Hello Unity ppl.
I would like to ask the experts from where should i start to become a 3D Modeler(environment and characters)
I know that you defenately MUST start from somewhere. Im interested in 3D Max.
and i have NO experience before. i read about rendering textures etc etc, which im
familiar what they are due to programming in unity. but i never touched any model
creating engine. Should i start by creating just textures, or just models, or theory??
im open for any suggestions!
Just start with the huge number of tutorials out there. Plow through them until you feel confident with the tool and get the basics of modelling, mapping and texturing. Try to keep details down, use your polygons wisely and maintain good polygon flow. Then start creating some kickass stuff good luck
Ofcourse you start with beginner tutorials Max includes all the tuts you need to cover the basics of the interface. As for character modelling the Joan of arc 3d tutorial is an old classic
i just had a look at Joan of Arc. pretty nice and simple. thank you if you are aware of more tuts such as this one, or videos please write them under and i will search for them
I will try and make a list, and start learning with the 1st chance i will get
I would really suggest sitting down and studying the basics of the program itself. knowing how to do proper selections is half of what I need to know on a daily basis. Selecting multiples and excluding that which i don’t want to manipulate. Its not always the easiest thing to do. My point being, Don’t underestimate the basic functions of any graphic design program. Once you master simple things like camera control and selection control, everything becomes a lot easier.
The camera control are a BIT similar to unity. atleast as far i saw, but im searching for a tutorial that is based on basic. not one that starts with basic and finishes with professional 3D Character. because by the end, i wont remember the basics.
Thank you IcyPeak_S. i will have a look at their into videos right now interface is not that hard. but i have long way until i learn the materials and functions…
You’re welcome. Also, there is a 20 percent off first bill code that I found awhile back. It’s UG10A and applies to the annual subscription as well and still works.
the offer was expired at 31/12/12. close enough. I will try and get an account and start from the 3D Max essential and move to environment and character modeling and then to animating. Do you know any classes that are taking place online? like unity’s classes with Mr. Adam (LittleAngel). I found one course called academy something, but its $2500 8/
People who make AAA characters for video games or film are not considered ‘3D Modelers’, they are generally called digital sculptors, and typically use a program like ZBrush to sculpt characters, which is a process that has no resemblance to ‘3D modeling’ in 3DS max.
Though you should know that, as if making top tier content for games or film is your goal, focusing primarily on pushing vertices and edges around in 3DS max is not really the primary way it’s done anymore.
But aside from that, I would highly recommend Modo as a 3D modeling application over 3DS max. If modo is too intricate, try Cinema4D.
I would steer clear of 3DSMax, Maya, Softimage, Mudbox, all autodesk releases.
While it is true that high-end AAA games and films use a lot of sculpting, I believe in the unity forum, in indie game development, especially for mobiles, there is much better to learn 3ds max or any similar program. Looking at the game at techmage’s sig, I am pretty sure that wasn’t made with zBrush.
A lot of your learning (in characters) will include anatomy and general aesthetics anyways, if later you want to do AAA sculpting, nothing prevents you from switching to a sculpter program. But it never hurts that you learn how to create nice shapes with just a few textures and polygons, get the basics of animation, and so on.
I recommend 3ds max, since it is very widely used, easy to find tutorials, and since it is one of the industrial standards, programs support it very well. Also I personally find it logical and easy to use compared to blender and maya. But feel free to experiment with them, and stick to the one you like.
Before this turns into ‘3D app A is better than 3D app B’ thread. There is one thing that is way more important as your choice what software to use.
Because you can own the best 3d app ever and still suck at character- or environment modeling.
If you want to become a 3D-modeler, you’ll have to learn the underlying basis. And that is traditional art. Sketch like there is no tomorrow! Read books about color theory, human anatomy, perspective etc.
And if you did that long enough and you feel confident, you can go a step further and get your hands on a 3d app.
This is not an easy way. But unfortunately there are no shortcuts to become a 3d modeler.
@TechMage i dont want to sculpture AAA models. I just want to make models like Starcraft, Assassin’s Creed or even Age of Empire Online which are cartoonish and very useful for online gaming since they are nt polygones.
@Kalamona I wasnt searching for a program but from where to start and be able to end up with my own characters. steps and tutorials etc. but im way relief that i see you supporting 3Ds Max. it seems i made the right choice for choosing it for game industry. As i noticed Maya is more for films, and animations
@nipoco heh for anatomy im covered. Im a veterinary student so i had a lot of expirience slicing and arranging muscles (not human tho. But i could start from creating free monsters for game developers and slowly make a portfolio… WHEN the right time comes :P) As for drawing, I can see something and copy it perfectly, but i cant just take a white paper and make a masterpiece. unfortunately i lack on this talent. but i ve heard that Disney drawing books are good to start and learn how to draw figures Now color theory… that is something i NEVER saw in my life. except in junior school where they were teaching us how to mix colors. So i guess that is the 1st step there. A quick review on color theory and drawing.
(thank god during lectures i have A LOT of spare time to draw)
P.S. Do you have any drawing books to suggest?
Seems you have not a bad foundation to work from
Some drawing fundamentals and anatomy skills are essential as 3d character modeler IMO. But you don’t need to be a Da Vinci of course
Good drawing books? The books from Andrew Loomis coming in top of my mind. He is more of an pin up artist and his stuff is quite ancient. But it’s still a valuable resource if you ask me.
I’d also suggest some life drawing classes, if there is something like that available in your area. Books are fine. But it is way better to draw from real humans to get a sense for volume and lighting.
unfortunately my studies dont leave me with much of a free time. And the fact that im studying in poland, makes it harder to find English-speaking drawing classes. But i like the idea. I will start from books though. Starting from my spare time, and when i get the chance i will try and enter a drawing class. This will be interesting… I never though of that.
I need to find what kind of drawing my mind and hand can corporate better Copy from other images wont take me anywhere.
And as Picaso said (if im not mistaken) “Bad artist copy, Good artist steal”
So i need to find a style and steal it. i ve been such a bad artist heh.
good luck
Max includes all the tuts you need to cover the basics of the interface. As for character modelling the Joan of arc 3d tutorial is an old classic