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3ds Max 2009 | Mentalray | Photoshop CS3
Showing posts with label Visual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visual. Show all posts
Friday, 15 January 2010
Render of the Month – Jan 2010
Monday, 19 January 2009
The World Through My Skewed Eyes
Things that caught my eyes while wandering around aimlessly
Ciggy Graveyard
Petshop Scam!
(sign says "Let Go Birds - RM3.00/bird)
Ad Space for Direct Sale
UFO in KLCC
Ciggy Graveyard
Petshop Scam!(sign says "Let Go Birds - RM3.00/bird)
Ad Space for Direct Sale
UFO in KLCCTuesday, 25 November 2008
Wallpaper: Polygon Universe
Something I whipped out last nite. Simple polygonal design - my motto is always "Less Is More". Probably will create a few colour variation later on. If you like, you can use it on your own computer :)
Design for dual monitor setup with files for left & right monitor. But each file can stand on its own for single monitor. Size is 1280 x 1024 each.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Journey Into 3D #5
Recently a friend ask me about 3D softwares and I can see the disbelief when I said it cost around RM12,000 more or less for pro-grade application like 3ds Max. Ofcourse there are other cheaper alternative like Cinema4D (RM3500) which is quite good really. But there are also FREE software! No I don't mean pirated/cracked apps. Here I list two of the most reviewed 3D apps which is surprisingly good!
1) Blender
This app is the most talked about in the free 3D community. The feature set is almost like a full-blown pro-apps. And it is even competitive with some commercial apps too! You can't go wrong with this one if you want to start 3D. And you can't beat the price - it's FREE.
nice user interface!
Photorealism is not exclusive to pro-apps anymore!
I love frogs and this image is awesomely artistic too
See the full Feature & Gallery
A good place to start learning Blender:
Blender.org Tutorials
Blender.org Video Tutorials
Blender.org Help, Manual, and Support Forum
There are numerous other FREE resources & tutorials for Blender on the net. Just Google "Blender Tutorials".
The other free 3D software worth mentioning is...
2) Wings3D
I haven't really played with Wings3D and I don't really bother with it since in my opinion Blender has more features and support. But I've met a few who swears by Wings3D power. So, just visit the website, download & install, and see for yourself.
Wings3D Gallery
For Tutorials, as usual, use Google.
===============================================================
Note
In all things artistic, its not the tools that is important - it is the artist. But a good tools do helps a lot in any case. Speaking of help, another important factor is the availability of resources: Tutorials, Forums, Support, etc. This is really important and I can't stress it enough. You'll understand once you start 3D :)
1) Blender
This app is the most talked about in the free 3D community. The feature set is almost like a full-blown pro-apps. And it is even competitive with some commercial apps too! You can't go wrong with this one if you want to start 3D. And you can't beat the price - it's FREE.
nice user interface!
Photorealism is not exclusive to pro-apps anymore!
I love frogs and this image is awesomely artistic too
See the full Feature & Gallery
A good place to start learning Blender:
Blender.org Tutorials
Blender.org Video Tutorials
Blender.org Help, Manual, and Support Forum
There are numerous other FREE resources & tutorials for Blender on the net. Just Google "Blender Tutorials".
The other free 3D software worth mentioning is...
2) Wings3D
I haven't really played with Wings3D and I don't really bother with it since in my opinion Blender has more features and support. But I've met a few who swears by Wings3D power. So, just visit the website, download & install, and see for yourself.
Wings3D Gallery
For Tutorials, as usual, use Google.
===============================================================
Note
In all things artistic, its not the tools that is important - it is the artist. But a good tools do helps a lot in any case. Speaking of help, another important factor is the availability of resources: Tutorials, Forums, Support, etc. This is really important and I can't stress it enough. You'll understand once you start 3D :)
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
3D Tutorials #1 - 3D Text
Today I've decided to do a tutorial instead. I'll start with simple basic tutorials for beginners. Requests are open for more advanced tute. I'll be using Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 as reference so some terms or workflow might not apply to your choice of 3D apps. Create your own cool 3D text
Most 3D apps have text primitives or built-in text shape generator. This is the most straight-forward method. Or you can also import your text outline you've created in Illustrator or similar. BTW, this tut can be applied to other shapes as well, like a logo. In this tut I will use this import-method.
