If you're using 3ds max to try to do augmented reality using FlarToolKit  in flash you MAY have run into an error 126 when trying to install feeling softwares 3.05c version of ColladaMax

this error 126 where the DLE file fails to initialize has to do with the directX SDK not being installed. This will happen on the stock 32-bit version AND the modified 64-bit version.

There's not really any documentation that will let you know this, and you'll probably waste a few days trying to figure it. That's what I just did unfortunetly. 

Hopefully this will help. download the below 2 files and install them. After that collada export is smooth sailing.

the built in autodesk collada DAE export works OK, but it mostly sucks and gets texture mapping wrong.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=200B2FD9-AE1A-4A14-984D-389C36F85647

Yesterday I ordered a CNC Machine. VERY exciting.

For those that don't know what that is, it's a computer controlled xyz (3d) cutting head. So I can design something in the computer, a 3d object such as a car, and the machine will then cut it out of a block of something. Say wood, plastic, plaster, aluminum, etc.

I've wanted one for awhile, and the new work I've wanted to do has pretty much 100% depended on me having one..

Well, soon I will.

Which means, new work soon.

Work that should make my previous stuff look like child's play. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

For the new Q5 Audi campaign "Don't buy another box" I did the web banners and online material, some 3d paper cars, and I also modeled the box used in all the print material with 3DS Max.

It's not art, but it's still kind of cool to see something I made all over the place...

the Audi Q5 is an SUV size vehicle, but it's deffinetly no box unlike say, a mercedes SUV, which is what we're getting at *cough GLK

Back in 1998 when I was using 3D Studio Max (now 3DS Max) version 3 and buying up every issue of 3d world magazine I could get my hands on, the sgi 320 system was there, in the ads taunting me with it's high end (for the time) specs and $7000 price tag a high school student would never afford...

Now years later I bought the empty chassis of a 320 and retrofitted it. It required cutting socket holes for a standard power supply, and building a custom motherboard bracket in plastic, but it works.

It'll be used for controlling my soon to be acquired CNC machine and therefore 3d work.

I've been experimenting a lot with hardware/software integration at work during downtime and one of my first experiments past simply pushing data was this!

My tweetbox! it sits in the corner of my cubicle so I can see the lastest twitter update of anyone in my feed.

PHP parses all the data from my account, and then feeds that to a Flash snippet I wrote, Flash then talks to a local server running on my laptop which handles talking over the usb port to a small microcontroller hooked up to the LCD. *phew! catch all that?

well it works...

a small red LED comes on when a tweet is new.

Like beer? who doesn't? I just finished working on the current Stella Artois.com website for xmas, it was designed here at my work (Lowe Roche) by us and Dan Purdy an uber talented flash guru.  Beyond doing a bulk of the xml and php code that runs it I also designed the printable paper ornaments you see there (the bird and star).

Go try printing them out. they're free and fun!

it was also a great exercise in 3ds max to foldable form construction and just a fun break from my usual programming heavy job.

Stellaartois.com

Went to the DMA's (Digital Marketing Awards) last night here in Toronto. we (lowe roche) managed to pick up a silver for Burnrate and a bronze for terrified fly as well as a few other certificates I think. I'm not sure actually.... there was free booze. It was at Circa (club) and actually alright. who can complain about a place with a giant master chief halo sculpture.

I work for an ad agency in downtown Toronto. I haven't made note of that before on my site really as I only started working there (full time) fairly recently. I do digital web work/ programming.

Just thought I'd make a note about the fact we just won ad agency of the year for 2007 here in canada. Feels pretty cool. (had nothing to do with me though, I just means it feels cool to be workign with them) it's a pretty small firm too, which is one of the reasons the company is so good, less cooks in the kitchen.

Now I have to get back to doing a 3d animation for Audi.

THE LIVING DEAD DOLL ART SHOW: RESURRECTING DESIGNER TOYS
Halloween, there couldn’t be a more appropriate night to debut the first-ever Living Dead Dolls Art Show. The internationally anticipated show premieres October 31, 2006 at New York's famous designer toy gallery "The Showroom NYC". Previously, all Living Dead Dolls have been designed by Ed Long, Damien Glonek and Michael "Mez" Markowitz; this upcoming art show invites over 100 artists to design, interpret and explore their own dark vision of the Living Dead Dolls.

Invited artists have been selected from numerous fields and disciplines, the list is a veritable Who's Who of notoriety and talent; Ed, Damien & Mez creating one-of-a-kind originals, other contributing artists include: Michael Dougherty, artist and screen writer on Superman Returns and X Men 2; comic book legend Simon Bisley; gothic artist and musician Voltaire; toy development power house Inu Art Studios; Oblongs TV show creator and artist Angus Oblong; famous Japanese designer Hiddy; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle writer, creator and artist Kevin Eastman and many more. (edit: by many more they mean nameless folks like myself)

The one-of-a-kind morbid masterpieces will be on display and for sale at the gallery from 11/1/06 to 11/14/06. A special, invitation only, VIP opening-night gala will be held on October 31st, Halloween night.

About Living Dead Dolls: Brought forth from the twisted minds and tortured souls of Ed Long, Damien Glonek and Michael "Mez” Markowitz, the Living Dead Dolls brand has grown to be a creepy collectable of worldwide fame. With over 60 unique characters, 6 different doll lines, apparel, games, stationary, glassware, trading cards and more, Living Dead Dolls has infested the hearts and minds of many building a large international fan following. For more information go to www.livingdeaddolls.com.

About the Gallery: The Showroom NYC is the premiere designer toy gallery; hosting internationally covered events for today’s hot new designs working in toy-related mediums. Located at 117 Second Avenue, for further information visit http://www.theshowroomnyc.com.

Haven't updated in awhile, been too busy.

Finished the Film shoot with Ania and Nichola. They hired me to do prosthetics for a short film where Shawn (the actor) unzips his stomach and washes his intestines in the sink. Its pretty looking, can't wait to see the final film. It's a short of course.

I made a zipper prosthetic, intestines, as well as a full fake chest for close ups.

I'll add a full portfolio entry with more photos later at some point when I get more photos back. Till then, teaser.

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Oh, and I also wrote a full image upload system for my site from scratch. No more opening photoshop, doing a crop, etc, uploading via ftp.. coded a nice little upload system that does all the work for me. Makes journal entries a lot easier!! ;) Just click the images above to enlarge.