Google vs Open AI, Nvidia's AI to 3D and more!

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Google’s Veo 2 Challenges Sora

Google has launched Veo 2, a competitor to Sora, promising 4K video quality, realistic motion, and advanced camera controls. With support for 100+ countries, Veo 2 simulates real-world physics and enables diverse shot styles, angles, and movements.

Learn more about Veo 2 here.

NVIDIA’s Meshtron for AI-Driven 3D Modeling

NVIDIA has introduced Meshtron, an AI-based 3D model generator capable of producing remarkably clean meshes with up to 64K faces.

Find out more here

🖌️ 3D Artists Coffee Hour Highlights

We just wrapped up the December Coffee Hour 3D Artists meeting. You can watch the replay in the Classroom tab.

Thanks to: @Adam S @Amit Gedia @Brett Freeman @Cary Ng @Derika Levin @Geoff Leavitt @Martin Crehan @Patrick Wood @Richie Little @David Negus @Thomas Verdon @Vanja Milojevic @Zac Arato

🔥 Here’s a sneak peek into the discussions...

🚀 Setting the Stage for 2025

✨ @Martin Crehan shared a retainer model for consistent client work.

💡 Pricing Like a Pro - Value-based pricing > Time-based pricing.

🔧 Tech Tools of the Trade

@Zac Arato demoed ENVIZ, with features like:

🏠 Dollhouse views & immersive walk-throughs

⚡ Lightweight optimization for seamless experiences

🙌 Perfect for CGI studios looking to wow clients

🔥 Actionable Takeaways:

✔️ Jake will kick off a 2025 Goals thread to keep us all accountable.

✔️ Experiment with ENVIZ in your workflows—level up your deliverables!

✔️ Audit your pipelines for more efficiency—work smarter, not harder.

🎯 What’s Next?

📅 Next session: January 7, 2025 Before then, reflect on your 2025 goals. What’s your big win going to be?

Watch the replays for all the actionable insights and tools shared!

Join 250+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

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🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

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The State of 3D Tools in ArchViz: Key Trends and Insights

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

OpenAI's Sora: Now Available

Sora, OpenAI's video generation model, has launched as a standalone product. Users can now create videos in up to 1080p resolution and 20 seconds in length, utilising advanced features such as storyboard tools and the ability to remix and blend assets. However, due to European regulations, Sora is currently unavailable in Europe. I would love to see what you create if you have access. 

Find out more: sora.com

The State of 3D Tools in ArchViz: Key Trends and Insights

Rebus shared a comprehensive review of 3D modeling, rendering, and post-production tools, highlighting the evolving preferences of the ArchViz community. 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, and Photoshop remain the dominant tools, while newcomers like Blender and Luminar are gaining traction. GPU rendering shows growth but hasn’t entirely displaced CPU-based methods, and Photoshop continues to lead in post-production, despite growing competition from alternatives like Affinity Photo and DaVinci Resolve.

Key Takeaways:

• 3D Modeling: 3ds Max leads with 59% usage, followed by SketchUp (13%) and a growing Blender (8%). BIM-focused tools like Revit and Archicad are steady at 4%.

• Rendering Engines: Corona Renderer grows to 43%, while V-Ray drops to 26%. GPU-driven engines like Unreal Engine and D5 Render are slowly increasing in adoption.

• Post-Production: Photoshop dominates at 68%, but alternatives like Luminar (8%) and Affinity Photo (5%) offer competitive features.
  

Read the full article for more insights

🖌️ 3D Artists Coffee Hour Highlights

This week's Coffee Hour replay is available in the Classroom tab on Skool. Here are some highlights from this week...

🚀 New initiative! A JOB POSTS category has been added to the community. Post your freelance opportunities and collaborate!

💻 Envision

• Pros: Fast rendering speeds, animation integration.

• Cons: No 360° panorama or background image support yet.

• Next Steps: Community testing is underway—share your thoughts!

🌊 LiquidGen by JangaFX

• A lightweight liquid simulation tool offering real-time adjustments and mesh exports. Easier to use than many traditional tools.

🎄 End-of-Year Celebration: December 17 meeting will feature Zac’s presentation. Bring your festive spirit and ideas for 2025!

Watch the replays for all the actionable insights and tools shared!

Join 250+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

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🍿 Join: 18,028 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🎒 Join: 250 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

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2D to 3D Worlds, Chaos Envision and Coffee Hour

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

AI Generates 3D Scenes From Single Images

World Labs has introduced groundbreaking AI technology that generates 3D worlds from a single 2D image, allowing users to immerse themselves in virtual environments. This innovation paves the way for new creative possibilities in movies, games, and digital experiences, offering real-time control, geometry, and artistic camera effects within generated scenes.

Explore more on World Labs' blog: Read the full article

Chaos Envision Beta

Chaos Envision debuts as a powerful 3D visualization tool designed for architectural visualizers. It offers real-time photorealistic rendering, seamless animation production, and robust scene assembly for large-scale CAD projects. Envision supports tools like Enscape and V-Ray, ensuring an uninterrupted creative process while delivering cinematic-quality design presentations.

