Selling Stock 3D Model Tips

Maximize Your Market

This may seem obvious, but it amazes me how many artists fail to do it. If you could potentially sell to five, six or seven times the number of buyers why wouldn't you do so?  This is what you're failing to do if you only sell in a single 3D file format.

Learn the 'dark arts' of format conversion.  This is knowledge that will serve you better than almost any other in the field of 3D stock.  Almost all 3D apps will let you 'export' and 'import' models using go-between formats, such as .obj or .3DS.  Learn to use them, and maximize your potential market.  Many great 3rd party conversion tools are also available.

Author your models with conversion in mind.  Avoid app specific material settings, such as procedural textures, or any material settings that will not export through the go-between formats, or your transfer tools.

Generally most tools (and formats) are fine with diffuse, specular, opacity and bump textures.  If you do have to re-setup materials in different formats, this will be far easier if your model has the minimum number of materials it can get away with.

Our favored go-between format is currently .obj.  This is a very old format, but has many mature plugins and tools for many modern 3D apps.  It seems to have benefited in recent years from being the main route in and out of ZBrush.  Other useful conversion formats include .DAE, .FLT and .3DS.  Be aware that there's many limitations with 3DS format, or at least the 3DSMax import plugin - such as a limit to 8.3 format texture names.

On the subject of market maximization, some of you may be wondering about our views on what 3D stock sites to sell on, an if you should be exclusive to one for a higher rate.  This is a subject for a post at a later date.  More soon . . .