Encouraging Chat With Apple Watch Accessories Challenge Winners!

It seems like it was yesterday! We've just released a new Apple 6s Accessories Challenge and we reckon it's just the right time to remember the last 3D Printing Challenge that involves Apple, isn't it? Take a look at what the winners had to say and hey, maybe you'll get your inspiration to make something amazing for the ongoing Apple Challenge!

Best Model - Pocket Watch by Dan Stewart

CGTrader: How did you get started in 3D modeling?

Coranson: I started to get interested in 2000 just by curiosity, I worked on the TRUESPACE software, my first software on which I have made my first step, after that I used 3ds Max because the render was a little bit cooler - but it is true that it was not simple! I remember buying the "3ds Max Bible" - a big book to understand this software.

Dan: I first discovered the magic of 3D through my older brother who was working for a 3D game studio at the time. Seeing the "before and after" game models really inspired me to get into 3D design. Since then I have been tinkering with 3D models for many years. Recently, I came across 3D printing which was even more inspiring to me - to see your art transform from digital information to a physical product still amazes me!

Ajay: I started designing in my College time. We used to make 2D drawings on A2 and A1 paper by using different kind of pencils. After that I decided to get some knowledge in 3D software also so I choose Catia as my creation tool. As soon as I got the command over Catia I found myself in automotive industry where I designed so many out of box concept design & product which is running successfully in market. Now I'm in a deep hole of this 3D and creative world which is so cool and with endless options and ideas.

CGTrader: Where are you searching for the daily inspiration?

Coranson: In general, my inspiration comes by looking all around me - I ask myself the question "how you would model this or that?" and I raise challenges, I watch a lot movies and some animations from different artists like Nekoo or Difz0ne and many others.

Dan: I am big into creating inspiration. If I'm not sketching ideas, I am "word sketching" and brainstorming ideas. I am a big believer in finding inspiration, rather than waiting for it to find me. But I also love to browse artist marketplaces and communities like CGTrader, DeviantArt, and ConceptArt.org. As for 3D printing, I also enjoy viewing models at CGTrader, Youmagine, and MyMiniFactory.

Ajay: My daily inspiration comes from everyday life. People are afraid to try new things, so I try to make something that is a combination of both traditional and out of box - something both attractive and practical - to make people use it without thinking twice.

2nd Runner-up Vordock by Manugoo

CGTrader: Why have you decided to try yourself in this challenge and how have you came with the ideas for the models for this contest?

Coranson: Like many people, I like Apple production. I react with my instinct a lot, and to choose the model which I modeled, I wondered what people possessing the Apple Watch could need. I thought of various things - in particular what sportsmen would need - and I came up with the the idea for 3D model.

Dan: I liked the concept of this challenge because it was the perfect opportunity where I could mix 3D modeling and 3D printing together into one challenge. It is the first time I made a concept in 3D, rendered the final images, and 3D printed it all in one project. I've never gone from concept to product/prototype with one idea, so that was where the fun was for me. I've always done bits of the pipeline, modeling something, or 3D printing something, but never doing all the steps as if I was designing a consumer product from start to finish. What I liked about a pocket watch holder was the mash up of old and new. I was excited about taking the cutting edge technology, and designing an accessory that was a throwback. Plus, pocket watches are just amazing and stylish, so it seemed fitting as an accessory.

Ajay: Apple is the brand for which every designer wants to work. CGTrader gave a platform to provide best design concept for such a company and it was a cool idea - how could I miss it!

CGTrader: What are the main challenges you are facing in modeling?

Coranson: I think that the first thing is the detail in the model - render is my second challenge.

Dan: The main challenges I face in modeling is conveying my idea, while also maintaining good geometry. And now as I focus my art more on the 3D printing aspect of things, I have had a lot to learn and am still learning how to make a model that looks good, but will also print out good. With 3D printing I have quickly learned that a model may look good on the screen, but can print out awfully if it is made with poor geometry. So learning to fix a model so it is watertight/manifold, so it is to scale, and repairing poor/loose geometry has been my newest challenge. However, by learning to fix my models for the physical world, it has greatly improved the quality of my digital models.

Ajay: My main challenge is the Apple brand name - as this challenge was for their new product, main thing on which I concentrated was their brand and style. Apple has a unique symbol of styling, so this was the crook for me while designing.

CGTrader: Any advice for those who are just about to start their career as a 3D designer?

Coranson: For those who start in 3D design - work a lot, have concerns of the detail and persevering.

Dan: Draw all the time. Your drawing skill will directly translate to your 3D models. Your skill on paper will match your skill in 3D. If you don't have money for industry-standard software don't be afraid to use the free software available for the time being. Learn the basics and become proficient at creating good geometry, and it will never matter what software you use. Don't be afraid to take risks and most importantly always have fun!

Ajay: If you want to be the best designer you have to make yourself very flexible and a patient learner - don't get stuck with one direction, try to explore more! Pull out you strengths, try to do new things - not in 3D modeling, in daily life as well. A good designer is also a good inventor, so keep looking in new things all around you. Learn to work with different software, pull out your limits, be passionate about new things and keep thinking positive!