Download the beta: Explore Envision + watch the video here

Recap for This Week's Coffee Hour

We dove into an inspiring and productive session, covering:

• Project Highlights: Zac, Patrick, and Rich shared progress on their latest creative endeavors, including challenges and lessons learned.

• AI Tool Demos: Insights into the Chaos Envision Beta and World Labs' cutting-edge "Image to 3D" technology.

• Portfolio Showcase: Rich Little delivered an impressive presentation, offering practical tips on blending creativity with efficiency in 3D workflows.

• Community Brainstorming: Together, we explored ideas for collaboration and jobs.

Thanks to Amit Gedia, Cary N, Daniel Green, Martin Crehan, Patrick Wood, Rich Little, Tayeb AISSAOUI, Vanja Milojevic, Zac Arato and Γιάννης Μοσχόβης (John Moschovis) for joining!

Watch the replays for all the actionable insights and tools shared!

Join 250+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

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🍿 Join: 17,953 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🎒 Join: 250 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

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AI in Production, Black Friday, and Insights from the Pros

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

AI in Production – According to Brick

“It’s not cheating, not a shortcut, not a delegation of creativity, and certainly not a patch for a lack of imagination or skills.”

The use of AI in architectural visualization has become a hot topic, with debates surrounding its potential, challenges, and integration into workflows. Brick shares insights on how AI is reshaping production.

Read the full article at Brick Visual: Visit Brick Visual’s newsroom

Black Friday Deals

Thomas Verdon started a great thread of Black Friday deals in the Skool community. (some affiliate links). If you have any more, feel free to add them to the thread in the group.

• Photoshop for £60 for 1 year: https://amzn.to/4fUuK07

• Topaz AI 50% off bundle: https://www.topazlabs.com/sale

• Benq Colour Calibrated Screen 22% off: https://amzn.to/3ZqQzP0

• Dimensiva 3d Models 50% off: https://dimensiva.com/

• Herman Miller Chairs 25% off: https://www.hermanmiller.com/

• ⭐ Luminar Neo 84% off: https://skylum.evyy.net/daRyNq

• SketchUp 24% off: https://www.sketchup.com/

• ⭐ Magnific AI 50% off: https://magnific.ai/

• V-Ray, Corona, Vantage, Anima 20-40% off: https://www.chaos.com/

• Forest Pack, Railclone 35% off: https://www.itoosoft.com/

Coffee Hour on Tuesday. Be there!

Coffee hour is back this Tuesday, where we share what we are up to, what we need help with, and all the going on in our industry. This week Richie Little from Platform 3 will be sharing what he has been up to. You’d be mad to miss it.

If you are not in the Skool group yet you can join here.

P.S You can watch the replays for all the actionable insights and tools shared!

Join 200+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

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🍿 Join: 17,913 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🎒 Join: 200 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

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Corona Update, AI 3D, and Procedural Vines

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Corona 12 Update 1

Corona Renderer 12 Update 1 is here, packed with features to improve collaboration and rendering workflows. Notable updates include Live Link to Chaos Vantage, Chaos Cloud Collaboration, enhanced caustics with volumetric support, auto exposure adjustments, and faster test rendering with image upscaling.

Key Features:

• Vantage Live Link: Interactive rendering alternative for seamless viewport previews.

• Chaos Cloud Collaboration: Share images directly from the VFB with markup tools for efficient client communication.

• Enhanced Caustics: Improved visuals and control for surface and volumetric caustics.

• Auto Exposure & White Balance: Dynamic adjustments for better lighting accuracy.

• Image Upscaling: Accelerate test renders by up to 4x.

📹 Watch the video: Corona 12, update 1 | New features walkthrough

If you're a 3d artist and not on Coffee Hour you are doing yourself a disservice

This week’s Coffee Hour brought some of the best insights yet for 3D artists, tackling portfolio strategies, payment practices, AI tools, and rendering techniques. If you missed it, the replay is available in the Classroom tab.

Key Highlights:

• Portfolio vs. Client Work: Learn Martin Crehan’s "3 Fs" (Fame, Fortune, Fun) framework to balance creative and practical projects.

• Secure Payment Strategies: Ensure upfront payments and protect your work with watermarked drafts.

• AI in 3D: Discover tools like Meshy to speed up asset creation.

• Motion Blur & Rendering: Tips for realistic motion blur and why Corona is a go-to for architectural rendering.

• Workflow Tools: Explore free Photoshop alternatives like Photopea and must-have plugins for better productivity.

Thanks to @Vanja Milojevic @Amit Gedia @Rafael Artigas @Richie Little @Thomas Verdon @Cary N and @Martin Crehan for sharing your valuable insights.

⌚ Watch the replay for all the actionable insights and tools shared!

P.S 🙁 There will be no Coffee Hour next week.

Join 200+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

Creating Procedural Vines in 3ds Max

Paul Neale’s latest tutorial demonstrates how to create procedural vines that dynamically grow and conform to objects, offering a detailed, no-plugins-needed method for generating natural, flowing vegetation.

Learn more: 3ds Max Procedural Vines

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🎒 Join: 200 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

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Auto 360's, Modo and Get More Clients!

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Automate 360 Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7

In my latest video, I show how you can automatically create 360-degree virtual tours, removing the need for third-party apps. The workflow includes rendering spherical images, uploading to Chaos Cloud, and generating interactive tours with automatically linked hotspots.

