My name is Rui Batista but everyone knows me as Rui Mac. I'm a portuguese designer, graduated in Graphic Design and I was born on september 21st, 1971. I have been doing 3D work since I was 16 years old. Back them there were no 3D applications or powerful (affordable) personal computers. So, I started out in 3D by doing graphic programming on a ZX Spectrum 48k. As soon as I could, I started using 3D applications (Swivel 3D, Ray Dream Designer, Strata Studio Pro). I used 3D not only for personal enjoyment but also for professional work, when I got employed. When I found Cinema4D (back in version 5.4, as a demo in 3D World magazine) my life changed. Never such a powerful application was so easy to use and master. And, finaly, I could go back to my programming begginings, through COFFEE. I'm currently a betatester for Maxon and I continue to do whatever I can to help out the Cinema4D community. I frequent forums, create help files, write plug-ins, and I'm currently writing a book (for a loooong time, now). My purpose in life is to create my own agency where I will be able to create animation and visual effects for movies and television. Not an easy task, in Portugal. But I have faith and determination!