Preparing the vector shape from Illustrator or similar
After creating your text in Illustrator, you need to convert it into *vector shapes or outline. You can do this by Ctrl+Shift+O or Menu>Type>Create Outline. Now save a version that your 3D apps can import. 3ds max can except AI (Illustrator) files directly but it need to be saved in AI v8 format. Most other 3D apps can accept Autocad drawing format: DWG or DXF which you use Export from Illustrator.
* Vector Primer
Vector means mathematically created shapes or graphic as opposed to Raster which is pixel-based thingy like photos (digital or scanned). A vector shape retains the info for the path coordination making it a cool format for import/export between applications.
Importing the shape into 3D apps
This is pretty straightforward for 3ds max. I just drag n drop the AI file onto Max. You can also use Import. Now you'll see your text as spline shapes. You need to attach all the shapes to be a single shape. Rename it to something cool. It is good habit to rename everything in 3D. Seriously. Now is also a good time to rescale your text to suitable size - Illustrator's dimension is for paper-size, which is quite tiny compared to 3D app's dimension where usually people build cars or houses!
*In Max, rescaling the object won't really change the internal dimension, (which will give trouble later on) you need to rescale it up from the sub-object level.
Gimme the freakin' depth!
To give the flat shape some depth, simply apply Extrude or Bevel from the modifier panel. Voila! you got 3D text.
In my final image, I use a slightly more advance bevelling called Bevel Profile. I also add a Mentalray (renderer) chrome material plus simple lighting setup.
Hope this helps. Any questions or comments are welcome.
Have fun!
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Journey Into 3D #4
Ok now that you know your modelling tools, let's get a bit deeper (and longer explanation) on Polygonal modelling.
First, the Mesh
A mesh is a general term used to describe piece of geometry in 3D. It is made of many polygons and other sub-objects.
[all images] the red part are selected sub-objects. click for large view
The mighty Polygon
This is the basic piece of element to form a shape. It is also call a 'face' on a mesh. Most basic polygon is 3-sided - a triangular or 'tri' in short 3D jargon. Usually a quad (4-sided) mesh is used most of the time. A polygon is always one-sided. Meaning it only have surface on one side and it is zero-thickness. So to form a sheet of thin mat for instance, you need to create the side polygon as well. Though most of the time you don't really need thickness.
Vertex or Vertices (plural)
In a polygon mesh, you got vertices that made up the basic structure. Think of the join-the-dot game. To create tri-polygon you need 3 dots connected with Edges to form the triangle.
Edge
An edge is a space between 2 vertices. This is also forms Edgeloop which basically mean a continuous ring of edges (will explain later).
That was the basic component of a mesh. So, to make a box you need 6 polygons, 8 vertices, and 12 edges. Got it? OK good. Uhmm what else i want to talk about? Ahh modelling tools...
With polygonal modelling, you get to Cut, Split, Divide, Extrude, Bevel, etc. Remember when I said poly-modelling is like sculpting? I mean it. For example, to build a head, You create a basic geometry - a box or a sphere. Ohh btw, poly-modelling is also called box-modelling. Then you move/rotate/scale the sub-component. But moving alone is not enough. You need to cut or add polygons, say to make a nose. I'd use Extrude on polygons to raise a new set of faces to form the basic nose. To make the nostrils, I'd divide the single polygon, then inset the two faces to form new inner faces. I'd then extrude this new faces up to make a hole.
The start of a nose. Really.
The nose in it's polygonal glory
Subdivision added. I'm not a nose expert, but i think that nose is passable and kinda qute too :)
This process goes on and on - cutting, moving, extruding, until you ge the basic shape up. This might sound tedious but it is really fun actually! You'd spend hours if not days pushing verts (jargon for vertices). Then apply subdivision or meshsmoothing, you'd see your coarse model turn into something smooth, curvy and yummy :). This is also why poly-modelling is great for organic model which need that handcraft touch.
Until next post, have fun pushing verts!
First, the Mesh
A mesh is a general term used to describe piece of geometry in 3D. It is made of many polygons and other sub-objects.
