Where should I go looking for low-polygon 3D assets?

Question

The biggest problem for me as a game programmer (who isn't also an artist) is getting good quality 3D models. I have checked out some of the 3D model market places like The 3D Studio and Top 3D Models but I have had difficulty finding the artwork I am looking for and, when I do find something I like, getting the level of detail appropriate for my platform.

Do people have any suggestions for sites they have dealt with successfully in the past? Am I better off building a relationship with an individual artist?

Answer 1

I would suggest meeting artists and building relationships. One of my friends is big on asking them to do a trade off. He'll do some game programming for them and, in return, they give him some art or models he needs for his games. It's worth a shot.

Also, I've used TurboSquid to get some assets for prototyping and demos.

Answer 2

Making games is not a one man show. So doing it yourself you will always lack some assets, be it code, graphics, models, sound, animation, marketing, support.

So building a relationship with an artist is a good plan.

You can check out the polycount forums for some great modelers / artists