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We're proud to present an interview with Stefan Morrell, better known in Poser circles as Stonemason

I am very pleased today to have the opportunity to visit with Stefan Morrell known to the artistic community as Stonemason. Stefan is a fantastic artist and modeler. I'm sure that you have seen his work at DAZ3D and also at Renderosity. His latest Poser models of sprawling city blocks in different genres are wonderful, with lots of detail and awesome textures. He is also known for his willingness to help others and his free contributions to the community at large. Welcome Stefan, it's so nice to have you here!

Stefan, I always like to get a bit of personal information before we begin so that the readers can learn a little more about the artist and their location. Where do you live and could you tell us a little about your offline life?

I was born in 1975 & live in New Zealand in a small city called Christchurch. I'm surrounded by animals...(several Great danes & several cats) and contrary to popular belief I have not been cloned...yet

Have you been artistic since you were a youngster or did that come later in life?

Yes, I've always been creating in one form or another...whether with pencils, or sculpture, or painting, or CG. My father was also an artist so I was blessed with an early exposure to art.

When did you begin using Poser and what was behind your decision to begin creating models for use with it?

I first started using Bryce & then Poser in late 2002, soon after getting my first computer. I stumbled across Renderosity while scanning the web for art sites. At the time I was working as a stonemason.
I pretty much knew straight away this was something I would have a passion for so after trying all the demos I settled on 3dsmax & set to work...making my own models just seemed the right way to go because nobody was making the kind of environments I wanted at the time.

What software do you use in the creation of your models these days?

After working out a rough idea on paper I model in 3dsMax 7.5. I UV map & usually texture at the same time as I'm modelling, so everything is more or less made with 3dsmax running...I use ZBrush for displacement & morphing work as well as the final sculpting of any organic forms & I use Photoshop & Deep Paint3d for Texturing.

I'm always interested in the first product that an artist sells. What was that first product for you and how did you feel when that first one sold?

From memory I think it was a texture set for the millenium dragon. It didn't sell well at all...but my initial intention with 3d was for it to be a hobby so I wasn't concerned...my first model was a simple alcove prop.

How does the process of developing your large neighborhood areas differ (if at all) in concept and design from modeling a single item? Does the large size and expanse of the city blocks call for a different approach to modeling?

Very much so. Working on such a large scale means textures need careful consideration. There will be a lot of tiling textures used & hiding that fact is always in my mind. Polygon count also plays a large part, so efficient modelling is very important.

I really love your two latest products, The Warehouse District and Urban Sprawl. What inspired you to take on projects that large and detailed?

Urban Living

Urban themes are something that interests me. It wasn't so much a commercial decision as much as it was just something I wanted to make.

Which do you have the most fun modeling, Sci-fi items and settings or the City Blocks that I mentioned above?

Sci-fi is fun. It's very much a freestyle method of modelling where I can let loose & anything goes...with urban sets I'm looking to make something that could possibly exist in the real world so I'm a bit more restrained...my favourite things to model are actually creatures & organics but I tend to keep that as personal work...although I do intend branching out into more specific creature design for Poser.

I have always been fascinated by, and strived to create, realistic textures and that leads me to the next question... Can you give us a little insight into how you create your outstanding realistic textures without giving any secrets away? :-)

I use a lot of postworked real world textures(photo based)...building up many layers in photoshop & playing with blending modes.
Looking at the way an object would age in the real world is a good place to start when texturing something...also having an idea of the final texture while you're modelling is a great help, specifically in UV layout

This Little Piggie

Now that we have so many new functions and capabilities in Poser 6, what have you found to be some of the latest procedures and functions that you use the most and incorporate into your work and scenes...displacement mapping, IBL lighting, etc?

Displacement is probably the feature I use the most, although for simple testing of displacement I use DazStudio for its speed, reflection & 16bit support.
Poser 6 lighting has impressed me a lot. IBL,AO, etc...seeing the work Catharina Harders & others were doing with it, & the new shaders were a factor in my deciding to upgrade too, in much the same way as Ajax's shader work was the deciding factor in my shifting from Pro-Pack to P5.
Seeing their work also reminds me I still have a lot to learn regarding Poser lighting.

What is your favorite of all the models and scenes you have constructed for sale and why it is at the top of your list?

I guess it'll always be the next one. I strive to outdo my last models & I tend to make what suits me rather than anyone else...so I'm happy with all of my work.

One of the new products and collaborations that you are now involved in is a complete replica of Stonehenge which is located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. So many have been fascinated by this structure over the ages as it holds both beauty and mystery. I know that you have collaborated with Catharina Harders on this project and I'm wondering what led to that merging of two wonderful talents, and if you plan to do more as a team?

Working with Cath(Mec4D) is a lot of fun...she has talent & passion in so many areas that I'm always being surprised by what she comes up with, & seeing someone pushing the software to it's limits in a creative sense is great, not to mention the amazingly realistic textures she's capable of. Her skills with lighting & textures are unrivalled & simply put I'm humbled to be working with her.

How do you like working on a team as opposed to working by yourself?

Working by myself I guess things go a lot quicker. It's easier to get lost in the work when you have nothing but your own thoughts guiding you along.
As a part of a team I get to work with some great people & bouncing ideas back & forth can create some interesting things.
My first collaboration was with Moebius87(creator of the Dystopia universe)...his sci-fi style was very influential & and his encouragement has been a great help for me.
The Daz Platinum club is also a very good team environment I've worked in & it's filled with some exceptional talent.

What do you do for fun online and offline? Hobbies, interests, favorite pastimes?

I collect art books, music & obscure cacti. I also play guitar, enjoy photography & painting & sculputre, film etc.
I'm a great animal lover too, so I like spending time with the family pets. We have such a beautiful landscape here and I love getting out whenever I can...most of the time though you'll find me hard at work/play.

I am sure there are still new things that you would like to do in your career as a modeler and artist. Where do you see your modeling heading in the next year or so? Also, what would you change if you could about the decisions you have made in learning your craft and directing your artistic talents?

I'm hoping to branch into more organic, creature based models...though I'm sure environments will always figure strongly in my work.
I'm curently working on a demo reel & extending my knowledge of 3d so I can eventually branch out beyond Poser work...I'd ultimately like to work in the film industry...or just build a house on a hill by the sea & live a quiet life :)

Is there any advice that you would like to give to new artists and modelers who are just beginning their career in CG work concerning things to avoid, steps to take, and how to accomplish their basic goals?

The help manual usually offers the best answers. Use all the forums & tutorials available too, there is a lot of knowledge out there so dont be afraid to suck it all up & ask questions. Take advice & criticism whenever you can get it.
Everything I've learnt has been from reading forums & tutorials as well as trial & error.

Thank you so much Stefan, for dropping by and allowing us to learn more about you and your work! It's been a real pleasure and I want to extend the offer to drop by any time. I want to wish you well in all of the great work that you do and I look forward to seeing more of your productions! Thank you again from all of us here at PlanIt 3D.

You can find Stefan's work and models at...
Renderosity -
DAZ3D -
and at Cath Harders' site -

Kathie Berry a.k.a. Damsel
©2005 for PlanIT3D.com