Chris Tyler is ready to teach you how to use Design 3D (SE or CX) to build this classic alarm clock. You'll learn how to set up the textures and render a finished image. Even if you're proficient in Design 3D you'll get something out of this video tutorial.

And There's More...

Chris and others have been producing high quality video tutorials at an alarming rate (ok - no more alarm clock tie-ins). In addition to the many free tutorials, you can get a two week trial membership to the Strata 3D University for just 99 cents. If you like what you see you can continue your subscription for just $14.95 a month. A great value if we say so ourselves.

Save Up to 50% on Strata Product

March is the month to upgrade your design toolset with entirely new 3D software or more powerful versions of your current Strata favorites. We've even thrown in a sweet little 20% discount off anything in the Strata online store when you enter the code MADNESS, so this March Madness special has something for everyone.

SE Owners - Upgrade to Design 3D CX and Save 50%

Get all of the power of our professional-level Design 3D CX for half price! Animate your 3D scenes, model with Booleans, get high dynamic range lighting with Lightdomes, and much more. Simply enter the code ALLEYOOP during checkout.

CX Owners - Sidegrade to Foto 3D and Live 3D at 1/2 Price

If you're a Design 3D CX owner you're also eligible for a killer deal in March. Get Foto 3D and/or Live 3D for just half the normal price. Enter the coupon code HOOPS when checking out to receive the discount.

If you missed the news, Strata recently relaunched Design 3D SE in the Mac App Store for just $49.99. The full-featured, entry-level 3D modeling application is a Mac-specific release and is currently one of the top paid apps in the Mac App Store's Graphics and Design category. New to this release are user interface updates and a revamped set of resources, including nearly 1,000 professionally produced texture and shape libraries, and 10 new template files that give users a quick start to professional looking scenes.

Tis the season for all things basketball (at least here in the US). Create your own high-energy illustrations and animations using this basketball model on the StrataCafe, courtesy of Reynir Hauksson.

If you just want to see what can be done with a handful of polygons, some textures and a lot of talent, take a look at some of Reynir's images. Check the links:

Each month we randomly give away great prizes for helping us spread the word by retweeting or liking our posts. Sarah Sarich just won a copy of Strata Design 3D SE. April's Social Giveaways will include free software and training at Strata 3D University, so start following us today and you may be the next big winner.

Another 3-day hands-on course with Strata Professional Christian Moore is coming to Philadelphia, PA. April 13-15th, 2011. Christian has been teaching Strata CX for more than 13 years and his experience and communication style makes learning easy and fun. Class size is limited, so sign up now to avoid missing out. For a complete rundown on the course agenda and pricing, visit:

Now you can quickly learn about the additional products that make up the Strata 3D CX Suite of tools. Strata.com's newly designed product pages include an overview video and other user info on how the products are used and by whom. Check them out to learn more: