The goal of the contest, which ran until March 31, was to create a script that would look for CheckMate issues when running pre-2010 releases of 3ds Max. Our existing CheckMate script relies on XView features, which are not available in 3ds Max 2009 or before. This made it hard for artists using older software (of which there are many at TurboSquid) to prepare or fix their models for CheckMate certification.

Of all the entries that we received, there were three scripts that stood out above the rest. It was a tough decision, as these three scripts each did a great job of creating a new tool that can be used by 3ds Max 7 or later. Here’s a snapshot view of the three winning entries, with more details below.

Grand Prize / First Place: Popa_3D
This full-featured MAXScript batch-fixes errors and renders thumbnails and turntables. In addition to running tests for both Checkmate Pro and Lite, this script can run individual tests one by one. Plus it’s lightning-fast!

2nd Place: Denys Almaral
This MAXScript features a handy display of sub-object level problems so you can easily zoom in and locate problematic faces and vertices. This submission runs faster than the original 3ds Max CheckMate Tool, especially on high-poly models.

3rd Place: Atanas Bakardzhiev 
Created by using the existing XView-heavy CheckMate Tool as a base, this MAXScript adds a non-XView option that performs most of the same commands without calling XView itself. When running this script, you can choose whether to run it in XView or non-XView mode.

Congratulations to all three winners! The winning MAXScripts are available for free download on our CheckMate Tools page, so you can pick one or try them all. We hope you use these tools to help you build, check and fix up your products for CheckMate certification.

Read on for more detail on each of the submissions.

Third Place: Atanas Bakardzhiev

Atanasbbb took the existing script that we use to currently check models and updated it for earlier versions of 3ds Max. This script offers new customization to the existing UI, so you can change the layout to a horizontal version of the original. It also lets you pick a version that uses XView if you want to run this script with recent versions of 3ds Max, or you can choose to run it without XView on earlier versions of 3ds Max (or run without XView on current versions!). If you have used the existing CheckMate tool you’ll find this script easy to use, as it is nearly identical to the current one in most regards. It’s a bit faster than the existing script, but can crash if it runs out of memory on large files in a 32 bit OS. One nice feature of this script is that it alerts you to the presence of Space Warps that need to be removed before you can check the model, and has an option to remove all Space Warps with a single click.

Second Place: Denys Almaral

Longtime CheckMate artist Denys Almaral created a completely new script that runs on 3ds Max v7 or later. His Scene Inspector is full-featured and includes some unique aspects. The compact UI is particularly convenient if you are working on a single monitor, with rollouts to save space. An “Open Face/Verts Selector” launches a floating dialog that dives into sub-object mode so you can find the exact problem and zoom into it in the viewport. This is a great tool for manually finding and fixing issues in a 3D model.

Some of this script’s features are:

The drawbacks to this script are that it sometimes crashes on large files, or files with certain modifiers, and also doesn’t always give correct results for overlapping faces or overlapping UV’s. Oh well, nobody’s perfect. But the script is so useful for pointing out potential problem areas, and has so many features, that we had to award it second prize.

This script comes in two versions, one for 32-bit OS and the other for 64-bit. The “Bonus” version on the CheckMate Tools page runs on 64-bit but only writes a report, and lacks the interactive mode.

Grand Prize, Tops, First Place: Popa_3D

Popa_3D has created an ambitious script that does nearly everything you can imagine.

• Professional installer
• Runs on all versions of 3ds Max from v7, except for v8
• Full screen UI with three modes to limit the amount of screenspace it takes up
• Selects different tests based on your choice of CheckMate Lite, CheckMate Pro, or CheckMate Pro for Characters and Animals
• Runs test on a selection, or on all objects in scene
• Choose which individual tests to run

The script uses an innovative method to show the problems. Each issue has a color associated with it, and the faces with that particular problem are displayed in the matching color. Faces with multiple problems are displayed in a unique color to flag that as well.

When you’re ready to check your file, click the Launch Check button and watch the progress bar. This script is remarkably fast, and displays the time spent upon completion. On the right hand side the results are displayed with a similar UI to the current CheckMate tool. Clicking on a problem displays the details in a Problems Window that clearly states what issues were found.

What truly sets this script apart from the others are the additional features that Popa_3D has incorporated, including these automated tools:

• Batch fixing for many common problems
• Assign materials to objects that lack them
• Convert Ngons to Tris
• Delete all isolated vertices
• Reset transforms
• Link all objects to a Dummy

For your presentations, the script also creates wireframe and rendered thumbnails in CheckMate resolutions, creates a groundplane, and even sets the Signature Image background color correctly. It comes with the ability to do screenshots of the individual problems. It will even render turntables!

Again, congratulations to all three winners and thanks to all who submitted their scripts!

So where do you start? Well, as with anything, there are a few guidelines and things to consider before submitting.

