Cary James

Jewellery Design & Vizualisation

How did you get into 3D CGI?

I am a jewellery designer and goldsmith by training.  Initially, I began working in 3D as a way to increase efficiencies in production, through rapid prototyping of my designs.  I very quickly realized the value that photo-realistic images would bring to the custom design process.  These images bring to the consumer the exact replica of a finished piece prior to our ever starting the work in precious metals and gemstones.  The introduction of this step into the custom design process removes a significant barrier for the consumer: The ability to visualize exactly what their finished piece would look like.

What type of 3D work do you?

I primarily design, render, and rapid-prototype jewellery and metal works.  I offer 3D CAD and Maxwell Render training to graphic designers and companies in the industry, and so I recently began to also branch out into interior and industrial renders.

What’s your main 3D app and why?

For the bulk of my 3D work I use Rhino. I find it extremely intuitive, fast, and easy to use.  I have also branched out to Blender in order to explore and create 3D organic surfaces.

What are your main renderers and why?

Maxwell Render is my preferred and main-use engine. Without question, Maxwell Render is the best render engine on the market. The engine was designed to emulate the laws and principles of physics to create materials virtually. For example, it allows me to use a natural gemstone’s refractive index and dispersion to create that material in 3D, or allows me to alloy gold and other metals just as I would in the studio in order to create different karat and color combinations.

How did HDR Light Studio fit into your workflow?

HDR Light Studio has complemented my workflow, and increased my creativity within the rendering process.

What are the main benefits of using HDR Light Studio?

HDR Light Studio significantly enhanced the quality of my rendered images.  Prior to using HDR Light Studio I was limited to lighting my scenes either with emitter planes, or by using purchased HDR images. These images would always provide more realistic light for a scene, but were restricted to generic lighting solutions, and I was never able to have light exactly where it was needed. Now with the integration of Maxwell Fire and HDR Light Studio I can set up my lights just as I would in a photo studio and instantly see the onscreen result. This integration allows the movement of lights with complete freedom, creating an intuitive, immediate-feedback workflow that provides ultimate flexibility and enhanced quality.

Would you recommend HDR Light Studio to other 3D artists?

Without hesitation!! If you are a product designer/visualizer you cannot afford to be without HDR Light Studio in your toolbox!

Visit Cary's website here at: www.contactdesign.ca