📹 Watch the video: Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7

Foundry Winds Down Modo Development

Foundry has announced plans to discontinue development of its 3D modeling tool, Modo, following the release of version 17.1 later this year. The move signals a strategic pivot to focus on core offerings and new solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the media and entertainment industry.

Learn more: Stay updated on Foundry’s future plans and Modo’s final release.

Join 200+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

📢 Replay Available: Coffee Hour Session! 🎥

The latest Coffee Hour session is now live in the Classroom tab! This replay is packed with insights you won’t want to miss:

• Securing Freelance Clients: Practical tips on outreach and growing your client base.

• AI Tools for 3D: Learn how to use AI for upscaling, generating 3D assets, and enhancing realism.

• Workflow Tips: Strategies for balancing freelancing projects and maintaining strong client relationships.

☕ Grab a coffee and watch the replay here

 Et Cetera

🍿 Join: 17,739 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🎒 Join: 200 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• Automate 360 Degree Tours in SECONDS - V-Ray 7 (⭐ NEW)

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

P.S Secure your spot today and enjoy free lifetime access before it becomes paid. https://www.skool.com/3dartists/about

AI-Powered 3D, Splats and Runways Camera Control!

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

AI-Powered 3D Modeling

Blender GPT is a new AI model set to debut in mid-November 2024. It promises to create fully textured 3D models from text or image prompts in around 20 seconds. Users can import models directly into Blender or download them for other compatible software.

⌚ Watch the impressive demo here

V-Ray 7 released with Gaussian Splats

V-Ray 7 for 3ds Max introduces Gaussian Splats, an innovative rendering feature perfect for enhancing natural environments with more lifelike reflections. I made a video on how to use it. As well as this we will be exploring some more of the key features in upcoming videos including.

• Virtual Tours: Create interactive virtual tours directly within V-Ray, with automatic hotspot generation and customizable transitions.

• V-Ray Luminaires: Access complex lighting fixtures for realistic lighting.

• Asset Variants: Seasonal and growth-stage variations for vegetation and other assets.

⌚ Watch the Gaussian Splats video here

Join 100+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

Why haven't you joined Skool yet?

The 3d Artist Skool group is in full swing with 166 3d artists, interior designers, and architects sharing how they create professional quality visualisations, new tools, resources, and news alongside the weekly Coffee Hour.

Highlights from Coffee Hour include

• Automatic Shadow Catcher Script: Jake presented his new script for automating shadow catchers, which could streamline complex scenes.

• Avoid Social Media Burnout: Members shared that a direct approach with phone calls or in-person meetings can be more effective and less draining than managing multiple social media accounts.

• Lighting Basics and Renaissance Art Influence: Insights on the importance of lighting for creating depth in 3D.

⌚ You can watch all the recordings in the Classroom tab.

Runway Introduces Camera Control

Runway has launched Advanced Camera Control for its Gen-3 Alpha Turbo model. With this feature, users can adjust camera movements like panning, zooming, and tracking shots, all while maintaining consistency within generated scenes. This ensures depth and spatial relationships are preserved, offering AI-generated video a new level of cinematic realism.

🤙 Explore the Runway update on X

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🍿 Join: 17,427 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🎒 Join: 166 Architects, 3D Artists, and Interior Designers in Skool

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max (⭐ NEW)

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use!

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!

P.S Secure your spot today and enjoy free lifetime access before it becomes paid. https://www.skool.com/3dartists/about

How To Render Gaussian Splats in V Ray 7 for 3ds Max

Gaussian splats are now supported in V-Ray, offering a new rendering technique for natural-looking environments with reflections. The process involves downloading splats from PolyCam, importing them into 3ds Max, adjusting scaling and positioning, adding lighting, and incorporating shadows.

Key Steps:

1. Download the desired Gaussian Splat from PolyCam.

2. Open 3ds Max and go to V-Ray > Gaussian Geometry.

3. Place the Gaussian Splat model in the scene.

4. Check and adjust the scaling of the model to match the environment.

5. Ensure proper alignment of the model with the ground.

6. Adjust the orientation of the model as needed.

7. Fine-tune the lighting by adding a sun and environment settings.

8. Use V-Ray camera for lighting control.

9. Add a shadow catcher to capture shadows.

10. Align the shadow catcher with the ground for accurate shadow representation.

11. Experiment with adding various elements like buildings or other geometry.

Cautionary Notes:

• Ensure proper scaling and alignment of the model to avoid inaccuracies in the scene.

• Pay attention to lighting settings to achieve desired effects.

• Carefully align the shadow catcher to capture shadows accurately.

Tips for Efficiency:

• Use the V-Ray Lister for quick selection of elements.

• Utilize the V-Ray camera for lighting adjustments.

Get Clients, Photoshop 2025 and Handy Scripts

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

3D Artists Coffee Hour Recap: Key Takeaways

Coffee Hour was yesterday, and you can now catch up on the insightful discussion in the Classroom tab of the Community. The session covered a range of essential topics for 3D artists looking to improve their craft and grow their careers. Key highlights include:

• Networking and Client Acquisition: Strategies to build valuable connections and land more projects.