[all images] the red part are selected sub-objects. click for large view
The mighty Polygon
This is the basic piece of element to form a shape. It is also call a 'face' on a mesh. Most basic polygon is 3-sided - a triangular or 'tri' in short 3D jargon. Usually a quad (4-sided) mesh is used most of the time. A polygon is always one-sided. Meaning it only have surface on one side and it is zero-thickness. So to form a sheet of thin mat for instance, you need to create the side polygon as well. Though most of the time you don't really need thickness.
Vertex or Vertices (plural)
In a polygon mesh, you got vertices that made up the basic structure. Think of the join-the-dot game. To create tri-polygon you need 3 dots connected with Edges to form the triangle.
Edge
An edge is a space between 2 vertices. This is also forms Edgeloop which basically mean a continuous ring of edges (will explain later).
That was the basic component of a mesh. So, to make a box you need 6 polygons, 8 vertices, and 12 edges. Got it? OK good. Uhmm what else i want to talk about? Ahh modelling tools...
With polygonal modelling, you get to Cut, Split, Divide, Extrude, Bevel, etc. Remember when I said poly-modelling is like sculpting? I mean it. For example, to build a head, You create a basic geometry - a box or a sphere. Ohh btw, poly-modelling is also called box-modelling. Then you move/rotate/scale the sub-component. But moving alone is not enough. You need to cut or add polygons, say to make a nose. I'd use Extrude on polygons to raise a new set of faces to form the basic nose. To make the nostrils, I'd divide the single polygon, then inset the two faces to form new inner faces. I'd then extrude this new faces up to make a hole.
The start of a nose. Really.
The nose in it's polygonal glory
Subdivision added. I'm not a nose expert, but i think that nose is passable and kinda qute too :)
This process goes on and on - cutting, moving, extruding, until you ge the basic shape up. This might sound tedious but it is really fun actually! You'd spend hours if not days pushing verts (jargon for vertices). Then apply subdivision or meshsmoothing, you'd see your coarse model turn into something smooth, curvy and yummy :). This is also why poly-modelling is great for organic model which need that handcraft touch.
Until next post, have fun pushing verts!
Journey Into 3D #3
Last post I mentioned about terms & jargons used in 3D production. Here it is plus some other stuff too.
While modelling you'll come across words like Mesh, Polygon, Vertex, Edgeloop, Spline, NURBS, Patch, etc. I will try my best to tell you what it all means by breaking it down into category. But first of all, I'll tell about modelling methods available.
Polygonal & Sub-Division Modelling
This is my fav method. It is more like sculpting really. You take a block of basic shape and start shaving & adding polygons to form a more or less a complete shape. This is still blocky. Then come the Sub-Division level. Most 3D apps have a function to sub-divides your coarse polygons into smaller, more refine polygons. Some called it Meshsmooth/Turbosmooth. Some called it simply Subdivision.
Pros: Like sculpting, you can create almost anything with it. Iterative workflow meaning you could start with a stick and work up until its a sword or something. Very good for animation.
Cons: You need to have a clean mesh from the start to achieve a good final shape. I'll explain more later.
Patch Modelling
Patch modelling is like warping/wrapping/molding a thin, stretchable sheet into shapes. Take a square sheet, and pull the center edge out and you'll get a rounded edge. pull the center upward and you get a mound. Yes now you can model a pillow.
Pros: Very good for something curvy and smooth like...a pillow.
Cons: Very hard to get good sharp edges.
NURBS Modelling
It stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines. Using NURBS make me feel like a scientist or something :). Anyway, it is much like Patch modelling but more mathematically intensive. NURBS (i like how it sounds...) work by taking math coordination functions like XYZ value and use tangent and stuff. Very genius-like. And very heavy on your computer.
Pros: same as Patch. More refine control and advanced toolset
Cons: same as Patch. Heavy
Spline-based Modelling
It is also called spline-cage modelling. Imagine you build a skeletal base, say a Hindenburg Zeppelin (that caught up in fire), then you apply sheets of coverings to the cage. You'll get a Zeppelin! (minus fire. that I will tell how to do later)
Pros: Tweakable, fairly accurate, almost able to build anything with a defined shapes.
