Interview with professional Illustrator Stefano Tartarotti

A true aircraft wizard with a decade of experience and more than 700 published models, Stefano Tartarotti is a man worth taking notice. Stick around as we talk to him about his profession, marketing experience and early passion for modeling.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the 3D industry?

I work as an illustrator for publishing. About ten years ago I started using 3D software to integrate 3D renderings in 2D infographics or airplane renderings for a flight magazine.

What kind of research process do you have?

For real objects I look for blueprints and/or photos as a reference. For fantasy, cartoon or sci-fi models I use photos or drawings I find on web. Sometimes the ones that I drew myself.

How do you market your products? Can you share some tips & tricks?

Take the time to prepare a good item page. For each model make available as much 3D formats as you can. Show the model with some good renderings (including a couple of wireframe renderings) and write an adequate description about the model and about the real object (if it is real). Try to help client to understand if your model is what he needs for his work. This is a good way to avoid returns or bad comments. But these are the same seller tips as in a lot of 3D market websites.

What do you enjoy most about working in 3D industry?

I love to model. When I was a boy I liked building and painting plastic models of planes and tanks. Now I can do the same on a computer and they pay me to do it!

What’s the hardest thing being a professional 3D designer?

Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand how many work hours could take to custom model requested directly from a client. There are a lot of variables and It could be hard to give an exact price and date of delivery for a model request in advance.

What software do you use?

Cinema 4D.

What are you working on next?

Actually I’m working on some elements (characters, guns, vehicles) for my own comic.

Please finish the following sentences (being as honest as you can :) )

I abandon some of my works because … lack of time or little interest in the subject.

When I catch myself procrastinating, I ... take a look at the photos reference. Usually it helps me enter the right mood to start modeling.

I’m most productive when ... I work at the model that I like.

I take a break from my work when ... I stop enjoying it.