I love contests. Not only are competitions fun, but they promote wonderful creativity and they have free goodies! The Morgan Motor Company competition is better than most competitions. Why?
- They supply the model files and software for everyone
- The prizes are really hot!
I got the opportunity to chat with Sean Young of HP (Worldwide Segment Manager, Product Development & AEC), who is one of the judges in the competition. I thought his insight might prove useful to everyone planning to give the competition a go.
HP and Autodesk
D&M: “Why did HP and Autodesk partner up for this competition; what was the motivation there?”
Sean: “HP and Autodesk go way back together. The competition had been planned for some time. We felt that Morgan Motor Company’s new 3-wheeler provided a great opportunity for the competition. Morgan Motor Company was excited about users designing their new ad. They are an interesting company; they love to help their clients customize their vehicles. Some owners even come into the factory. Everyone really gets into it.”
Competition
D&M: “What do you think is special or exciting about this competition?”
Sean: “That’s easy – it’s the prizes. You saw the contest page; a $5000 cash prize. Then we are providing an HP Zbook workstation nicely equipped and includes an NVIDIA graphics card. Also equally valuable is the exposure. Contest winners will get exposure for their work in Morgan Motor Company’s ads, in their magazine, on the web, and other places such as auto shows and so-on. It’s a great opportunity.”
D&M: “What criteria are the judges looking for?”
Sean: “Well it’s detailed on the contest page.” (I was digging for something a bit more personal.) “#1 is the originality of the design concept for the vehicle. What is amazing about this contest is that Morgan Motor Company is supplying the vehicle model for CAD. Users can focus on customizing materials, etc. and making a unique vehicle.”
Sean continued, “Then there is the overall quality of the rendering; overall quality of the ad concept; and the overall quality of the completed page.”
D&M: “What can contestants do to increase their chances?” (again, more digging for that gem suggestion)
Sean: “Knowledge is power. We have provided numerous helpful learning tools on the contest page; start there. Even experts can pick up a thing or two. There is also a link to chat with the experts; you can ask the contest team questions at the bottom of the page. We are very responsive to these.”
D&M: “Can participants enter more than one design?”
Sean: “No, one entry per participant.”
D&M: “What type of ad layout would be preferred?”
Sean: “It can be anything. It doesn’t even really have to be an ad per se. This competition isn’t really about making a great ad. If the people simply want to submit a great rendered customization, that’s fine. Something as simple as the rendering on the contest page is great. “
D&M: “Is there anything else that you’d like to tell folks that are considering those sweet prizes?”
Sean: “It’s super-easy to participate in the contest. We are providing everything you need. It’s still quite simple even if you don’t have much experience. Just open the supplied files, and customize the vehicle anyway you like. We even offer Showcase and 3DS Max files with the model ready to go. You can add decals, new material types; really create an original design. Autodesk even provides a free image editor to complete your ad page; it’s Pixlr. “
Sean’s “tips for success”
- Think about the overall theme of the ad, something that connects the 3 Wheeler, background/environment, and any graphics/logos/text. Get creative with the theme, and focus on something that inspires you
- Get creative with the ad background/environment as it is such a prominent element of the ad.
- Spend time decorating the 3 Wheeler. It’s the focus of the ad, and it should look amazing, interesting, and original.
- Reference other car advertisements to learn about camera angles and lighting.
How to Get Involved
This competition isn’t really about making a great ad. It’s more about having fun customizing the 3-wheeler in the most creative and original manner. References to all the software you need is provided on the Talenthouse webpage. (Pick the ad at the top of this article to go straight there). Once there, pick the green participate button to get started.
That will take you to the page with all the goods. They even offer Autodesk Showcase and 3DS Max ready files. You can open it up and immediately start customizing. To help you along Design & Motion have prepared an excellent quick start tutorial for rendering the Morgan 3 Wheeler with Autodesk 3ds Max Design. Be sure to check it out & GOOD LUCK!
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