• Model submitted MUST be CheckMate Pro Certified
• Submission should not depict any vulgar imagery (such as nudity or extreme violence)
• Multiple submissions by any individual artists are permitted
• Upon selection, artist of featured model must provide answers to interview style questions within 7 days for promotional use by TurboSquid

If you have one or more models that you feel would be worthy of the top spot on TurboSquid, your next steps are:

1. Download the Template (.psd)
   - Add the best view of your model working within the confines of the existing layers.
   - Layers are not to be moved or edited. Be sure to save your work in layers, as a PSD file.
   - Be sure to make the most of the space provided between content and
2. Submit Your Rendering
   - Once you have created the perfect setting around your model, email the file (.psd with layers enabled) to TurboSquid for consideration.
   - Be sure to include the link to the product page of the model on the TurboSquid.com.
   - You will receive an email response upon receipt of the file.
3. Sit, Wait and Be Ready to Respond
   - Questions may arise, you may be chosen, or there may be issues with your file; whatever the case may be, please be responsive if we make an attempt to contact you regarding your submission.

* All submissions will be considered for the current month and kept in the running for subsequent months.

For a little design inspiration, we have provided a collection of previously featured models and how they were rendered for home page use.

Yamaha R6 motorcycle model by Jamie Hamel Smith and Street Biker Model by Vespa
were combined to create the following featured image

CheckMate Pro Model of an LCAC by Artist HD_Ready

Photorealistic 3D model of a Nikon camera by 3D artist FraP

3D Beetle Model by artist QLEE

Artist C4DmodelSHOP added a touch of holiday cheer to our home page with this 3D Snowglobe Model

This ferocious 3D lion model was our first featured model by Massimo Righi

Good luck, and happy rendering! 

Let’s use the recent milestone marking 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. As the actual date approached, internet searches related to the word “Titanic” skyrocketed; an increase in similar searches within the TurboSquid catalog were also identified.

So how do you “predict” a possible trend?

By keeping your eyes open for major events (like the upcoming Olympic games in London), entertainment industry announcements, or even medical breakthroughs; you may be on the front end of a trend. Anything that appears to be on the cusp of launch that you can provide a resource for, may also be a good source of inspiration, including major construction projects (especially those that may change a city’s skyline).

Riding similar waves of search success are movies that are heading for production or a theater near you . Look at the impact that the upcoming Avengers, Iron Man 3 or the latest installment in the Spiderman series have had on the search engines.

Using tools like Google Insights for Search (picture above) provides the data associated with worldwide search volume. Combine this information with TurboSquid reports like Top Site Searches (available to SquidGuild artists) and you can use this valuable information to inspire your next digital creation while anticipating the possible demands of customers.

We got to chat with the man behind the motorcycle on how he got his start in the modeling field, where he finds his inspiration and how he got so good at making motorcycles.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a 3D artist? 

Early 3D Pool Renders for Dad

My dad got us a Macintosh in 1997 (a Performa 6300CD) it was the first color computer I was ever exposed to and I started to play around on it. Eventually, my dad’s friend needed some help visualizing a 3D logo for a local TV spot he was producing. He got me some software called Specular Infini-D (the spiritual predecessor to Carrara and the only half-decent 3D software on the Mac at the time) and I gave it a shot. Turns out I liked it [3D], so I kept doodling on the Mac.

Later on my dad needed some help upgrading his “napkin sketches”. He’s a swimming pool maintenance / repairman / consultant and wanted a better drawing of a pool that he was consulting on. He asked if it was possible to do something in 3D if he gave me the dimensions and sketches, so I tried that and it was fun.

After a few pool renderings, my dad took me to a local studio to meet the guys and show them my work. They were not impressed and even though I asked to intern with them over the summer they basically gave me the “sorry kid” response. (I would have swept the floors or even got them drinks, I didn’t care what the job was; I just wanted to be exposed to their skills). After that, I kept doing 3D in my spare time and helping my dad out with menial graphics work.

Infini-D interface. Spheres! Cones! Yippee!

I eventually graduated high school and decided that I wanted to do 3D as a career. My dad mentioned that there was another studio in town. I basically knocked on their door, portfolio & Zip disks in hand and asked for a job… strangely enough I was hired!

My full time job is now building web apps in HTML/JavaScript and PHP, but I’ve continued 3D modeling as a hobby, and to fund my “gadget lust”.

How did you come to start modeling motorcycles?

Honda CBR Motorcycle 3D Model by Jamie Hamel Smith

I’ve loved motorcycles since the day I was born. My dad rode motorcycles, my mom rode on the back of his bike before I was born, and I got my first bike at seven years old. The short answer is: Bikes are a niche that I have intimate knowledge of. My first dirt bike was a Yamaha 80cc mini-bike and I rode it until I was about 11. When I wasn’t riding it, I was staring at it wishing it wasn’t nighttime, or raining, or 6am . My first street-legal bike was an old, decrepit Yamaha dirt bike that I had to fix and tune constantly. My second was a super-sport Honda CBR that I bought from my dad. My third was a 2001 Kawasaki Ninja, fresh off the showroom floor. When I wasn’t riding my bikes, I was taking them apart, repairing, tweaking, tuning, upgrading, and polishing them.

After creating a couple (crude by today’s standards) models and posting them on TurboSquid, a gentleman from the U.K. contacted me and asked that I model several bikes for a project he was working on. The money was good, I didn’t get bored and it was fun. At that point I decided that modeling bikes was “my thing”.

