sketch of it, then I start modeling in Carrara, usually starting with the legs or base, and work my way up to the top, naming each part as I go. After I finish the wood parts, I then work on the metal pieces, hinges, door/drawer pulls, etc.
Once the model is complete, I'll export it to an obj file. For Bryce models, I import them into Bryce and texture them in there with my own wood mats.
For Poser, I'll usually load the model into UVMapper, create the map and use Photoshop to create the texture using either photo image maps, or captures of my Bryce mats.

What app do you find most productive in your creations?

For the actual modeling, Carrara is my weapon of choice. Though, for some parts, I will use Corel Draw to create the outlines.
For creating textures, Excel is indispensable. I use it to generate random numbers so each shader/mat/texture will be just a bit different.

How many 3d apps are you currently in your arsenal?

Bryce, Carrara, Poser, Amapi (A little), Terragen, Vistapro, ZBrush.

Any specific app you have your eye on at the moment to further your modeling skills?

I'd like to get Amapi 7, I've seen some fantastic stuff done with it, and with what little bit I've done with my older version, I think it would only improve the models I make.

Care to let us in on any upcoming projects that we might look out for?

Lately, I've been working on some shader sets for Carrara 3 ; wood, granite, marble and metal. will be well over 2,000 shaders.

What resources would you recommend for new modelers?

One of the best resources I use is Antiques and Fine Arts magazine. Lots of photos of furniture and curios. The forums at the various 3d Art sites are always a great resource. Odds are someone has already tried to do what you're trying to do and will provide insight into any pitfalls they encountered and advice how to get something done. If you're wanting to build a particular piece, do a Google search and look at photos of the real thing. Another great source for me has been our local library, Aine and I always find something there that we can use for inspiration.

And lastly, what advice would you give to new modelers?

Start with small simple pieces to learn the ins and outs of the software you're planning to use. Learn a little bit about what you're trying tomake, the history, the techniques used to make the real thing and the materials used. Never be afraid to ask for help, most folks are more than happy to give it. Always remember, everyone was a beginner once. Probably the most important advice I can give is to have fun.

Some background stuff if you folks are interested: I'm 45 years old, married for almost 13 years to my best friend and fellow artist, Aine.
Between the two of us, we have four children, 3 sons and a daughter, all grown and living all over the country. It has been my honor to serve with the United States Air Force for the past 24 years. I am a Master Sergeant, and by training I am a linguist, Russian, German and Chinese. Currently, I'm working as a Resource Advisor, filing purchase requests and things of that nature. I've had no formal art training and I can't draw with pencil and paper to save my life. Thank goodness for rulers, erasers, and computers.

I'd like to thank Tony for the terrific insight into his creation process and background.
It's fascinating to learn the "behind the scenes" from an artist/modeler whose work you've admired.
Drop by his site and get some goodies. Tell him we sent ya, he won't mind.

Interviewed by Ben_Dover,
©2004, for PlanIT3D.com