TurboSquid has a wealth of simpler models that customers love to buy: ordinary forks and spoons, hairbrushes and combs, cups and saucers.
Until now, artists who create these models were reluctant to put them in our CheckMate Certification program because of the price floors of $39 for Lite and $49 for Pro. For this reason, we’re now allowing prices of $19 for CheckMate Lite, and $29 for CheckMate Pro. These price floors apply only to simple or plain models of certain types such as silverware and fruit, the kinds of models that can’t reasonably be priced at $39 or $49.
We’re glad that artists who create these models will now be able to join CheckMate, and reap its benefits of higher sales and happy customers.
How to set a price as $19 or $29
As with previous price floor changes, you can’t use the new pricing right in the Publisher–you need to get an inspector review before the price can be changed. This will ensure that prices remain appropriate and competitive at TurboSquid.
Publish your model and submit it for certification at one of the price tiers allowed in the Publisher ($39 for Lite, $49 for Pro).
After your model passes certification, open a support ticket with the subject “CheckMate Price Change Request”. Include the Product ID for the product you would like changed, and to what price.
Based on comparison with similar models on the TurboSquid site, an inspector will review your request and change the price if appropriate.
Price change requests are processed once a week, so please allow our inspectors time to review your request.
In this week’s Meet the Squids, we talk to Kate Voisin, our marketing team’s graphic designer. Kate is a Louisiana native, growing up just outside of New Orleans, the city she has called home for almost a decade. Read on to find out about the many hats she gets to wear at the office, and why she suspects that TurboSquid may, in fact, be a cult (but in a good way).
What does a day at TurboSquid typically look like for you?
My days at TS vary. On the marketing side, I write newsletters, handle our socialmedia accounts, and help to make sure our site shows up in search correctly.
On the design side, I make infographics and ads, help to pretty up the website, and Photoshop Nic Cage’s face onto our manager’s pictures sometimes.
Basically, it’s my job to make sure TurboSquid is always reachable, approachable, and visually appealing.
What’s your favorite thing about working at TurboSquid?
Can I have three things?
1. I get to make fun, engaging content for a fun, engaging company, that’s seen by lots of people– it’s kind of what every graphic designer wants to do.
2. I have total access to the massive 3D model catalog, so getting to use the models in my design work is a real luxury. I could seriously spend hours perusing the catalog. (And sometimes I do! For work.)
3. My third favorite thing about TurboSquid is every single thing about TurboSquid. I know this is a total cheater answer, like asking for infinite wishes on your third wish, but whatever. I’ve worked in New Orleans for a long time, and the TS office is easily the most positive, employee-friendly workplace I’ve ever encountered. When I started, I was pretty sure I’d joined a cult, because about 5 people told me within the first week that it was the best job they’d ever had… and if it IS a cult, I’m completely happy to drink the kool-aid / eat the cereal / wear the tentacles. I love it here. (more…)
This week in Meet the Squids, we’re saying hello to Chris Tiberio (more often known as “Tibs”). Tibs started with TurboSquid as a Member Services Agent, but will soon be starting a new venture in the office as our 3D Library Assistant. Find out more about Tibs’ eclectic interests outside of the office, and be sure to send him your congratulations in the comments!
So, tell us what a typical day at TurboSquid HQ consists of for you.
Well, I wake up and feed my pups (Carla and Reggie). Once that’s done, I make my 30 minute walk from my humble abode to TurboSquid HQ. I listen to some “informative” podcasts (The Nerdist, Who Charted?, and Get Up On This are my faves) to help pass the time. I get to the building and sling my trendy man-purse on my desk while greeting my fellow Squids. I then make my usual breakfast of assorted cereal (Corn Pops are my jam right now) and a cup of water because I recently quit soda, cold turkey.
Then I settle into my desk and start working. I work hard on various projects to help improve the site and the customer experience. I attend a meeting or two a day and do my best to service the needs of the artist, customer, and the TurboSquid Team.
We hear you’re involved with a lot of things outside the office. What else do you do?
I am a part of an improvised comedy troupe known as “Hug Life.” We do shows all over New Orleans. I am currently planning a wedding with my fiancee, Cheryl, in which I am trying make sure that our two dogs are ring bearers and that my wedding cake topper is wearing a luchador mask (I love professional wrestling).