• Managing Workflow: Tips for staying organized and productive.

• Leveraging Technology: How to utilize the latest tools to streamline your work.

• Improving Portfolios: Best practices for showcasing your skills and standing out.

Why it matters: Sitting down with other 3d artists that have already done what you've been struggling with is the fastest way to improve. I hope to see YOU on next week's call too!

⌚ Watch the recording and read the full write-up in the Classroom tab.

Photoshop 2025: Top 7 New Features Explained!

PiXimperfect’s latest video breaks down the exciting new tools in Photoshop 2025. From integrating 3D objects with Substance 3D Viewer to a one-click solution for removing distractions like wires and people, the video covers the following features:

• 3D Object Integration: Seamless use of 3D objects with Substance 3D Viewer.

• One-Click Distraction Removal: Easily erase unwanted elements with just one button.

• Updated Generative Fill: Performance improvements with Firefly Model 3.

• New Batch Generation Workspace: Streamlined tools for faster bulk editing.

Why it matters: These updates push creative boundaries, making Photoshop more powerful and efficient, especially for artists and designers looking to speed up their workflows.

🤙 Check out the full video on PiXimperfect’s channel!

Join 100+ other 3d artists in the FREE community where 3D artists, interior designers, and architects master 3ds Max

miauu's Fit Camera to Objects: Precision Camera Placement Tool

miauu's Fit Camera to Objects is a handy tool for 3D artists that ensures selected objects fit perfectly within the camera view without altering the camera's parameters. Key Features:

• No Camera Parameter Changes: FOV, focal length, and zoom remain unchanged.

• Supported Cameras: Works with Physical, Free, Target, CoronaCamera, FStormCamera, and VRayCam.

Why it matters: This tool is essential for precise scene framing, saving time while ensuring the camera captures exactly what you need without manual adjustments.

😎 Learn more about miauu's Fit Camera to Objects!

 Et Cetera

🍿 Join: 17,427 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know about 3D

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• 11 Essential 3ds Max Modifiers You’ll Actually Use! (⭐ NEW)

• 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

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V-Ray 7, Free Models, and a New Community

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

3D Artists Skool Community Launches with Free Lifetime Access

The 3D Artists Community has officially launched, offering a new space for 3d artists, architects, and interior designers to connect, learn, and stay up-to-date in the fast-evolving world of 3D. With the rapid advancements in AI and real-time rendering, this community aims to provide a dynamic platform where members can share knowledge, tools, and techniques in real-time. This is important as traditional courses often become outdated quickly, making this community a more effective way to adapt and grow.

Why It Matters: As technology and industry standards continue to shift at an unprecedented rate, having a responsive and interactive community is crucial. The 3D Artists Community provides an environment for continuous learning, allowing members to keep pace with changes and leverage new tools effectively. With free lifetime access available for early joiners, this is a great opportunity for those who want to stay ahead of the curve.

⌚ If you want that Free Lifetime Access I'd Join Now!

Chaos Releases V-Ray 7 Beta

Chaos has released the beta version of V-Ray 7, introducing an array of powerful new features. Key highlights include a new plugin for rendering Gaussian splatting models (I am very excited to explore this!), and a V-Ray Profiler for 3ds Max CPU rendering, offering in-depth performance insights.

The release also brings updates to Chaos Scatter with an Instance Brush for painting objects, plus improved scene management tools such as a revamped Scene Converter. Notably, GPU rendering now includes initial caustics support and optimized bitmap handling.

Why It Matters: V-Ray continues to be a go-to tool for digital artists and studios worldwide. With these updates, artists can expect more precise control and efficiency in their workflows, particularly with long-requested features like caustics for GPU rendering. The Scene Converter and new Scatter capabilities add intuitive and robust options for streamlining complex scenes, which is invaluable for large-scale productions.

📖 Find out more on the V-Ray 7 Beta Page

Model Basket Launches: A New Platform for Curated 3D Model Collections

Model Basket, a newly launched platform for 3D models, is setting out to deliver curated collections tailored to current design trends. Founded by Hani Troudi, the platform focuses on providing high-quality 3D assets. Alongside premium collections, Model Basket offers a dedicated section of free models, allowing users to sample the quality of the assets.

⭐ You would have seen me using these models in the most recent tutorials and I can recommend testing them out for yourself. Hani is also in the 3d artist community if you have questions.

📖 Explore Model Basket and its collections here: Model Basket Collections

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• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

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Master 3ds Max Fast, James Cameron’s AI Move, and EA’s Game-Changing AI Tool

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

3ds Max for Complete Beginners | Get Started FAST!

If you use 3ds Max, my latest YouTube video is designed just for you. This tutorial provides a comprehensive and fast-paced introduction to the essential tools and features of 3ds Max.

Why It Matters: Getting a good foundation in 3ds Max can make a huge difference in how quickly you advance. By mastering the basics, you’ll have the confidence to move on to more complex projects with a solid workflow in place.

📺Watch the full tutorial here

James Cameron Joins Stability AI's Board of Directors

In a remarkable crossover between film and technology, iconic director James Cameron has joined the board of Stability AI, the company behind the cutting-edge generative AI model Stable Diffusion. Known for his pioneering work in CGI with films like Avatar and Terminator, Cameron's involvement signals the increasing fusion of generative AI with cinematic storytelling.

