When did you see LightWave for the first time?

Wow, I can't remember the date now, but it was version 5.0, I think. It wasn't a nice meeting, because I was absolutely lost in this software... you know: lots of text buttons, no icons and didn't have any idea about 3/4 of all the functions. Not the best example ever, but that's how it was.

When did you first start using it?

I've start used LW, just one year ago. Before that I used Strata 3D and Cinema 4D for more than three years and Animation Master as well.

Why did you only start using LightWave last year?! :)

I couldn't have asked it better myself: why didn't I start using LightWave long ago? To be honest, LightWave was too expensive for me and I didn't know about the big differences between LightWave and Cinema 4DXL.

Two years ago I wasn't happy animating characters in Cinema4DXL. I had bought Hash's Animation Master, which was great software for character animation, but I had problems with spline modelling and the software was for a more cartoon style of animation than I preferred.

A year ago or more I found the LightWave demo on NewTek's website, so I downloaded and played with it. After no more than a week I had literally fallen in love with LightWave. At the same time, the price for LightWave 7.5 went down. And that's how my journey with the light at my back began. I found everything simple to do in LightWave - modelling, facial expressions with endomorphs, and weighting was never so easy.

If there is something important to me - it is working with software that gives me the freedom do whatever I want. I have spent just over a year with LightWave 7.5, and I couldn't say that I know all that a person can do with it. But at this time I have to say that all that I want to achieve can be done to the level I want without any big problems.

What do you like about the package?

Everything that my previous 3D software couldn't give me for one. Powerful character animation and modelling capabilities, great rendering, it's simply a strong application for realising my dreams.

What could be improved for you?

Would you believe that I can't think of any improvements right now? I hear many users talk about a better character rig set-up and so on, but I think that it depends on just how you rig your character. LightWave has all you need for that - you just have to think hard about what you're doing.

What spec machine are you using it on at the moment?

Power Mac G3 500Mhz, but I'm looking for a Pentium4 at this time.

Was Mr. Joseph inspired by Pixar's Geri?

You are the first person to ask me about this. Geri's Game inspired me in lots of things, but I'm not sure about Mr. Joseph. If a man is old he is supposed to have a big nose, big smart eyes hidden behind glasses... it's a kind of standard for old men.