Have you ever wondered who the masterminds behind the characters that are used are in your favorite video and PC games? Each large game producing company has a staff of creative designers that match voices with faces, and design body types, names, species, and all aspects that comprise the physical features of those memorable personalities. Before a character is even considered by the company to use in a game, the designers are in charge of creating a detailed and precise 3D model of the character in progress to express the ideas, features, and purpose of the character as it pertains to the game.

A designer may go through a dozen models before a decision maker is impressed, and characters may also be adapted from several models given. These model designers use high tech premium programs and software that allow them to have full control of their ideas, and the ability to create symmetrical and proportionally correct characters. These finished models are able to be translated straight from the computer to a fabrication stage, and through the use of laser cutting, or stereo lithography, are brought to life as to-scale representations.

Once approved, these characters are taken from the original software, and are worked into the games as seen appropriate by the creators. The use of models in the production ensures a smooth transition from an idea, to a digital model, to a physical model, to your computer or TV screen.

The Most Iconic 3D Models

3D model have many uses in today's society. Computer and video games, building structure design, automotive construction, and artistic and educational models all serve their purpose in their respective industries. The most well known and popular of these models claim their fame through their designers, and their timeless use in the field of education. Visual arts students use well known 3D model in their classes as a means of comparison to grade skill level and knowledge retention.

Of these models is the famous Stanford Bunny which was created by Greg Turk and Marc Levoy in 1994 at Stanford University, this model is mainly used as a data test, and has become a standard for testing graphics algorithms. Other iconic models, like the Utah Teapot, are used as standard references, and can be a tool for the education of graphic arts students in high schools and universities.

In the automotive industry, each car body design is first created as a model which is kept by the car companies as a keepsake and reference of where the company has been, and what paths to take in the future. 3D models are advancing with the use of high tech software and machinery, but there will always be the original models that will continue serving their purpose in the world of education and modern history.