How do you share and review your 3D models?

1 Why share and review?

Sharing and reviewing your 3D models is not only a way to showcase your work, but also a way to learn from others and improve your skills. By sharing your models, you can get constructive criticism, suggestions, and compliments from other 3D artists, clients, or stakeholders. By reviewing other models, you can gain inspiration, insight, and perspective from different styles, techniques, and approaches. Sharing and reviewing your 3D models can also help you build your portfolio, network, and reputation in the 3D modeling community.

2 What to share and review?

Depending on your goal and audience, you may want to share and review different aspects of your 3D models. For example, if you are working on a low-poly game asset, you may want to focus on the topology, texture, and optimization of your model. If you are working on a high-detail sculpt, you may want to focus on the anatomy, proportions, and details of your model. If you are working on a realistic render, you may want to focus on the lighting, materials, and composition of your model. Whatever you share and review, make sure you have a clear purpose and intention, and that you communicate it to your feedback providers.

3 How to share and review?

There are many ways to share and review your 3D models, depending on your preference and convenience. For instance, online platforms such as Sketchfab, ArtStation, Polycount, and Blender Artists offer features that let you display your models in different modes, interact with them, and reach a wide audience. Offline tools like screenshots, videos, PDFs, or files also provide more control over the quality and format of your models. Additionally, live sessions with feedback providers such as video calls or webinars can be useful for having real-time discussions and getting direct feedback. However, these methods may not be as flexible or accessible as online platforms or offline tools, and may require more scheduling and coordination.

4 What to consider when sharing and reviewing?

When sharing and reviewing your 3D models, there are some important factors to consider for an effective and enjoyable process. Firstly, you should know who you are sharing and reviewing your models with, and what their expectations, preferences, and expertise are. For example, if you are sharing your models with a client, focus on functionality, usability, and aesthetics; if it’s a mentor, focus on technical, artistic, and conceptual aspects. Secondly, feedback should be constructive, specific, and respectful. If you’re giving feedback, use the sandwich method - start with a positive comment, then give constructive criticism, and end with another positive comment. If receiving feedback, thank the provider, acknowledge their points, and request clarification or examples if needed. Lastly, use the feedback to improve your 3D models and skills. If the model has too many polygons for example, reduce the polygon count or use normal maps or other techniques to optimize it. If proportions are poor, use reference images or guides to adjust the model.

5 What are some best practices for sharing and reviewing?

Sharing and reviewing your 3D models can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience if you follow some best practices. For instance, it's important to share and review your models regularly to keep track of your progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and get diverse perspectives. Additionally, share and review your models at different stages to get feedback on various aspects such as concept, design, modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, etc. And finally, share and review with different people to gain feedback from different angles such as technical, artistic, functional or emotional. Doing so can help you expand your network, learn from others and discover new opportunities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?