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23 Jul 2013

Interview With A Sci-fi Geek: The Winner of The 3D Printable Model Chee Fong

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We have just published an interview with the winner of The Best 3D Printable Portfolio Sam Abbott. But there is one more winner anxiously waiting for the second Ultimaker 3D printer to arrive. In our spotlight, we have the Winner of The Best 3D Printable Model. So..meet Chee Fong! He calls himself a sci-fi geek and models crazy, unfamiliar, fantastic objects, but his style is catching and has to be considered a piece of real art.

Chee, how long you have been working in the field of 3D arts? What happened that you put your leg into this world?

Actually, my real starting point was in the elementary school when I kept drawing on the back of homework assignments and tests. I have started my career in the 3D business since the college. Back then I have been employed in the game industry and it's been eight years by now. So, a tad over a decade for 3D.

You are pretty experienced in the field already...What would be your tips on 3D modeling for beginner designers? Do you have any spell or secret?

I would advise to start creating big shapes and play with a form of the object first. Only then move onto the smaller shapes and details. As I say, move from simple to the complex.

Interview With A Sci-fi Geek: The Winner of The 3D Printable Model Chee Fong 1

Could you distinguish the main differences between ordinary 3D modeling and modeling objects to be 3D printed?

To tell you the truth, I am not very experienced with 3D printable modeling yet. Mostly my knowledge came from the instructions, provided by CGTrader before the competition. The main difference I have noticed was having ‘waterproof’ meshes and keeping the walls of a certain thickness. These are just minor restrictions, but in fact the ones you have to be aware of. Actually, such programs as Zbrush really make it easier, especially with tools like Dynamesh to help you to subtract volume and close holes in the mesh. Also it helps a lot, as it possesses an integrated 3D printing exporter within.

Honestly, what is your opinion about 3D Printing: is it the new technological revolution or just temporary fad?

Game changer. It is going to be like the Industrial Revolution Part 2 and a tad more. I can even see it helping almost in every aspect of our lives.

Interview With A Sci-fi Geek: The Winner of The 3D Printable Model Chee Fong 2

Until you receive your prize, a 3D printer, have you already thought what will be the very first object you are going to print out?

There are just too many things to choose from! Most likely it will be one of the accessory related items. Actually, I am a huge advocate for 3D printing and I have so many half-baked ideas for it. I am extremely glad that I will have the opportunity to execute, experiment and make them to come true now.

Let’'s admit it, your winning model is not ordinary. It has a unique concept and is precisely modeled, has clear and good textures. So, how did you come up with this idea? Was it a sci-fi style dream to inspire you?

Thank you! I am a really big sci-fi geek. The series is just a set of characters that have been brewing in my head for quite a while by now. I’m glad I finally found some time to realise them. I really cannot point how I came up with this idea. As always it is just kind of random. Most likely it is a sub-conscious brew influenced by all types of the art.

Interview With A Sci-fi Geek: The Winner of The 3D Printable Model Chee Fong 3

Tell us more about the process... What was the hardest for you, while working on this 3D model? How long did it take to create it?

The set I made my entry with for the competition is a part of my study with Zbrush. At first I started it as a Dynamesh sphere in Zbrush. Then I was just sculpting, always following the guideline: from simple to the complex. After I got the form, I started to detail it. It is a somewhat organic process, like pulling shapes from the clouds. I experiment a lot to see what works the best with the shapes and the motives I have established.

What are your future plans: to engage more with 3D printable modeling or to focus on the usual, digital 3D modeling?

3D printable modeling is still quite a weak spot of mine. I will try to improve in this sphere, but...Digital 3D modeling I am used to and it pays the bills at the moment.

Interview With A Sci-fi Geek: The Winner of The 3D Printable Model Chee Fong 4


Thanks for the conversation, Chee. Hopefully, we will have some longer ones in the future. Is here more sci-fi geeks? Do you have any questions about The Traveler?

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