Why It Matters: Cameron’s involvement with Stability AI marks a significant moment in the relationship between AI and the film industry. While some studios are embracing AI for content creation, there are still concerns over copyright and creative control. However, Cameron’s expertise in CGI could help bridge the gap between AI innovation and traditional storytelling, pushing Hollywood toward a future where AI plays a key role in production.

📖Read more on the Hollywood Reporter

👋 FREE 3D Artists Community is almost ready to launch!

It's a space to take your 3ds Max skills to the next level with content, tips, and resources designed for 3D artists like you.

You'll get access to:

🎨 3ds Max Tutorials to master advanced techniques

🛠️ Workflow Optimizations for faster, more efficient projects

📚 Exclusive Resources like project files, materials, and scripts

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🤝 A Growing Community of 3D artists sharing tips and insights

Whether you're refining your skills or pushing your creative boundaries, this is the place to be. Surround yourself with like-minded professionals, exchange knowledge, and level up your 3D game.

👉 Join the 3D Artists Waitlist Today and become part of a 3ds Max community very soon!

EA Unveils AI-Powered ‘Text to Game’ Concept

Electronic Arts (EA) showcased a groundbreaking "text to game" concept, allowing players to create and customize games simply by using natural language. In the demo, two friends built an entire game world from cardboard boxes, added characters and weapons, and modified game rules—all without any coding. The AI-driven tool pulls from EA's vast library of assets and gameplay systems, enabling real-time creativity and iteration.

Why It Matters: EA's concept could revolutionize user-generated content, giving players the power to create and remix games instantly, opening the door for new, player-created IPs.

📺 Watch the demo here

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• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes

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Discover the Latest 3D Innovations and Techniques: Weekly Update!

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Lionsgate Teams Up with Runway for AI-Powered Filmmaking

Lionsgate, the studio behind blockbusters like John Wick and The Hunger Games, is taking a bold step into the world of AI. They've partnered with Runway, a cutting-edge AI video generation company, to develop a custom AI model. This digital assistant will be trained on Lionsgate's film catalog to generate cinematic video, which filmmakers at Lionsgate can then refine using Runway's suite of tools. The goal? Streamlining both pre- and post-production processes.

Why it matters: This collaboration marks one of the first major AI partnerships in Hollywood. Its success will influence how the film industry integrates AI into creative workflows. We might be witnessing the beginning of a new era in filmmaking - one where AI plays a supporting role in bringing stories to life.

Discover more details on Lionsgate's official site

Epic Games to Launch Fab, a Unified Digital Content Marketplace

Epic Games is focusing on digital content distribution with Fab, a new marketplace launching mid-October 2024. Fab will unify Epic's existing platforms—Unreal Engine Marketplace, Sketchfab, ArtStation Marketplace, and Quixel—into a single, powerful ecosystem. The platform will support multiple engines, including Unreal Engine and Unity, while maintaining an attractive 88/12 revenue split for creators.

Why it matters: Fab will offer creators a centralized hub to buy, sell, and share content across various industries. This consolidation will help to streamline finding and seeling assets for developers and artists.

For more visit Epic Games' website.

🚀 Level Up Your 3D Skills

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You can find them all listed here.

Maxon Releases ZBrush for iPad

Maxon has launched ZBrush for iPad, bringing the popular digital sculpting software to mobile devices for the first time. The app leverages Apple's touch interface, with support for gestures and the Apple Pencil.

Why it matters: It'll be interesting to see how many users embrace sculpting on their iPads. Leveraging the iPad’s touch screen and Apple Pencil is a smart move, especially since the device already offers functionality similar to a Wacom tablet.

See more on Maxon’s YouTube Channel

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• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists(⭐ NEW)

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

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Discover the Latest 3D Innovations and Techniques: Weekly Update!

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!) EXPLAINED

In my latest video, I show you exactly how to make use of 3ds Max’s powerful modifiers. Expect to learn how to increase the realism of your soft furnishings, add stitching, and make use of some of the lesser-known but powerful modifiers. This is the first in a series of A-Z, so let me know you like it by giving it a like and dropping the name of the modifier you had not used before in the YouTube comments.

Why it matters: Emmert Wolf said “A man is only as good as his tools.” Something that has helped me tremendously is knowing what tools I have available so I know what is possible. The hope of this series is to expand what you know is possible in 3ds Max.

Watch 13+ 3ds Max Modifiers (that you'll actually use!)

Chaos Unveils "Ray Tracing FTW" Short Film

Chaos has premiered a new short film, "Ray Tracing FTW," blending Western themes with cutting-edge VFX technology. The film showcases Chaos' Project Arena virtual production technology and features a star-studded cast of VFX industry legends.

Why it matters: This project demonstrates the evolving landscape of filmmaking, where cutting-edge technology like real-time ray tracing is revolutionizing production processes. It showcases how virtual production can provide creative freedom while maintaining high-quality visuals, potentially reshaping the future of blockbuster filmmaking.

Watch here, and check out a list of Easter eggs here

🚀 Level Up Your 3D Skills

Whenever you're ready, I have plenty of classes on 3D and AI that can help you.

