You’ll probably notice numerous similarities between your current 3D modeling workflow and the StemCell workflow. In fact, nearly all of the rules are based around industry-wide best practices. Our goal was to keep things as simple as possible while maintaining a consistent and flexible specification. Sure, there may be some new concepts here, but we were careful to create a non-proprietary workflow that would continue to work well into the future.

There are basically four main components to a StemCell, and it’s important to understand how each component has a specific role in achieving a full dataset. After all, the goal for StemCell content is to work for a wide range of applications and uses. If one component is missing or incorrect, then the true benefit becomes limited.

StemCell is open to all artists. Artists can currently upload a model built in 3ds Max or Maya (with either V-Ray or Mental Ray) as well as Cinema 4D (Advanced/Physical renderer). TurboSquid will then provide these artists with cross conversions to 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D as well as Unreal and Unity (only when metallic PBR textures are submitted).

As you would with any well- organized production, it’s important to plan out your process ahead of time when creating StemCell content. Think about the steps you’re going to need to take as you move through the workflow. Consider all the different ways that can help speed up the process. Here are a few production proven tips to help you work more efficiently.

Don’t add detail too early in the process.
Get the object’s silhouette right before adding small details. Then, once you’re happy with the overall look, scale, and proportions of the object, start adding the finishing touches.

Unwrap as you go.
Every artist has made this mistake…you start building a gorgeous model with multiple objects and tons of detail only to realize that once it’s done it’ll take you days to UV. Instead of waiting until the end, once you’re happy with an object, unwrap it before moving on to the next. It can help break up the tedious task of unwrapping and may even save you tons of time on objects that end up getting duplicated over and over again.

Build a library.
Sooner or later there will be components that you’ll need again and again. This can be anything from simple objects to common materials, or even useful textures. Not only can building a library help you save time, but it can also keep your models consistent which can be attractive to your customers.

Stay organized.
Use grouping to organize your models into logical structures. While you’re at it, set the group’s pivot for easier posing and animation. This will not only make your life better but also the life of your customer.

Often times you’re not ready to start creating materials until most of your model is complete. Selection sets are a great way to organize objects by material type. Once you’re ready to start adding materials, simply select the set and add the material.

Don’t waste time on unneeded details.
It’s very easy to get lost in the details, but those extra details can be a huge time sink and can make render times much longer. Before you begin modeling, determine what level of detail (LOD) you’re creating for. Are you making something for a super close-up, a simple medium shot, or just an object to be placed in the background of a scene?

If it’s for a super close-up, you may be able to simply focus on one area of the object. If it’s for a medium shot, you may be able to use normal maps instead of adding geometry. And if it’s for use in the background of a scene, you may be able to simply rely on very simple geo with texture detail. Make it a habit to ask yourself these questions first, then build accordingly.

Clean up your mesh.
You’ve finally gotten your model looking the way that you want–the silhouette looks good and the scale and proportions are exactly what you had in mind. Now would be the perfect time to inspect the model’s mesh density. Are there any areas that could be reduced? Are any components from your library far more dense than the rest of the model? Remember, a uniform and detailed mesh may be pretty to look at, but that’s not why a customer is buying your model.

Consider creating Metallic PBR maps first.
Quite simply…Metallic PBR maps are much easier to convert to Specular/Gloss maps than the other way around. The secret is with the Metallic map which determines which parts of the model will be metallic, and which parts will dielectric. You can learn more about this on our StemCell Textures & Materials page.

We’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know about creating StemCell content. Information in each section is broken up into concise bullet points. If there is more information available, you’ll be able to follow a link to that specific article. If you feel like you’ve got it, great, simply move on to the next bullet. Let’s go!

StemCell Modeling

There are plenty of good reasons for creating clean models, and the process doesn’t need to be difficult. You may find that you’re already doing everything right.

StemCell UV Mapping

UV mapping comes in many flavors, and it’s usually the thing 3D artists hate the most. Since UV mapping is so important for StemCell, we want to make sure you have the information you need to decide what type of mapping can work for your content.