Welcome Calum Andrews

1. Where were you born, and where did you study graphic design?

I was born in London and lived there until ten years ago when I moved to Chesham in Buckinghamshire for a quieter life.

2. Where are you living now?

I run my own Furniture supply company (www.calumandrews.co.uk) a few days a week and work on 3d models and artwork as my second business in my spare days and evenings. (www.calum5.com).

3. Why/How did you become a 3D artist?

I always enjoyed sketching as a young boy, and it developed over my life into concept art, 3d rendering and model making.

4. Why did you get into 3D printing, and how long have you been 3D printing?

I am self-taught in everything I do, and whilst watching various youtube video tutorials, I would see Zbrush artists with all kinds of models of their artwork displayed around the backgrounds in their videos. I had knowledge in model making for 3d props and use in my concept art and wanted to make some of my 3d art physical models that I could have at home too. I’ve been modelling items for around 20 years, but they are high poly and unsuitable for 3d printing. This year I taught myself what was required to make my models 3d printable and am pleased to be now producing my 3d models for personal and business use. I received a lot of feedback and link requests on my uploads through my socials, so I set up a cgtrader store to sell my creations.

5. What are your favourite things to 3d design and print?

I am a creative concept artist, by the description. I enjoy just starting with a blank canvas (screen) and seeing what develops, but I’m generally aiming toward interesting detailed artistic sculpture work. That’s my preference – an artistic, creative freedom workflow. I can model almost anything really- I made Big Ben once for the exercise but always get the most enjoyment from my highly detailed character sculpts. Contemplator, the C5X range, The Clown, Maskara and The Violinist are models I’ve enjoyed working on the most.

6. What printers do you have at the moment?

I have a large 3d printer manufacturer currently communicating under NDA regarding some new technology, which has put my printer purchases on hold. At the moment, I’ve been using my Elegoo Mars 3 (4k Mono). I’ve been looking at the new Saturn 2 (8k Mono) for the larger build volume -but haven’t acquired one yet. I might have some news soon.

7. What is your favourite 3D printer?

So far, my Mars3, as the details 3d printed, is good.

8. What software do you use for 3d modelling?

I use Zbrush for all of my modelling work. I have had it since 2003 and have upgraded it yearly.

9. What about slicing & Supports?

Chitubox is my go-to as it’s what I learned first. I’ve had hardly any issues with my workflow so far, so as of yet am ok with this set-up! I use the basic version but do have the pro version unactivated.

10. Why did you fall in love with our Monocure 3D Resin?

I initially watched some Resin types Youtube videos and found the M3D Crystal clear and others I liked. On researching M3D and seeing the background work that goes into the M3D resins for details and strength, It was a good fit for me. I have had lots of requests for ready-printed models, so I needed a resin that could be more durable and last forever, rather than the lower quality, brittle resins I’ve been using.

11. How do you post-cure your models?

On average, I put them in my MercuryX UV cure station for 4-5 mins – as my models are generally test prints and not too large.