You can find them all listed here.

Luma AI Adds Camera Motion to Dream Machine 1.6

Luma AI has released Dream Machine 1.6, introducing camera motion capabilities. This new feature allows users to easily direct text-to-video and image-to-video scenes using simple commands. By typing 'camera' in the prompt, users can now unlock various camera motions.

Why it matters: The ability to control camera movements gives creators more control whilst using text/image-to-video tools. Control is the key to the usefulness of these AI tools. Without it, we're stuck with the digital equivalent of fast food – quick, but often unsatisfying.

More on Luma AI’s X, and check out my Dream Machine class.

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☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• AI Post Production for Arch Viz Artists (⭐ NEW)

• 50+ 3ds Max Tips and Tricks (POPULAR)

• Easy AI Tool to Animate Your 3D Renders

• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output

• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage

• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using

• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)

• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes

• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

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Discover the Latest 3D Innovations and Techniques: Weekly Update!

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

David Beckham Speaks 9 Languages Using AI

Synthesia collaborated with Malaria No More, RG/A, and Ridley Scott Associates to create a synthetic video of David Beckham speaking in 9 languages. This AI-driven campaign aimed to raise global awareness of malaria and its deadly impact. Garnering over 800 million impressions, the video was widely covered in media and earned recognition for its social impact.

Why it matters: AI-powered content can effectively bridge language barriers and amplify global health messages.

Read more on Synthesia's site

4 QUICK TIPS To Increase Photo Realism with 3ds Max and V-Ray

In this video you will learn essential tips for increasing the realism in your 3D renders using 3ds Max and V-Ray. These include adding organic objects, using real-world scale for materials and models, and applying cloth modifiers to create natural-looking fabric elements.

Why it matters: Incorporating these techniques can make a significant difference in the realism of your renders. By simulating real-world conditions and paying attention to details, your 3D projects will look more convincing.

Watch the full video on YouTube

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

⌚ Watch it now!

Joseph Ryba: Mesmerizing 3D Animations

Joseph Ryba, aka HypnoArt is an award-winning 3D artist and motion designer from Houston, Texas. "Ondoyant," features mesmerizing animations with a distinctive touch of translucent crystals, showcasing his exceptional skill in blending artistic beauty with technical expertise.

Why it matters: Ryba's work demonstrates the creative potential of 3D animation, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and artistic expression in the digital realm.

See more examples of Ryba's work here

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• Latest AI + 3D Updates, Tools and News You Can't Miss!
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• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?
• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)
• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
• 3D + AI Essentials: What's New and Why It Matters for You!
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Discover the Latest 3D Innovations and Techniques: Weekly Update!

Learn 3D

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

New AI Lectures Added

Five new lectures have been added to the Ultimate 3ds Max + V-Ray Photorealistic 3D Rendering Course on Udemy. They explore AI tools for 3D artists, focusing on Image Enhancement, Style Transfer, and AI-driven animations.

Why it matters: These additions are designed to enhance your skills, helping you deliver even better results to clients and give you a competitive edge in the industry.

Explore the course on Udemy

EASY Tips for Photorealism in 3D Rendering

Mastering photorealism in 3D rendering involves subtle adjustments that make your work look convincingly real. In this video, we explore tips like adding slight imperfections to objects, varying textures, softening hard edges, and using noise modifiers to create natural variations.

Why it matters: These techniques help overcome common issues in 3D rendering, such as overly perfect geometry and repetitive textures, which can break the illusion of realism. By incorporating these subtle changes, your 3D scenes will feel more authentic.

Watch the full video on YouTube

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

⌚ Watch it now!

How to Import Cameras from Chaos Vantage into 3ds Max

Cameras or camera animations created in Chaos Vantage can now be imported back into 3ds Max using the Import Changes from Chaos Vantage feature. This video tutorial walks you through the process, ensuring that your camera work in Vantage integrates into your 3ds Max projects.

Why it matters: This feature improves the link between Chaos Vantage and 3ds Max, allowing artists to maintain consistency in their camera setups and animations, ultimately saving time and enhancing project quality.

Watch the video guide on importing cameras from Chaos Vantage into 3ds Max

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• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?
• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)
• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
• 3D + AI Essentials: What's New and Why It Matters for You!
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AI Editing Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

How I Use AI to Enhance Renders

In my latest video, I explore how AI is changing my approach to Post Production. From enhancing images to speeding up workflows, I break down the tools and techniques that are helping me stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Why it matters: AI isn't just a tool—it's a new way to work for 3D artists. By integrating AI, I can produce higher-quality results faster, adapt to client needs more efficiently, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. Understanding and leveraging AI will be key for any artist looking to stay relevant.

Watch the full video on YouTube

___________________________________

Mystic from Freepik Delivers Stunning AI-Generated Images

Freepik has launched early access to its AI tool, Mystic, which leverages the Flux model. The results, showcased on X (formerly Twitter), have been incredibly impressive, with users combining Mystic's outputs with Magnific and Runway to create highly realistic images and videos. The word is that Mystic will soon be integrated into Magnific.

Why it matters: The rapid evolution of AI tools is transforming the creative process, allowing artists and designers to generate and refine ideas faster than ever. Tools like Mystic and Magnific are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, offering new ways to achieve professional-quality results with minimal effort.

