3D World unpacks the exciting phenomenon of kitbashing and discovers how you can use it to speed up your workflow

One of the very best things about 3D art is the vibrant community it inspires and the groups of passionate creators that gather around specific software and styles. 3D World owes its continued existence to the 3D art community and we love shining our spotlight on the many different aspects of it. This month we’re exploring the exciting world of kitbashing and asset sharing, in which artists take pre-existing models or assets and incorporate them into their own awesome and original designs.

Kitbashing itself isn’t a new concept, the term has long been used to describe the act of combining elements of different commercial model kits to create something new. In fact, the practice gained significant attention through the expert modelwork of movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars, and on the small screen in Star Trek and Thunderbirds. It’s no wonder then that a generation of digital artists have been inspired to do the same with their CG models. 3D kitbashing has become such an effective way of creating arresting visuals that there are examples of it in some of the biggest movies and video games of the moment. 3D World has gathered three especially proficient artists to discuss how they incorporate kitbashing into their own excellent work.

What’s more, asset sharing has become a great way for 3D artists to establish themselves and make money from their creations. Artists or studios can save considerable time and concentrate on taking their art to the next level by using these assets in their work. Having been created by a team of passionate 3D artists at the turn of the millennium, TurboSquid has established itself as a leading source of 3D models, allowing tens of thousands of artists to upload their creations. We caught up with TurboSquid to find out more about their mission and how 3D World readers can benefit from what they offer.

So what are you waiting for? Turn the page and find out how you can change your 3D art for the better by incorporating readymade assets, and perhaps even make money from selling your own.

WORLDBASHING

Designer, illustrator and concept artist Arnaud Imobersteg explains his approach to kitbashing in astonishing environments

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in interior design at HEAD – Genève (Geneva's University of Art and Design), Arnaud Imobersteg specialised in architectural visualisation. “I had the pleasure of working for architectural clients such as OMA, MVRDV and Zaha Hadid,” he tells 3D World. “I'm now converting towards more concept art and visual development and working freelance.”

Imobersteg got started in 3D kitbashing back in 2018 when he discovered KitBash3D’s Victorian Kit contest and the free sample kits being offered to contestants. “This was an awesome experience,” he exclaims, “it wasn’t really prepared for Blender at the time though, so I'm glad they ended up fully integrating it.”