Stefan Schulze is a German 3D artist and designer who won the 2004 edition of the Peugeot Design Contest. He runs First Signal, a 3D and graphic design agency. Wanna know more? Well, glue yourself in here, as the designer unfolds his biographical sketch, which goes as...

1. How did you start in this industry? What was your first design sketch?

Stefan: I started as a graphic and web designer in 1995. 2002, I changed to 3D design, without any knowledge about this. I’ve learned it on my own and I can say that 2002 was a year of try and error. My first design sketch was a very ugly car which looks like a Prowler. After that I changed to fantasy and SF paints. In 2002, I came back to car design with more knowledge about 3D techniques and it was just for fun that I’ve posted the 4002 at the contest.

2. What is the biggest inspiration in your work?

Stefan: First of all, I get no concrete inspirations from other popular designer. I love to create something that looks like real. I like 3D and I love sport car; I`m also interested in every project that is built by a company. This is my inspiration.

3. Do you prefer product design to car design?

Stefan: No, I don’t think so, but I like product design too. It is interesting for me to find new ways to get a taste or a feeling so that the product shows the client what could be. I like the process of creating and designing things.

4. In 2004, you won the Peugeot Design Contest. What was this for and how has this kind of recognition benefited your career?

Stefan: Winning this price was absolute amazing and unbelievable for me. I used to be an amateur in 3D and also an amateur in car design; nevertheless I was one of the first who created a combination between real looking 3D paints and design. In 2002 there were only a few 3D visualizations, but a lot of sketches in the contest. The latest contest 2006 shows many 3D paints and only few sketches.

It was a start up for me to work as a freelancer and 3D artist. The benefit was big enough to change my hobby into professional work.

5. Talking about the Tribun Concept, my question to you is, what modifications did you make in Vector W8 supercar? How far can you say that it is the final step with respect to the previous ones?

Stefan: If you get a closer look to the Vector W8, you will see many things I used for the Tribun in a modern way. Using the old style as close as I was able to, was my intention. The original W8 is a very specially design and in some parts the Tribun is a compromise between the W8 design and modern interpretation of it.

If we talk about the Tribun as a 3D design, it is the final step, but if someone interested in building this car, some parts of the 3D prototype wouldn’t work in this way. But I think the design is very close to a real prototype.

6. How was the experience with CINEMA 4D?

Stefan: Cinema 4D is a really easy using software with (if you have knowledge about 3D techniques) fantastic rendering results, but it has also a dark side. Cinema (I’m so sorry to say it) is not a perfect 3D modeler and for me it is sometimes an adventure to build up my ideas. Sometimes it is really strong to try it on the 3D level I have.

7. You have done specialization in 3D graphic design and product visualizing but not in automotive design! How you’re able to adapt to the different forte and what challenges did you face?

Stefan: As a 3D artist it is my job to create product visualization and presentation. The challenge is to make good illustrations of everything my client’s needs. I think car design is the highest and most expensive level in the world, when we talk about product visualization and presentation. The feedback of the 4002 and the Tribun showed me that I can present my work on this level and every client, who is interested in my work, gets this requirement.

8. Do you think there’s something you’re most proud of so far, one particular project that came off really well?

Stefan: I am proud of every project that makes my clients happy. If my clients are contently with my work, I am also content.

9. Do you have any projects in hand that have hooked your attention?

Stefan: At this moment I finished a De Tomaso Pantera Design coming up in few weeks. It follows the same intention like the Tribun; it is a modern interpretation of a really cool car too. The next step will be an own supersportcar design and during these things I have to produce design and architecture visualization.

10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite?

Stefan: Instablogs probably seems to be a very good portal for getting news and information’s all around the world.
Last but not the least, I’d like to thank Stefan for taking out time for this wonderful interview and would like to wish him luck for all his future endeavors.

Scroll down to see more of his rocking designs,

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