Here are some examples from Tom Blake using Mystic: View on X

___________________________________

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

⌚ Watch it now!

___________________________________

Goodbye Kansas MoCap Dogs for The Hunter: Call of the Wild

In this behind-the-scenes look, Goodbye Kansas takes us through how they captured the lifelike movements of a Bloodhound for The Hunter: Call of the Wild. The critically acclaimed game is known for its immersive hunting experience, and now adds a faithful canine companion. To achieve realism, Goodbye Kansas invited real dogs into their mocap studio, ensuring the digital Bloodhound moves naturally within the game's beautifully rendered environments.

Why it matters: This meticulous approach underscores the commitment to authenticity in modern game development, where advanced technology and real-world elements combine to enhance player immersion.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video

___________________________________

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• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)
• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
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3D Industry Updates: New video, D5's AI, and interactive TV shows

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Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

AI in 3ds Max, MrBeast Hiring, IKEA's 3D Journey & More!

Here is the latest video of the 3D News for the month. This video covers the latest in the 3D industry, including AI features in 3ds Max, job openings with MrBeast, and IKEA's advancements in 3D visualization. It also highlights new AI-powered tools and releases from leading companies like Adobe and Autodesk.

Why it matters: This is the easiest way to stay up to date with the industry's key innovations and opportunities, keeping you informed and competitive in the evolving 3D landscape.

Watch the full video

___________________________________

AI Revolution in Architectural Visualization: D5 Render's New Features

D5 Render is full steam ahead on AI integration in architectural visualization, offering tools like AI-generated references, atmosphere matching, and texture enhancements. Allowing users to generate 3D models, apply realistic textures, and enhance image quality with AI-driven efficiency.

Why it matters: D5 Render's AI tools save time and elevate the quality of architectural visualizations, making advanced rendering accessible to more users. Atmosphere matching looks super exciting!

Watch Silver Colored Lens's video here

___________________________________

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

⌚ Watch it now!

___________________________________

DreamFlare: AI-Generated Interactive TV Shows and Graphic Novels

DreamFlare is an interesting idea that offers AI-generated, interactive TV shows and graphic novels. Users can shape the storyline by making choices, creating a personalized entertainment experience. The platform spans various genres, including anime and comedy, and also invites users to create their own AI-driven content.

Why it matters: DreamFlare is an interesting take on how we consume and create digital content, blending AI technology with storytelling to offer dynamic and engaging experiences.

Explore DreamFlare

___________________________________

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• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
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Discover the Latest 3D Innovations and Techniques: Weekly Update!

Read Time: 2.5 minutes! (to save you hours)

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What's New in 3ds Max 2025.2 Update

Autodesk has launched the 3ds Max 2025.2 Update, featuring several new tools and enhancements to improve 3D modeling and animation workflows.

Key Features:

• SVG File Support: Import and export Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files for more versatile data handling.
• New Data Channel Modifier Presets: Enhanced Data Channel Modifier (DCM) with additional preset options.
• USD for 3ds Max 0.8: Use Universal Scene Description (USD) cameras directly within the 3ds Max viewport.
• Flow Retopology for 3ds Max 1.0: Simplify complex mesh geometry effortlessly.
• Arnold for 3ds Max: Includes improved tone-mapping in toon, better volume denoising, global light sampling support, enhanced OSL interoperability, and an update to OpenVDB 11.

Read more on Autodesk's official site

___________________________________

Maxon One 2024.5 Released

Maxon has unveiled Maxon One 2024.5, introducing significant updates across its suite of creative tools. Key highlights include enhanced performance in Cinema 4D, new features in Red Giant, and improvements in the rendering engine Redshift.

Why it matters: Maxon's latest release enriches several products in the Maxon One suite of tools for creating motion graphics, visual effects, and product imagery.

Read more on Maxon's official site

___________________________________

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

⌚ Watch it now!

___________________________________

Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?

In this tutorial, I demonstrate a technique for creating realistic edge distress in 3ds Max using the V-Ray Curvature Map. You'll learn how to achieve a worn, weathered look on 3D models by leveraging mix maps, blend materials, and curvature detection.

Why it matters: Mastering edge distress techniques is crucial for 3D artists aiming to produce high-quality, lifelike textures.

Watch the tutorial on YouTube

🔗 Et Cetera

• 🍿 Join: 16,357 digital artists following my YouTube channel.
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• 💻 Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools
• 🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)
• 📚 Book: What I am reading The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

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• Latest AI + 3D Updates, Tools and News You Can't Miss!
• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage
• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using
• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists
• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?
• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)
• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
• 3D + AI Essentials: What's New and Why It Matters for You!
• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

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AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists

AI tools are revolutionizing….. everything! Making complex and time-consuming tasks incredibly easy. In this blog post, I’ll showcase several AI tools that any 3D artist can integrate into their workflow. We’ll look at some examples and see how these tools are set to transform our approach to 3D.

The AI Revolution: Threat or Opportunity?

Many fear that AI might devalue art or replace artists. But history shows that technological revolutions, like the internet, often lead to greater prosperity and innovation. AI in art is no different. These tools won’t replace artists; instead, they will amplify and assist in our creative process. Skilled hands are still needed to harness this technology effectively.

