The Awesome Cartoon Content Developer for iClone

Q: So how did you get into animation? Tell us a little about your background.

I've always had a fascination with animated characters. I messed around with trying to draw my own figures at one stage, but it was only when companies like Pixar started bring out full length 3D Animations that I really got excited. I was inspired to try create my own figures and found that it was within my reach with some of the very affordable consumer 3D programs available.

In the beginning it was just a hobby, but my passion for creating 3D characters grew, and now I do this full time - and I'd never go back.

Q: How did you first get involved with 3D Universe?

3D Universe is a company run by my wife and I. We created it officially in 2003, although I'd been already working in animation for a couple of years by that stage. Over time we've built up a nice portfolio of products, and have had the opportunity to work for and with some wonderful companies.

Our products have been used in many ways: magazines, television advertising, children's TV series, story book illustrations, movie pre-visualization, school learning packages and more recently animated pc and mobile games.

We now sell our figures in various program formats to cater to different markets.

Q: What are some of the favorite models you’ve produced?

That's hard to say, generally my favorite is the one I'm working on. My characters tend to gain a life and personality of their own and I enjoy exploring their quirks.

As an example, I recently created a figure that I planned as a cartoon baby dragon. To add some fun to the project, I started adding some randomization capabilities to the figure, and ended up with a really fun product that could create 100's of totally unique figures! It wasn't remotely what I planned, but was 100 times better!

Q: What’s your experience with iClone/Reallusion?

I am relatively new to iClone/Reallusion. My past products were created for other 3D programs, but I'm always eager to find new ways of sharing my products. What I really love about programs like iClone is that they simplify the complex tools used by big 3D animation companies and bring them into reach of anyone with an interest in the area. I probably wouldn't be doing what I do now if it wasn't for affordable 3D software like iClone.

Reallusion have been very helpful in converting my characters for use in iClone, and we plan to convert many of our existing and future figures over to iClone.

Q: Tell us a little about the models you’re selling in the Reallusion Content Store.

When I was approached by Reallusion about selling content in the store, we went through my product catalog to see what Reallusion felt would compliment their own store. We have a long list of figures that will be converted and released in iClone format, and plan on releasing one or two each month.

Q: What’s your advice to all the young would-be animators out there?

I always say "be yourself". Find a style that you are really passionate about and focus on breathing your own creativity and style into it, making it your own. Be inspired by others, but don't try and be a copy of them.

Have fun! Animation is a big field full of wonderfully creative jobs. Keep the creative spark alive by pushing yourself and experimenting with new ideas constantly.

==================================
3D Universe Website: http://www.3duniverse.co.za/
3D Universe Content in Reallusion Store:
Toon Big 5 Bundle
Toon Mouse
Sandy Bay
Toon Santa