To Those Learning 3D
By Glen Moyes
I feel very strongly about everything I have written in this article. Some of these are my own opinions while others are fundamental truths that transcend the barriers of 3D packages and fanboys. They are true to art in general, no matter what medium or computer software you use. These are things that I have learned from accomplished artists, designers, other Blender users and my own personal experience.A fairly significant portion of your artistic success as a 3D artist depends on how well you know the software, like Blender, Maya, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave 3D, and so on. However, that doesn't even compare to the importance of knowing the principles and elements of design and having a good process. That is what truly makes your art good
Since I'd like to become a great artist, I'm writing this for people that have the same ambition. Since most people that I know in the Blender community are those who are struggling to learn the software, I'll talk about that first, then I'll talk about those things that separate a Blender savvy person from a great 3D artist....GO
3D Modeling Basics
By Mark Giambruno
As our hapless student just discovered, it isn't enough to know how to use a tool. You have to be able to see the project as a whole and plan a strategy for accomplishing it. Through theory and then tutorials, this chapter not only introduces you to the basic modeling tools, with tips on when to use them, but also offers suggestions for planning out the best modeling approach and developing good work habits...GO
3D design, modeling and animation software
By designtalkboard.com
The following is a selection of some of the more popular 3D design packages, for both the Mac and Windows operating systems. Most of these programs are very complicated for the beginner and also very expensive (although nowhere near as much as they used to be) and we don't advise anyone to base a purchasing decision purely on our brief summaries. The aim is give a general outline of each program...GO
3D Motion Controllers – A MUST for Solid Modelers
by Daniel Brown, Avatech Mechanical Applications Engineer
Do you use a 3D modeling package on a regular basis? Do you find yourself spinning or rotating your 3D parts and assemblies frequently? Do you get frustrated because it’s hard to orient your part so you can better visualize it? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are a good candidate for a 3D Motion Controller, sometimes better known as a SpaceBall or SpaceMouse...GO
Digging for Details: Painstaking Research results in Brilliant 3D re-creation of Mayan Ruins
By Rachael Taggart
Being offered the chance to record, reconstruct and then create a documentary about a 1,000 year old Maya city is not something that many of us get. Clement Valla, an architectural designer by profession and a 3D freelance modeler by choice, was offered the opportunity in 2005, and has spent the last year planning, traveling, and working on the project. The ultimate result will be a series of video documentaries that reconstruct the city while trying to provide resolution to a number of theories about city planning in at these ancient sites...GO
What is Google SketchUp ?
Digging for Details: Painstaking Research results in Brilliant 3D re-creation of Mayan Ruins
By Rachael Taggart
Being offered the chance to record, reconstruct and then create a documentary about a 1,000 year old Maya city is not something that many of us get. Clement Valla, an architectural designer by profession and a 3D freelance modeler by choice, was offered the opportunity in 2005, and has spent the last year planning, traveling, and working on the project. The ultimate result will be a series of video documentaries that reconstruct the city while trying to provide resolution to a number of theories about city planning in at these ancient sites...GO
What is Google SketchUp ?
Google SketchUp is a deceptively simple, amazingly powerful tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D ideas quickly and easily. Google SketchUp was developed to combine the elegance and spontaneity of pencil sketching with the speed and flexibility of today's digital media.
Developed for the conceptual stages of design, this powerful yet easy-to-learn software allows for quick and easy 3D form creation, the result is an interface that supports a dynamic, creative exploration of 3D form, material and light.
Google SketchUp combines a compact yet robust tool-set with an intelligent guidance system that streamlines the 3D drawing process...GO
Developed for the conceptual stages of design, this powerful yet easy-to-learn software allows for quick and easy 3D form creation, the result is an interface that supports a dynamic, creative exploration of 3D form, material and light.
Google SketchUp combines a compact yet robust tool-set with an intelligent guidance system that streamlines the 3D drawing process...GO