Cons: The cage need to be in correct order and have corresponding 'support' cages. Organics modelling is somewhat tedious.
Next I will post more on this subject. So stay tuned *sips coffee*
While modelling you'll come across words like Mesh, Polygon, Vertex, Edgeloop, Spline, NURBS, Patch, etc. I will try my best to tell you what it all means by breaking it down into category. But first of all, I'll tell about modelling methods available.
Polygonal & Sub-Division Modelling
This is my fav method. It is more like sculpting really. You take a block of basic shape and start shaving & adding polygons to form a more or less a complete shape. This is still blocky. Then come the Sub-Division level. Most 3D apps have a function to sub-divides your coarse polygons into smaller, more refine polygons. Some called it Meshsmooth/Turbosmooth. Some called it simply Subdivision.
Pros: Like sculpting, you can create almost anything with it. Iterative workflow meaning you could start with a stick and work up until its a sword or something. Very good for animation.
Cons: You need to have a clean mesh from the start to achieve a good final shape. I'll explain more later.
Patch Modelling
Patch modelling is like warping/wrapping/molding a thin, stretchable sheet into shapes. Take a square sheet, and pull the center edge out and you'll get a rounded edge. pull the center upward and you get a mound. Yes now you can model a pillow.
Pros: Very good for something curvy and smooth like...a pillow.
Cons: Very hard to get good sharp edges.
NURBS Modelling
It stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines. Using NURBS make me feel like a scientist or something :). Anyway, it is much like Patch modelling but more mathematically intensive. NURBS (i like how it sounds...) work by taking math coordination functions like XYZ value and use tangent and stuff. Very genius-like. And very heavy on your computer.
Pros: same as Patch. More refine control and advanced toolset
Cons: same as Patch. Heavy
Spline-based Modelling
It is also called spline-cage modelling. Imagine you build a skeletal base, say a Hindenburg Zeppelin (that caught up in fire), then you apply sheets of coverings to the cage. You'll get a Zeppelin! (minus fire. that I will tell how to do later)
Pros: Tweakable, fairly accurate, almost able to build anything with a defined shapes.
Cons: The cage need to be in correct order and have corresponding 'support' cages. Organics modelling is somewhat tedious.
Next I will post more on this subject. So stay tuned *sips coffee*
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Journey Into 3D
Journey Into 3D - #2
(Previously 3D Made Easy - OK still not a clever title but this will suffice for now)
3D is wonderfully, deliciously multi-faceted. You can do lots n lots of things with it. From simple things to excrutiatingly complex stuff. For instance, you can create cool logos, or an animated bouncing ball, your fanciful product design, or a walking fire-breathing dragon.
With that in mind, 3D can be dauntingly hard to grasp for first-timers since you can easily get sidetracked with it's many many application features. So, my first tips is to get to know what you want to do with 3D and try to narrow down YOUR fancy.
Here's a list of job specification a 3D artists usually falls into. This is also a workflow of a complete 3D production.
Modelling
moulding polygons n vertices to form an object or subject.
Texturing
giving that object/subject some skin or colour or material.
Lighting
just like any camera-based thingy, you need lights.
Animation
making things moves
Special FX
the 'WOW' factor of the 3D branch.
Technical/Renderings
the boring but all-important stage where all the above get it on the final image.
And here is a list of production category:
3D Film Animation
yep, most ppl wanted to get into 3D after watching Pixar's stuff.
Special FX/Visual FX
you saw them in movies and wonder whether that car crash scene was real or CGI.
Architectural Visualization
creating virtual rooms and buildings look like it have been built before any brick been laid.
Product Visualization
next time you see a new shoes ads by Nike, think again whether its real or not.
Simulation (Industrial, Medical, Infotainment, etc)
watched "Aircrash Investigation" lately?
Creative Design a.k.a Creative Content Creation
any serious designer is a fool if he/she think they don't need to learn 3D.
Next post I will try to explain some of the jargons or meaning of some 3D-centric words used by 3D artists.