Image Upscaler: Magic in Action

The first tool I want to highlight is an image upscaler and enhancer. It’s like magic. For example, an image of Lara Croft from the PS1 era was upscaled to look stunningly detailed.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload a standard 3D image.

2. Use default settings and hit upscale.

The result is an image with crisper details and more realistic textures. It simplifies processes like creating dirt maps and complex materials, making them look more natural and detailed.

Example: Kitchen Appliance Image

I used the upscaler on an image for a kitchen appliance manufacturer. The details improved significantly, though some elements like a heavily aged person were off. Adjusting sliders like resemblance and creativity can help refine the output. The tool, Magnific AI, has become a solid part of my post-production workflow.

Animation Rendering: A Time Saver

Rendering animations can be time-consuming. Traditionally, each frame of a 3D animation can take minutes, leading to hours or even days of rendering. AI changes this:

1. Render every 10th frame using 3D and AI combined.

2. Upload the frames and let the AI fill in the gaps.

This method cuts rendering time drastically, from 15 hours to just 90 minutes. Using runway’s frame interpretation tool and Topaz AI for upscaling, you can achieve high-resolution animations in a fraction of the time.

Enhancing 3D Humans

Improving 3D human models is another area where AI excels. Using Topaz Photo AI, you can import textures and enhance details like face recovery, making the models look more realistic. The before and after comparisons show significant improvements, making this tool invaluable for any project involving human models.

Sky Replacement and Photo Enhancements

Client requests often include making the sky bluer or adding atmosphere effects. Luminar Neo offers powerful AI capabilities for photo editing:

• Sky Replacement: Seamlessly integrates a new sky into your scene.

• Enhancements: Accent the image, add fog, or introduce sun rays for dramatic effects.

These features allow for quick and effective adjustments, elevating the overall quality of your 3D renders.

Conclusion

AI tools are transforming the 3D landscape. They simplify complex tasks, save time, and enhance the quality of our work. By integrating tools like Magnific AI, runway’s frame interpretation, Topaz Photo AI, and Luminar Neo into your workflow, you can stay ahead of the curve and elevate your 3D art projects to new heights. Explore these tools and see how they can revolutionize your creative process.

Here’s a video I made about just this!

New Innovations: Luma Dream Machine, Stable Fast 3D, and Substance 3D Designer 14

Read Time: 2.5 minutes! (to save you hours)

Welcome back to 3D News, the newsletter for digital artists. Every week, I handpick the best links to ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Create Videos from Images Using Luma Dream Machine

Transform your static images into videos with my new Skillshare class. Learn everything from the basics of Luma Dream Machine to techniques like setting start and end frames, extending videos, and downloading your creations.

Why it matters: In today's digital age, video content is crucial for engaging audiences. Dream Machine will give you a competitive edge by enabling you to create professional-quality videos quickly and efficiently.

Watch for free on Skillshare

Introducing Stable Fast 3D by Stability AI

Stability AI has unveiled Stable Fast 3D, an AI model capable of generating 3D assets from a single image in 0.5 seconds. It creates complete 3D assets, including a UV unwrapped mesh and material. This version slashes generation time from 10 minutes to 0.5 seconds!

Why it matters: The speed at which this model can create assets is groundbreaking, and the quality is among the best on the market.

Read more on Stability AI's official site

Use AI to Enhance Your 3D Renders Fast!

Skillshare has featured my latest class on its AI & Innovation page. It delves into techniques such as upscaling, relighting, and style transfer. It's free if you're a Skillshare member, and if you're not here's one month free!

Why it matters: As AI continues to revolutionize digital art, my hope is this class will keep you up to date with all the latest techniques and tools that actually work in production.

Watch it now!

Substance 3D Designer 14 Released

Adobe has announced the release of Substance 3D Designer 14.0, featuring several quality of life improvements and new nodes for enhanced color manipulation and artistic effects.

Why it matters: Key improvements include faster node removal, reduced graph cooking times, and smoother node movement, making the tool more powerful and user-friendly.

Watch the video here

Et Cetera

🍿 Join: 16,357 digital artists following my YouTube channel.

🏫Learn: Here's everything I know on Skillshare (Free)

💻Tech: Here's what I use every day Tech and Tools

🤖 Learn: AI Tools I am using every day AI for Digital Creatives (Free)

📚 Book: What I am reading The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade

☕️ Popular YouTube Videos

• TRANSFORM your IMAGES into VIDEO using A.I. EASY
• AI Style Transfer for Digital Artists: 10x Your Output
• Latest AI + 3D Updates, Tools and News You Can't Miss!
• Add 3D Elements To Your Video Footage
• UNLOCK The Hidden 3DS Max Toolbox You Should Be Using
• AI Tools to Get Ahead of 99% of 3D Artists
• Is This The BEST Edge Distress Workflow?
• 5 AWESOME 3ds Max Tools You Don't Use... (But You Should!)
• Realism In 3ds Max | Learn Physics In 3 Minutes
• 3D + AI Essentials: What's New and Why It Matters for You!
• 🩳 and lots of Shorts have been added recently.

Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter and want to support it, join the course or refer a friend.

Render On!