3D Artists are creative professionals who use computer programs to create three-dimensional models of objects, characters, scenes, and other elements for use in a variety of industries such as film, television, video games, architecture, and advertising.

With the growth of the 3D market, there has been a need for so-called 3D stocks - platforms where you can find and buy or download 3D models, textures, materials, shaders and other resources for use in projects for free.

The first 3D stocks appeared in the 2000s and were introduced by TurboSquid, 3DExport and The3DStudio.

On these platforms, the prices were quite high, and the work of a 3D modeler was appreciated and considered prestigious.

In 2006, the site 3ddd.ru appeared. This site is one of the most popular 3D stocks providing 3D models and textures for use in architectural projects, renderings and games.
Below is a screenshot of how the site looked before 2010.

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And what does the site look like now?

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3ddd.ru was created in 2006 as a community dedicated to 3D modeling and visualization. At the beginning of its activity, 3ddd.ru provided its users with free access to models. However, in 2008 the site began offering paid services, including the sale of 3D models, and in 2010 introduced a new sales system allowing users to sell their models directly through the site.

During 2010-2015, the architectural visualization market saw a dumping associated with the emergence of a large number of online courses and free models/assets. The competition in the market only grew, and the prices for services fell rapidly, which led to the collapse of the architectural visualization market. As a result, many young startups with 3D models could not compete with 3ddd.ru, forced to set similar prices and often close.

Although prices for models on 3ddd.ru have increased slightly, and free access is no longer available, the database of models is still subject to leaks. Some 3D artists continue to upload models to 3ddd.ru despite low prices, which can lead to a depreciation of labor in the 3D modeling and visualization industry.

The abolition of PRO-accounts on 3ddd.ru resulted in the strengthening and acceleration of 3D model dumps.
At the moment, more than half of all models on the site are available in a merged database that is sold on various sites.

There are also catalog sites with 3ddd.ru models that are sold individually. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that 3D modelers do not receive enough profit, and in order to earn money, it is necessary to constantly upload new and up-to-date models. This situation is having a negative impact on the 3D modeling industry, and the administration of 3ddd.ru is the only winner.

People accepted unfavorable conditions with the hope of mass sales, which were supposed to cover all the shortcomings of the 3ddd.ru business model.

Models are massively shared, but what happens to copyright? Administration 3ddd.ru for the entire time of its existence has not taken sufficient efforts to protect the rights of its users. Telegram channels, site directories, torrents - all this still exists, and no measures are taken.

Recently, the administration created a topic on the forum "Guide for filing a complaint against pirates" with instructions for users if they saw their model in the public domain. But in fact, this is just a spit in the face of 3D modelers. The administration not only does not bear any responsibility for solving problems, but also has not come up with any mechanisms for protecting models and proving authorship.

It's funny to read on the forum about bullying by pirates who require passport data or notarized documents, etc. so that modelers can prove their copyright. Have you ever heard of fused models on TurboSquid? No? Why do you think this is happening?

Due to the collapse of the architectural visualization market and the total depreciation of visualization, many of my friends were forced to retrain in other areas, such as programming or the games industry. Some have opened their own local business and no longer want to deal with 3D. Now, in order to stay afloat, one person must be able to make drawings, design rooms, create visualizations, as well as maintain documentation and carry out architectural supervision.
This is such a man-orchestra.

What happens to 3D stocks? Young entrepreneurs follow the development of technology and try to solve problems that old players like 3ddd.ru ignore. It's undeniable that 3ddd.ru has poor mobile responsiveness, their interface often falls apart, and searches return unrelated results. New startups, of course, are free from these inconveniences. However, we are not talking about that now. Let's consider more global things.
For example, I would like to note the successful approach and implementation of the GreatCtaglog stock.

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GreatCatalog, although it is on the market not so long ago, is gaining popularity at the speed of light and is actively growing. I was pleasantly surprised by the convenience of the site. For example, they have a script called GC Merger that installs in seconds and allows you to access the site directly from 3Ds Max. When you click the "Download" button, the model is automatically downloaded, unzipped and added to the scene. All models on this stock are checked for viruses and debris using special scripts such as Prune Scene, so you can safely and quickly add models to your scene.

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Also, GreatCatalog made filling in the database of models only correctly packed using Model Packer. During packaging, each object and material is tagged with a special “Tracking Tag”. This tag includes information about the author, stock, preset, packaging date, and more.

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My idea is simple - you need to respect your work and start acting today. Start at least by uploading high-quality models to more reliable and responsible 3D stocks.

I understand that there are not always adequate moderators on 3ddd.ru, and this often discourages users from making passive income, and some even become pirates because of this. This, together with other factors, leads to a collapse of the market.

But despite this, there are 3D stocks that treat their users more respectfully, offering them convenient solutions. Strong copyright protection will help prevent unauthorized use of a large number of 3D models, which will allow modelers to earn more. It will also be easier, more convenient and safer for designers to use models from official stocks. A small additional cost for the client will not become a hindrance, and the money spent on models will help stabilize the architectural visualization market as a whole.