Challenges

Paradoxically, tools and techniques to encourage kids' creativity require creativity. It's hardly possible to foresee which of the new toys or games will become kids' favorite, but as the technology develops, the capabilities and detail of 3D printed miniatures and toys make them a desirable customized alternative to traditional toys. With that said, it only seems natural that we're rolling out an exciting new challenge to explore the endless 3D potential to create new play experience for children and (let's be honest) adults alike.

Coming up with ideas for new toys calls for a fresh approach, so while Lego bricks and popular animation figures will be accepted as suitable entries, try to steer away from submitting models of famous game characters or copies of existing toys - that's not the focus of this challenge. Reinventing well-known toy designs or creating something entirely new is undoubtedly an ambitious project, but who said being a creative was easy? Some of the most popular 3D print models in the toys category include puzzles, desk toys, board games, action figures, playsets, building blocks, educational toys, etc. Fun fact of the day: did you know that the original jigsaw puzzle was created in 1767 for the purpose of teaching geography? Yeah, it went a loooong way after that.

So, what will your entries be judged on? Mainly, these four criteria: overall quality, innovation, description & instructions for use, + bonus for high-quality images of 3D printed models. When you submit a new entry, be sure to add an exhaustive description of how you came about the idea, what's the purpose of the toy and how one should use/construct it. Adding images of the printed item makes a huge difference, so do give it a go if you have the luxury of printing things at home.

Other than that, have fun playing around!

Many of us are devoted art-appreciators and we all have something to say about art in the 21st century. That, of course, doesn't always mean we know what we're saying. History proves that the collective opinion on art is not so reliable, to say the least. It's enough to look at a few examples: Vincent van Gogh, Franz Schubert, Edgar Allan Poe, Johannes Vermeer - all of these cultural giants died unrecognized and coinless. But their art is priceless today. Why all the babble? Well, there are quite a few of these art-appreciators out there who publicly express their doubts about 3D printing's role in the art world. Care to hear what we think? We're positive 3D printing models can be a real magician's hat - you can produce any object out of nothing... And that can be a curse or a blessing.

We're thrilled to be partnering with 3D Systems this time to bring you one of the most exciting challenges of the year! 3D Systems Art Challenge is dedicated to creators who take inspiration from the world around, who have an open mind and a keen eye. Successful entries will explore the creative applications of 3D printing technology in home decor, offering interesting sculpture, product, interior decorations or any other artistic 3D print designs. You don't need to dig very deep to grasp your first design idea, just look around your room - vases, figurines, wall art, furniture, sculptures... with a touch of creativity, even the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

A combination of fantastic prizes that include a CubePro printer, special presents from Digital Tutors and Igo3d, and the absolute freedom to create and design a piece from your imagination makes this challenge every artist's priority. Let's give the art-appreciators a reason to love 3D printing.

Alright, soldier, it's time to get serious. We've faced many challenges before, but this one may be the toughest one yet! Your objective is to infiltrate the enemy territory, grab any military intelligence you can find and put your modeling skills to use!

We want you to model any military, battle-related 3D object you can get your hands on: tanks, assault rifles, scopes, army knives, grenade launchers, jets, tanks and even fighting human model or scenes (how is the battle possible without them?).

Every resource counts and will be instrumental in the success of this mission. We depend on you to get the job done! Pick up your gear and join the front lines by modeling some kick-ass 3D models. We'll debrief you when the challenge hits its deadline.

Over and out!

Think about a box. Do you picture it? Now think out of the box. It’s a dead-simple instruction how to become a cool inventor. We need your shining talent to upgrade the things we cannot get enough of – phones, laptops, cameras, TVs, tablets, etc. Create a cool gadget (electronic or otherwise) accessory, something really useful and out of the box (follow the instruction) and get your hands on some amazing prizes.

There couldn’t be a better time to start inventing. Combine your sharpest ideas with 3D printing to bring the new inventions to life – multi-purpose cases, stands, holders, gramophones or any other downloadable 3D models - you name it. If you need a quick test to see whether your idea is cool enough, show it to a five-year-old – they never lie.

Smart inventions for smarter life is what we aim for – let’s go pimp some gadgets.

Makers and DIYers are suddenly among the sexiest amateurs online. Everyone's building, creating, constructing - it seems that surfing (the most hipster hobby available), has now been replaced. What gave the Makers Movement such a powerful boost that it went from geeky to cool? We’ll take a wild guess and say that (among other things) it’s definitely 3D printing models.

Makers are dedicated to building useful, sustainable products using the collective knowledge, since designs are often open source, allowing others to contribute. We have noticed the surging interest in the Makers Movement among 3D designers and thought it’s the right time to tap into this fast-growing industry. We’re fascinated to see what constructions and creations you will submit to the Makers Challenge, because we (like yourselves) believe that if you can think it, you can print it. It’s all about finding the right angle and making it into 3D files.

So what will be considerate suitable? Anything that involves engineering, building, creating, constructing, has that crazy vibe of invention and innovation and consists of at least three components. Makers want to earn money while changing the world and the society for the better, keep that in mind when you’re fiddling with your new projects. And while you're at it, think about your design from a journalist's perspective - would it make a cover story of an ordinary man, who has devised an extraordinary product? Excellent.

There’s been a lot of discussion and a lot of speculation about the way the fashion industry will be disrupted by 3D printing technology in the near future. Some believe that 3D-printed fashion will take the streets first and then climb its way to the podiums and haute couture salons, while others argue that 3D printing models have already left a distinct mark on high-end fashion and the influence it has on upcoming trends will only increase. All we can do now is stay up to speed with whatever is going on in the industry and place our bets.

The 3D Fashion Challenge is a window to the future. We are giving you full control – decide for yourself what the hot trends will be, the must-haves, the new design masterpieces and old-but-transformed bestsellers. How will 3D printing change the way we choose and wear everything from clothes to shoes and essential accessories like bags, hats or belts? Will the customization option bring in more creativity or chaos? Will we see hundreds of different designs of the same item and pop-up street stalls with 3D-printed goodies or will we opt for one-of-a-kind designs?

Mix and match and show us the face of the future fashion.

Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance genius, has been dead for almost 500 years, but his works continue to captivate the modern day researchers and scientists. He’s best remembered for his masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa or the Last Supper, but Leonardo da Vinci is also one of the greatest anatomists of all times. During his lifetime, the great painter made thousands of notes and drawings of human body; clinical anatomists believe that his works can still help us understand the mechanics of human body, since they were hundreds of years ahead of its time.

So why are we suddenly so interested in the Renaissance legend? Easy. We are hoping to unearth future artists, who work with slightly different drawing tools, like 3D modeling software, but will make a similar impact on art and mankind alike. Da Vinci is probably the best inspirational source you could find.

We’re after high-quality, detailed visualizations of man and woman bodies that could become a great learning tool used to explore the systems of human body as well as realistic human 3D models that would easily pass the strict scrutiny of video game developers. Human character model challenge is dedicated to human anatomy, the shapes and proportions of human body, the intricate details of anatomical structures, systems, muscles and organs. Can you master a realistic face, hands, skeleton or human model? We want to see it.

Show us what you’ve got.