Running an online business in a virtual world

In 2015, having learned 3D modelling and texturing through self-teaching, I founded an online business with an associate in the virtual world game Second Life where we sell virtual furnishings.

During my teenage years, while living in a small village in the West Country of England, I had little to do and a fair bit of time on my hands. Having discovered the virtual world platform Second Life and learned one could create anything one wished and sell it too, I delved into learning the art of 3D content creation.

With my associate, I founded a home and garden store within Second Life called ChiMia, where we sold my creations. These ranged from small furniture and decor pieces to entire apartments inspired by my dream of living in France (see image above).

Over the years, this experience turned me into a rather skilled creator and helped me master a variety of software, from programmes for 3D art for creating our products to industry-standard graphics designer applications for crafting our marketing materials. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the software I learned to use over the years:

• Autodesk 3DS Max

• Autodesk Maya

• Blender

• ZBrush

• Photoshop

• Illustrator

• Substance Painter