Shapeways Announces ‘3D Animation to 3D Print’ Contest

If you have been toying around with the idea of creating a series of figurines to accompany the series of Saturday morning ready cartoons that you have kicking around in your head, then it might be time to get up and get modeling. Whether you are trying to create a 3D version of Fluffy the Flatworm or a super serious anime heroine from a video game you have created, you should consider submitting your design to Shapeways 3D Animation to 3D Print Contest.

Shapeways has joined forces with the 3D Modeling and Animation Facebook group to create this contest, which is open between September 10 and October 15, and asks contestants to create their own 3D printable figurine. The first step is to join the 3D Modeling and Animation Facebook group, something you’d probably want to do anyway; with over 35,000 members, it can’t be wrong!

Justin Hanes, founder of the group, posted the announcement for the contest on the FB page and has positioned it as a celebration of the 35,000-member mark. He will serve as a judge along with Jonathon Riley, and several artists at Shapeways. Hanes shared his enthusiasm for 3D printing, and a special insight into what will score points with him:

“3D printing has made things possible that were once impossible before. To me, that is why I love our artform. We are not merely artists…we create, shape, mold, build, and animate. Also, while not required, have[ing] the group’s name incorporated in the figure somehow, will score a couple more points with me!”

The judging itself (special Justin Hanes bonus points aside!) will be based on three criteria: creativity, technique, and printability. The judges are looking for works that push the boundaries of 3D printing while still creating something that demonstrates an in depth understanding of the possibilities of the medium. Those who rate highly can win one of four prizes. One lucky (talented) first place winner will receive $200 in Shapeways credit and a printed version of their model. The second place winner will have $50 in Shapeways credit at their disposal to reward them for their efforts. Two third place winners will each have $25 in credit to use at Shapeways. In addition, every person who enters the contest will automatically receive $10 in Shapeways credit.

If you find you are stuck, the contest page has a series of tutorials to help you get started or keep going, and of course, as always, you can visit Shapeways information packed Tutorial hub to help you with anything else you can imagine. Entries should be printable for under $200 and Shapeways will give you pricing and run an automatic check for printability, so the sooner your submit, the more time you will have to make revisions if necessary in order to meet the guidelines. Shapeways will be announcing the winners before October 31^st, so you have the very real possibility of dressing up as a Shapeways contest winner just in time for Halloween!

Let us know if you have decided to enter this unique contest.  Feel free to post your designs in the 3D Animation ot 3D Print Contest forum thread on 3DPB.com.