Why are 3d Assets a Problem?

Summary

This video explores the growing problem of 3D asset usage in Blender and its impact on creativity and artistic development. The creator shares personal experiences of how asset libraries like Blender Kit hindered their learning curve, making 3D art less fulfilling and stunting growth. The legal concerns around asset usage, including potential copyright violations, are also discussed. The video concludes by offering a system for responsible asset use, emphasizing the importance of personal skill development and ethical practices. Sponsored by Skillshare, the creator encourages viewers to balance asset use with learning and self-creation for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 3D asset usage is increasingly popular but can be problematic for artists and platforms like Blender.
• 😀 While selling 3D assets is profitable, it can hinder creativity and lead to issues with artist development.
• 😀 Over-reliance on assets can reduce an artist's ability to grow, as it eliminates the challenges that come with learning and creating original work.
• 😀 Using assets without modifying them enough could lead to ethical and legal concerns, including potential copyright violations.
• 😀 A personal anecdote demonstrates how the use of Blender Kit led the creator to stagnate in their artistic growth.
• 😀 The video highlights the importance of being transformative when using copyrighted material in 3D works to stay within legal boundaries.
• 😀 Asset usage can be risky, as some 3D assets may be used illegally if they are not sufficiently transformed or lack permission.
• 😀 Blender has seen a huge spike in popularity, which corresponds with an increase in the usage of 3D assets, often more than in other 3D programs.
• 😀 The rise of assets in Blender’s community is tied to a higher percentage of hobbyists using the software, which contrasts with professionals who are less likely to rely on assets.
• 😀 Blender’s accessibility encourages casual users to depend on assets, which can negatively impact their long-term development as 3D artists.
• 😀 To use assets responsibly, creators should follow copyright guidelines, avoid over-reliance on assets early in their careers, and focus on creating assets themselves to foster learning and improvement.

Q & A

Why is the use of 3D assets considered problematic for artists?

Using 3D assets excessively can hinder an artist’s growth by eliminating the learning process required to master foundational skills. This leads to stagnation and a lack of creativity as artists might only focus on assembling pre-made assets rather than creating original content.

How can using 3D assets make an artist worse over time?

Excessive use of assets can short-circuit the learning curve. Artists may avoid creating their own models or textures, which limits their technical skill development. As a result, they may struggle with complex projects later on and feel demotivated.

What is the ethical issue with using 3D assets without proper knowledge?

The main ethical issue is copyright infringement. Many users unknowingly use assets without permission or violate fair use principles, which can lead to legal consequences if the assets are used in commercial work or without modification.

What is 'fair use' and how does it apply to 3D assets?

'Fair use' allows for the limited use of copyrighted material under certain conditions. For 3D assets, a work is considered transformative if it adds new meaning, expression, or value to the original, like altering or integrating the asset in a way that changes its purpose or character.

How did the presenter’s use of 3D assets in their video affect their creative process?

The presenter initially enjoyed using assets but found that over time, relying on them stifled their creativity and led to stagnation. Instead of developing their skills, they started assembling pre-made assets, which made the process less fulfilling.

Why does the presenter believe that Blender users are disproportionately affected by asset usage?

Blender has a larger community of hobbyists compared to professional 3D software, making its users more likely to use assets. Hobbyists tend to prioritize convenience, while professionals might spend more time creating custom content. This shift in user demographics affects Blender’s unique reliance on assets.

What percentage of the presenter’s video clip was made using 3D assets, and how does this relate to fair use?

Approximately 90% of the clip used copyrighted 3D assets, including buildings, robots, and helicopters. Despite this, the video is considered transformative because the presenter added lighting, animation, and effects, which helped it fall under fair use principles.

What does the presenter suggest for new artists regarding the use of 3D assets?

The presenter advises new artists to avoid relying heavily on assets, especially in their first couple of years. Instead, they should focus on creating their own content to develop fundamental skills and a deeper understanding of 3D modeling and animation.

How can professional 3D artists use assets responsibly?

Professional artists should use assets as a tool for efficiency rather than a crutch. They should ensure that assets are used ethically, with permission and proper credit, and only after they have developed the necessary skills to create content independently.

What role does Skillshare play in helping artists improve their skills in 3D modeling and other creative fields?

Skillshare provides structured, step-by-step learning through classes taught by industry professionals. The platform helps artists improve their skills by offering curated learning paths, ensuring that they build their proficiency in a logical and comprehensive manner.