(Previously 3D Made Easy - OK still not a clever title but this will suffice for now)
3D is wonderfully, deliciously multi-faceted. You can do lots n lots of things with it. From simple things to excrutiatingly complex stuff. For instance, you can create cool logos, or an animated bouncing ball, your fanciful product design, or a walking fire-breathing dragon.
With that in mind, 3D can be dauntingly hard to grasp for first-timers since you can easily get sidetracked with it's many many application features. So, my first tips is to get to know what you want to do with 3D and try to narrow down YOUR fancy.
Here's a list of job specification a 3D artists usually falls into. This is also a workflow of a complete 3D production.
Modelling
moulding polygons n vertices to form an object or subject.
Texturing
giving that object/subject some skin or colour or material.
Lighting
just like any camera-based thingy, you need lights.
Animation
making things moves
Special FX
the 'WOW' factor of the 3D branch.
Technical/Renderings
the boring but all-important stage where all the above get it on the final image.
And here is a list of production category:
3D Film Animation
yep, most ppl wanted to get into 3D after watching Pixar's stuff.
Special FX/Visual FX
you saw them in movies and wonder whether that car crash scene was real or CGI.
Architectural Visualization
creating virtual rooms and buildings look like it have been built before any brick been laid.
Product Visualization
next time you see a new shoes ads by Nike, think again whether its real or not.
Simulation (Industrial, Medical, Infotainment, etc)
watched "Aircrash Investigation" lately?
Creative Design a.k.a Creative Content Creation
any serious designer is a fool if he/she think they don't need to learn 3D.
Next post I will try to explain some of the jargons or meaning of some 3D-centric words used by 3D artists.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
3D Made Easy - by oji zerobyte
OK the title sound a bit cheesy. I'll think of a clever one in the next post. Meanwhile....
I'm trying to do a 3D primer for beginners. Just for fun and simply because i want to muahaha. And I'll be going to discuss bits & pieces, tips & tricks, tutorials, muscle-show or whatnots in multiple postings starting ....now.
Intro
I know a lot of would-be 3D artist or designer wanting to do 3D gets put-off by the complexity in 3D apps. Well, it IS complex. IMO (in my opinion), 3D is the highest form of digital artistry one can try to achieve - atleast technically. But then again, 3D can form your imaginations & dreams in a very realistic (or surrealistic) sense . So, that signifies complexity needed both in the applications AND usage.
Anyhow, all you need to get started is:
1 - a computer good enough to run things smoothly, obviously.
A good gaming PC would suffice. Bare minimum you need Pentium 4 3.0Ghz, 1GB RAM, and an Nvidia or Ati gaming video card. That's it. Ofcourse it could help TONS if you have latest rig like Intel Core2Quad, 4GB fast RAM, Geforce 9xxxx series GT 512DDR3, Raptor 10K hard disk...ok I'll stop. You get the picture.
2 - a 3D package of your choice.
Despite the myth that noobies believed, ALL the major apps are equal in ability - 3ds max, Maya, XSI, Lightwave - "the big 4", you can't go wrong with any of them. Secondary apps like Cinema4D, Carrara, modo, blender (free) are catching up fast and pretty good too.
3 - Dedication, Time and Coffee (or equivalent).
No lie here, you need a lot of Dedication, Time, and Coffee for learning 3D. Atleast a steady supply of either one for 3 months would suffice to get you on the right track.
Once you've sorted above 3 points, you're good to go, which prompts me to end this part and start thinking of a cleverer Title for next post.
Until then.....*sips coffee*
PS: the image at top of page was an old test render I did while testing out Brazil R/S new version at that time (1.2). Rendered with 3ds max + Brazil R/S v1.2 renderer. Spiffy isn't it? Well you can do it too if you drink enough coffee :)
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
My KawanBoxx Contribution
These are my contribution to KawanBoxx - a Muay Thai fan club in Malaysia.
PS: If you like/amused/bewildered/love/respect/intrigued with Muay Thai or Tomoi, you can be a member by going to Boxxtomoi and reg yourself onto the KawanBoxx Yahoo Groups.
PS: If you like/amused/bewildered/love/respect/intrigued with Muay Thai or Tomoi, you can be a member by going to Boxxtomoi and reg yourself onto the KawanBoxx Yahoo Groups.
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