3D Production - AG0810A

3D Production

"The aim of this Module is to provide the student with :The ability to use advanced modelling, texturing and lighting techniques in the creation of 3D environments, characters and props for games and digital media." - Abertay.ac.uk

12/09/2014

First Class and introduction to Autodesk Maya

The following is the notes from my first 3D production tutorial class.

All tutorials will be taught and assessed using Autodesk Maya 2011. Submission must also be in Maya but I am not limited to the software I can use for 3D such as Autodesk 3DS Max, which I have previously used.

I will not receive my coursework until later in the semester, the first part will be used to get used to the software and get up to scratch with my 3D skills.

In semester 1: I will learn 3D software, concepts, ideas and theories

In semester 2: I will work on a project

I must save my progress after each session and hand all my coursework in at the end of the semester.

The focus of the 3D production module-:

• Support my development as an artist
• Promotion of how using 3D can help my in various other art styles. (Using 3D as a guide for hand drawn animation)
• Development of my skills
• The realisation that 3D is just another creative brush in my palette.
• I should avoid referring to myself as either just a 2D artist or just a 3D artist. It's not as black and white as that and it would be much more beneficial to learn both styles of animation.

Resources I can use in this class-:

• Class tutorials
• Digital Tutors subscription
• Autodesk support
• Library
• Internet forums and communities such as CG Society and Polycount

I could apply my skills to 3D Illustration, animation, computer games and even production creation (3D printing). Each of these outcomes can vary in complexity and focus.

The main emphasis in the class will be on the box modelling technique because anything can be erived from a primitive cude by using split poly and extrude.

I must remember to keep things simple and only put in the detail if it is requires to avoid unnecessary delays.

12/09/2014

Nurbs - Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines

• Nurbs have Isoparms whereas polygons have edges.
• Nurbs have control vertices whereas polygons have vertices
• Nurbs have patches whereas polygons have faces

In poly modelling we have to think about tri's, in Nurbs its all about curves.
The package draws curves between the points we place.
These curves (or profiles) then have actions performed on them to create surfaces.
They can then be converted to polygons, allowing smooth flowing models.

Curves can be accessed in Maya through the create menu by using CV curve tool.

3/10/2014

Box modelling

Start with a cube to build a figure

-Create Poly - Cube

Don't create using cylinders, use Mesh smooth on a cube.

Make sure that retain component spacing is set to off.

Hold down x to snap to grid. Hold v to snap to vertex

You can use - Modify - Combine to merge to objects.

Using wireframe on shaded in the view settings makes it easier to see the model.

CTRL - D or Duplicate Special can duplicate the selected object.