And while you may be good at listening to the clients and other designers you work with, you also have to answer them, in many ways. Just the smallest organizational tasks can often turn into a huge juggling act though, especially if you are working remotely, and with multiple designers. How to manage all those requests in terms of .stl files, changes, edits, and issues? How to track, organize, and respond to all the communications? And most importantly, how to handle all the payments?
It’s all in the cloud. We hear that more and more, but what does it really mean, and how can that really help your business as a designer?
The cloud is basically centered around offering ease in computing storage and allowing for high-tech collaboration and networking. talk3d is cloud-based collaboration software made specifically for 3D designers so that they can communicate and work effectively with others.
“Its really hard to work with 3D designers remotely, without any streamlined software,” Murali Srinivasa, co-founder of talk3D, told 3DPrint.com. “talk3D aims to make communication with 3D modelers and clients a smoother, more concise process.”
- Being able to make changes and edits with the talk3D tool
- Easily marking changes needed on 3D models and update status
- Handling multiple 3D models with 3D viewer
- The ability to send messages back and forth between those working on projects
“The tool has an integrated 3D visualization and communication platform which feels very similar to the kind of collaborative workspace that exists on google docs–except on a 3D platform,” Srinivasa told 3DPrint.com.
The payment tool on the talk3D takes a lot of the headache out of dealing with money. Payment management options include:
- The ability to send invoices online
- Managing work levels with payment schedules
- Payments being held in escrow until project completion
- Receipt of payments via email
“We will soon be launching public beta and help people build 3D models and 3D print,” said Srinivasa. “We invite all 3D designers and 3D modeling firms to join us and together, let’s 3D print the world.”
Part of Create Labs Inc., talk3D is headquartered in Sunnydale, CA. Currently in private beta testing, talk3D has been receiving very positive feedback from designers trying it out, and Srinivasa points out that some larger 3D printing on providers are considering using talk3D as a tool for their own platforms.
Is this a 3D collaboration tool you are interested in? What other issues do you wish you had assistance with for working remotely as a 3D designer? Discuss in the talk3D Cloud-Based Collaboration Software forum thread over at 3DPB.com.