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THE POLYGONAL MODELING
Preface
Let’s start with our 3D appointments!
The set of topics speaks to the 3D artists of the future and to all the 3D lovers that want to improve their knowledge. We’ll describe main concepts and some techniques about 3D and in particular “polygonal modelling”. In regard to the matter, it’s necessary underline that “modelling” is the base of the 3D graphics.
Are you thinking: – “Why polygonal modeling”?
Because it’s the main technique that permit great control, detail, high-speed and good approximation to the reality.
The guide is adaptable to every 3D software package; in this way, you can continue to use your favourite software or choose the one that you like.
Knowing concepts, being able to use instruments and having right skills are the necessary basis to move the first steps in this field and they represent what we want to transfer who will follow us
THE 3D GRAPHICS
What is the 3D graphics?
It’s not very easy to explain in few words, because of several application fields: engineering, architecture, research, movie, video games are some areas of interest in which it’s possible use the 3D graphics.
We can synthesize saying: the 3D graphics is a part of the graphics including concepts, techniques and instruments used to create 3D objects, interact with them and visualize them by several methods.
The production processes concerning the 3D image/animation are different but we can divide them in this way:
Modelling: creating 3D model
Texturing: attributing physical features
Lighting: attributing lights
Rendering and compositing: creating of a 2D image from a 3D environment
This is an easy explanation concerning the develop of the 3D scene; a good rendering results from precedent processes and, in particular, it’s connected to the 3D artist’s skills and his knowledge.
Moreover, the 3D involves some fields very far from three-dimensional graphics!
Skills concerning colours theory, light characteristics, mastery of compositing rules and photography techniques, a good aesthetic taste and a whole knowledge of visual arts (painting, graphic, sculpture, design) are necessary if you want to approach this wonderful world.
We think that 3D graphics represents the new art and a new way to communicate, so if you use devotion and passion, you will increasingly involve.
THE 3D SOFTWARE PACKAGES
A 3D software allows to use creation, manipulation and final visualization instruments concerning the 3D environment that you built.
There are many software packages with different features in the market; for this reason,we would need a lot of time to speak about every single software. However, we can say that it’s not important what software you use; a good rendering depends on skills and knowledge of the 3D artist.
We can divide software packages in two main categories, “complete packages” and “finalized software packages”; let’s analyze them in details.
Complete packages
These software offer a range of tools to develop the four processes involved in the production of a 3D work, such as modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering.
The main software used in the 3D field are:
- Autodesk Maya (used by the most important 3D animation studios)
- Autodesk 3Ds Max (widespread in the field of architecture)
They have a large part of the market, but during the time other good competitors have affirmed themselves, for example: Softimage XSI, Blender (free software), Cinema 4D, Houdini , Lightwave, Modo.
Finalized software packages
They complete and extend some processes concerning the develop of the 3D. In particular, they complete modelling and rendering.
Concerning the modeling, we can mention:
- Autodesk Mudbox
- Pixologic Zbrush
- Rhinoceros
In the rendering, instead:
- Brazil
- Fryrender
- Maxwell render
- Mental ray
- Renderman
- Vray
The price of the different packages is very expensive because of the several years of study for its develop, many employees involved and a continuous and constant research in the field. Anyway, the software houses allow to take free versions just for 30 days. In this way, it’s possible to value the software and move first steps to learn the software that you chose.
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