As Co-Director of the amazing 3D Gallery here on devART, I get to see all sorts of 3D art everyday. Unfortunately some people get confused and stick their art work in the 3D gallery when they don't know where else it goes.

What does that lead too? It leads to 100'ds of miscats!

* Deviant definition alert! Deviant definition alert! *
: MISCATS : - image that is placed in the wrong category/gallery. Shortened from the word mis-categorized!

So to curb this problematic trend, I thought I would write a helpful article to let you know what goes where when it comes to 3D. Sound like fun? I thought so too!

Let's begin with my Co-Director ^baKIN's wonderful Q & A about 3D art.

Q: What's 3-Dimensional Art and how can I make it?

A: It's any piece of art made with, entirely or partially, a 3D model, or render.

Q: What's a '3D model'?

A: A 3D model is the result of 3D Modeling. 3D Modeling is the process of developing a mathematical,wire frame representation of any three-dimensional object (either living or inanimate).

Q: What programs can I use to make 3D models?

A: The major ones that you can use are : Blender [Which is free], Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Electric Image Animation System, XSI, Poser, form-Z, Houdini, Lightwave 3D, Massive, Maya, Vue 6 Esprit, Modo, Silo, Milkshape, Vray, SketchUp Pro, TrueSpace and zBrush. The rest that you might find are minor programs that focus on certain aspects of 3D Modeling (lighting,animation,etc.).

Ok. That seems pretty clear, right?

: Here are some examples of 3D art :

The KEY to the definition of what you should place in the 3D Gallery is "any piece of art made with, entirely or partially, a 3D model, or render"

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I think we understand now WHAT 3D IS but figuring out what it isn't is a bit more difficult. We know for sure that 3D is not pixel art and it's not a photograph of you and your friend. These things are not rendered in a 3D program. Right? That's right!

But doesn't it get more tricky? Sure it does!

Some people get confused when they create a three dimensional object out of raw materials (i.e. wood, metal, wadded up paper towels) and they think "Huh! Well, this is quite clearly a three dimensional object I have created here. I should take a photo of it and post the photo in the 3D Gallery! I am certain that is where it would go!" - well, you'd be wrong!

Why???

I can explain. That object that you so craftily assembled was not rendered with a 3D program, was it? Nope.

Remember the key definition : "any piece of art made with, entirely or partially, a 3D model, or render"

: Here is a list of 3D gallery miscats classically made by deviants:
game screen shots (art not created/rendered by deviant)

pixel dolls

personal photos

models (legos, airplanes, cars etc. assembled in deviants home)

traditional artwork (i.e. sculpture, paintings etc.) with a raised three dimensional aspect

The KEY to the definition of what you should NOT place in the 3D Gallery is "any piece of art made without a 3D model, or rendering program"

In short - if you work was not rendered in a 3D program or does not feature 3D models, it does not belong in 3D.

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Finding the right place for your work can be confusing at times because many of us incorporate so many different artistic elements in our works. But you know what? That is what the Gallery Directors are here for! We want to help you get your work seen - we seriously can't wait!

Wait! You don't know WHO your Gallery Director is? Check here FAQ #18: Who selects the Daily Deviation and how is it chosen?

Note your Gallery Director with any questions or suggestions that you might have. If your are submitting your images to the wrong category, your Gallery Director will let you know and help you get them to the right place.

Then everyone is happy!

_{* I hope this article helps you understand 3D a bit better. It is the first in a series I am posting through out the Spring and Summer. Next I plan to feature a collection of POST WORK tutorials to help 3D digital artists and 3D manipulators. If you would like to contribute a tutorial, please note me (^Bloodredsangre) and thanks!*}