RESEARCH & TECHNICAL
RESEARCH
I'm actively involved in ongoing research, and am a co-author on multiple papers. Using CT data, published literature, and in consultation with you, I can create 3D scientifically accurate reconstructions of whole specimens that can be used as part of your research. This includes sculpting missing skeletal elements, and repairing existing ones to generate complete skeletons. See Borealestes post-crania.
I'm trained in photogrammetry and structured-light scanning, and skilled at turning these reconstructions into interactive models. I created a free downloadable interactive model of the first dinosaur bone from the Isle of Eigg to accompany publication.
TECHNICAL
I can also be commissioned to help you complete work. If you have a CT scan that you want to 3D print, I can process the data and deliver a print-ready file. If you want to upload a model of your specimen to a platform like Sketchfab, I can create an upload-ready file, and help you display it. If you would like it textured to look like a real specimen, I can do this too. See Borealestes crania.
I have the expertise to handle a variety of tasks and generate a professional finished outcome, leaving you free to concentrate on your research, and I can also advise on the best way to achieve tasks in blender.
Professor John Hutchinson
Matt has the rare one-two punch of being excellent at art and science. He contributed both aspects to the project to a top-notch professional and technical standard, with absolutely excellent communication and efficiency.
The quality of the research was elevated significantly thanks to Matt’s contributions. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.
To find out how the studio can support your research, please contact me.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
TRAINING
I teach blender for scientific visualization, from basic introductions, to the advanced approaches and workflows that the studio uses in its own work. If you want to learn how to use blender to empower your work, I can help. I'm an expert blender user and have a strong focus on best practice and pipeline optimisation for scientific data handling, and will teach you how to author blender files that can be easily handled, shared, and worked on with collaborators.
Feeling stuck? Get in touch. There are very few blender resources tailored to scientific users, and I'm happy to offer casual advice and pointers on methodologies, and help with problem solving.
WORKSHOPS
For the Symposium of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy 2021, I created and delivered 'Pimp my render: A practical guide to virtual specimen visualization in blender'. This workshop taught participants how to use CT-scan data to create an amazing photorealistic image for publication. It covered how to import specimens into blender, then through a combination of theory and practical work, follow the steps through to render a striking virtual photograph. It included performance optimisation, mesh simplification and optimisation, lighting methods, cycles and colour management, texturing, and PBR rendering. I taught the tools needed to virtually photograph digital specimens with ease and confidence.
Sean Smart
Special thanks must go to Matt Humpage for giving weeks of
skills in 2.5hrs!