I never built any physical models of bikes, but I did start with a huge map of how the parts fit together in real life. I had the advantage of having held several parts of my bike in my hands. I knew how heavy and thick a brake caliper was. I remembered the diameter of the crank-case’s breather hose. Basically, it was an easy thing for me to start modeling because I was living it and constantly holding, repairing and replacing the parts involved. It helps when modeling something if you’ve held it a few inches from your face… to see it that close up. Maybe that’s why most people’s first 3D model is a wine glass or a coffee cup.

Looking at specifications and reference material online is key. Most of the bikes I modeled, I’ve never seen in real-life. I would not be able to model 90% of these bikes without the internet.

What is the primary software you use?

I use Cinema 4D at the moment. There are a few main reasons why I currently use it:

• Relatively inexpensive, especially with the MSA.
• Very visual and it has a manageable learning curve.
• Excellent renderer with a quick and visual approach to iterative changes.
• Relatively competitive features.

The reason I first tried Cinema 4D has to do with my past as an Apple fanboy. (I no longer have an allegiance to any operating system or computer manufacturer, but in 2001 I did.) I was testing the public beta of MacOS X on my iMac at the time, and Cinema 4D was the only 3D software available. I tried it out and my Infini-D skills transitioned over quite nicely. Cinema 4D was also 10,000 times as powerful as Inifni-D so I was sold.

I was exposed to Softimage (a few of my acquaintances used it) but did not like the lack of a friendly UI – to this day I still can’t figure it out. I have basic training in Maya (I took a few semesters of it at design school) and while I’d say that Maya is more powerful, Cinema 4D is much more practical for a small team or individuals.

The studio I worked at out of high school also adopted Cinema 4D shortly after I mentioned and demoed it to them.

You have some great textures on your models. Any tips?

Make it dirty! 3D’s curse is that it’s too clean. Round the edges so they look worn. Paint dark areas (occlusion) so they look like dirt has collected there and if possible, use some grunge textures to sell the effect. I don’t make things dirty enough, but every so often I am caught taking my own advice: http://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/maya-air-compressor/253426

UV Mapping is key! It’s the only texture format that is fully interoperable. I think that any mapping on a model should be done with UV maps. You can push the limits really far as well. The PolyCount forum has an incredible showcase where users regularly post their UV textures for all to see. It’s amazing what you can pack into a UV map if you put the time in.

Thanks so much, Jamie! A lifelong love of motorcycles, hands on experience and serious persistence when it comes to modeling has definitely paid off. We’re really looking forward to your next CheckMate Pro submission!

You may have noticed that we have not one, but two CheckMate Pro models sharing the spot atop our home page this month. Vespa’s sleek cyclist looked lost without an equally impressive bike. So we started “shopping” the TurboSquid model catalog for just the right ride; the decision – a top of line Yamaha R6 superbike, created by 3D modeler Jamie Hamel Smith.

We chatted with Vespa (whose real name is Zdenek Vespalec) about the tools, textures and overall inspiration that drove him to create this stunning streetbiker.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a 3D artist?

It was probably in my teens around 2000, when this whole CGI thing was becoming more popular, widespread and affordable. I liked it very much, and when I discovered I could make a living out of my hobby, the decision was easy.

I see that you only have a couple of models at TurboSquid. Were these for a project, or for fun, or specifically for TurboSquid?

They are purposely made for Turbosquid. With the first one, I just wanted to see if it worked and was successful, which was surprising to me; meanwhile I got hired by a game development company and devoted myself to working for them. My dayjob is still my #1 priority, but from time to time I manage to squeeze in some work hours for TS. Today’s quality standards are much higher, so making the new character took quite a long time. That’s why I have only completed two, thus far. But more are in production.

Why did you make motorcycle riders? Are you a rider yourself?

Yep, I ride. Lately I’ve done more off-road riding, instead asphalt. But, I figured that creating a model of a streetbike rider would be more desirable to customers. (That’s Vespa pictured on the right.)

We noticed that your models are published in 3ds Max software. Is that the only software you use?

Yes it is. I’m kind of conservative when it comes to the tools that I use. When I started with CG, 3dsmax was the most common software, so I kind of stuck to it.

I try to keep things very simple and game oriented, so any software capable of basic skeletons and skinning work well for me. However, I do use a number of secondary programs to make textures.

The creases on the rider’s clothes are very realistic. Tell us a little about the process you use to make these.

Thanks! They are sculpted manually from hipoly mesh, and then baked on lowpoly geometry. I consider clothing creases the most difficult thing there. I usually use photographs as a reference and try to mimic the way the fabric or leather flows. Thick leather tends to be easier and more forgiving, but I really admire those who are able to make good looking, soft clothing.

So, is that the model wearing “your” suit?

The actual suit is made-up, as I wanted to be careful not to infringe on any copyrights, but I tried to make it authentic looking. I do own one myself.

Great work, Vespa! We know it takes time to create such detailed work, and we look forward to seeing more models in the TS catalog. Until then, be safe on those dirt bike trails.