WEEK 4

 In week 3 we looked at poly modelling (the process of actually making stuff in 3d to use in animation), and we modelled a four-legged creature by taking a box, subdividing it up and using the Extrude tool to project legs, from it. 

Last week we went over another method of modelling called Edge Loop Modelling where we start with a simple tube and build up objects along their length. We used this method to model a (reasonably) realistic human body from a couple of reference images. Modelling realistic objects is really useful to practice, whatever style you'd eventually like to end up in, and it's important to be able to model stuff from a 2D turnaround. Think of it as like life drawing, but in 3D.


This guy goes through exactly the same process that we went through last week in a good amount of detail - I know a lot of people missed last week's workshop so I'd recommend having a look at this video even if you don't get a chance to physically go through the process.


PART 1





PART 2



I'd suggest looking at this guy's youtube channel, too, he does a bunch of pretty detailed instructional videos for 3DS Max so if you're stuck with something or if there's something you want to do but don't know how, he might help.

www.youtube.com/user/iwkya1

he's a graduate from a Computer Game Design course and so knows his stuff. There are also some tutorials on particle effects and rigging that some of you might be interested in. GO LOOK AT IT

Talking to people it seems like a lot of people are thinking of using 3D for things like props or backgrounds (which is fine!). I was going to go through some animation with rigs next week but in light of the feedback I've been getting from some of you I'm going to go over materials and texturing in more detail, as well as show you how to render out image sequences. Materials let you add 2d textures to the surfaces of your models, and make it so your work doesn't have to look boringly 3d and flat. Good texturing can really bring 3d to life.

I'D REALLY LIKE FOR YOU ALL TO CHECK OUT THIS SITE IN PREPARATION TOO:

http://www.mobilefish.com/tutorials/3dsmax/3dsmax_quickguide_materials.html

this runs through a lot of options you have in the materials editor. It might be a bit less confusing on Monday if you sort of have a cursory glance at it now.

Sorry for not being able to put up a more in-depth tutorial, but unfortunately I'm really busy in the week at the moment!

I spoke to some of you last week about your 3D work in your lip-sync projects and you had some really great ideas. PLEASE BRING IN ANYTHING YOU'VE MADE DURING THE WEEK AND TRY TO COME WITH QUESTIONS SO I CAN HELP YOU. HOPEFULLY MOST OF YOU HAVE GOT A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF HOW YOU'RE GOING TO USE 3D IN YOUR PROJECT BY NOW - IF NOT, GET MY ATTENTION SOMETIME ON MONDAY AND WE CAN GO OVER IT!