@nnci's blog

New interest: 3D modeling and animation

Introducing my new interest, digital drawing with an added dimension; 3D. It seems like 3D is moving fastforward as a squirrel on RedBull and is seemingly used everywhere, replacing good old 2D as it goes. When the first 3D movies rolled into the movies right after year 2000 (e.g. Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Ice Age, Shrek ++), I remember I was astounded and fascinated by the technology advancement (yes, I am and always will be a geek). The idea of creating something so alive, expressive and artistically beautiful through only the computer impressed me, and the limits seemed endless. Drawing attracted me mainly because it is absolutely no limit whatsoever to what you can create, only your own imagination. The 3D movies had taken that even a step further.

I’d never tried creating anything in 3D nor tried any 3D-software until about six months ago. It was just one of these days I decided to seriously look into something, and I aquired the two most used and attractive 3D softwares at that time, Autodesk’s 3Ds Max and Maya. I threw myself onto countless online tutorials, forums and even boughts some books to learn. The softwares were more complex than anything I’ve ever encountered in a computer, and they were admittely a bit scary at first. But starting with detailed tutorials with a lot of images or even videos, really helped in learning to create my first 3D models and animations.

After a few months I created my first full character in 3Ds Max, “the Scientist”, following a long but good video tutorial. I’m still at the pure modeling stage, so no textures (other than normal materials) are applied, and I’ve not used any other software for further detailing (e.g. Zbrush or Mudbox). I haven’t learned much about lighting either. It’s coming, it’s coming! I’ve also made some short animation movies, but they are too noobish to show to anyone. Hopefully I’ll improve my modeling and animation skills, and eventually learn to create and apply textures (UVW mapping), rigging, lighting, compositing, (properly) rendering, and creating details and texture on my models using the digital sculpting softwares Autodesk Mudbox or Pixologic ZBrush.

At the moment, I’ve decided to take some official education within 3D modeling/design after I’ve completed my Master’s degree at the university. I’m considering two schools, Noroff and Idefagskolen, whereas the first one uses 3Ds Max and is mainly focused on games, and the second uses Maya and is mainly focused on film-making. I’ve still not decided which one, but at the moment I’m more comfortable using 3Ds Max. I still have a year left to decide, and much time for practice on my own.

If you’re interested in 3D forums, I’d recommend the Norwegian forums dedicated to 3D, 3Dhue and Det Store Dyret. Unfortunately they are not as active as the larger international forums, but they cover discussions about 3D stills and animations, feedback, some 2D, educational matters and job offers. In English, CG Society and game-artist’s forum are both forums covering several art-topics such as 3D, animation, rigging, 2D, painting, some scripting, film-making etc. They run excellent and serious modeling, animation, texturing and more challenges at all times, which I’m too noobish to participate (yet), but find very interesting to follow.

Hopefully I’ll update my portfolio with 3D models and perhaps blog some of my advancements in 3 dimensions.

3 Comments to New interest: 3D modeling and animation

1. 

   i have seen this maya tutorial at digital tutors but i have never done it looks intresting you have to rig it now
arnel on October 21st, 2009
2. 

   I’m a designer/illustrator. Like you (of last year) I’m also looking into starting to learn 3d, after many years of 2d work. That’s how I stumbled upon this page.
   I have to say that one heck of a character for your first try! I was hoping you would also provide a link to that long video tutorial which you said was useful, but I couldn’t find it in the post. If you still have it in the bookmarks I’d be very grateful if you sent it for me.
Pendar on December 16th, 2009
3. 

   Pendar: Thanks for visiting and good luck with 3D The tutorial is available from
   http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/training.php?cid=25&pid=114
   It’s not free, though.
Ann Christin on December 17th, 2009

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