I also am going to start volunteering at a local animal shelter. I am really into the rescue and care of Pit Bulls, as they are the world’s most misunderstood and mistreated breed of dogs. But I am a lover of all animals.
I also have been writing a hip-hop demo and hope to have it out soon. BOOM!
Tibs auditioned for the most recent run of America’s Got Talent. He didn’t make it this time around, but we’re proud of him anyway. Check out his story about the auditions, and his amazing improv beat-boxing below:
While there is nothing common when it comes to our customers, we often find that their questions center around some common issues. We’ve collected a few of the more frequently asked questions, along with their solutions, to help our artists make their models more attractive to potential customers.
Forging a successful relationship with customers, and possibly becoming their go-to artist, is easy. When a customer purchases one of your models, make sure that what you deliver meets their expectations.
WireFrames
“Why are there no wireframes available for the model that I want?”
This is a big complaint that we receive from customers, since some of the products on TurboSquid do not have wireframes. Our research shows that the more effort you put into showcasing your work, the more likely you are to grab the attention of a potential customer (which only leads to more sales).
Suggested Solution: The customers would really like to see what they are purchasing. We have YouTube videos online to show you how to set up your model to render the wireframes.
Texture Sizes
“Where can I find the texture sizes that are being used on this model?”
Another common issue for our customers is missing information. Buying a model can be a big purchase, and no one wants to take a risk in buying a product that won’t work for their needs. The more information you provide, the more the customer can trust that your model is exactly what they’re looking for.
Suggested Solution: Even if you have multiple textures, be sure to list the sizes in your description to help boost sales. The more information a customer has, the more likely they are to return to your catalog.
Absolute Paths
“Where are the missing elements within the model I just purchased?“
Sometimes a model will generate a “missing textures” error when a customer loads or renders it. Most of the time, the issue is with a naming convention rather than an actual missing texture.
Suggested Solution: When you create a model and use textures from your computer, most programs will use a specific path on your computer, for instance, C:\Users\example\My Models\TurboSquid.jpg. Before you publish your model, we ask that you strip these paths to say: TurboSquid.jpg. When a customer opens a model, this will prevent a missing textures error.
The San Francisco Zoo’s new tiger cub has been making headlines this month– and not just for being adorable. The honor of naming the baby cub will go to the highest bidder in a fundraiser for the SF Zoo. So, in honor of the new tiger family, we’re naming thePROmax‘s amazing tiger model as our featured model of the month! Check out our interview with the artist, and find out what inspired him to create his very own virtual zoo.
When did you start 3D modeling?
I started 3D modeling in 1998. We have a family-owned computer training academy, and we were looking for a professional company to create an effective advertising campaign. As there were no reputable advertising companies in our city, I decided to give it a shot. I had knowledge of Adobe After Effects, and I began to learn 3DS MAX. I loved rendering 3D models in 3DS MAX. I was lucky that we had a server computer and the fast workstations in our office to render complex models quickly. (more…)
This week’s TS bio post features Kimberley Lloyd, a member of the accounting team. Originally hailing from the UK, Kim eventually followed her husband, Jonathan Lloyd (VP of Product Development), to New Orleans and TurboSquid. Read on to discover more about her experience in the States, New Orleans, and which superpower she secretly wishes to possess.
Alright, so how’d you land in the US and at TurboSquid?
I landed in the states by airplane from Manchester Airport to Chicago O’Hare then to New Orleans. No, seriously I ended up in the states by following my husband here when he landed a job at TS. Little did I know that I was soon to employed by TS too.
I managed to get a job here because back in the UK I was an accountant, and the accounting department at TS was in need of someone else. I guess they felt I would be a good fit because I had helped out with the accounting for Falling Pixel, which essentially works in a very similar way to TS. Also I think people were concerned about my sanity. I came to the States on a H4 visa, which is for spouses of people with H1B visas and means I was not allowed to work; so I spent a lot of time at home playing housewife before I got the job at TS and my new visa, and, let me tell you, playing housewife is the most boring job for someone who does not have children!
