How to get started with 3D computer graphics
From ArticleWorld
The domain of 3D graphics and special effects has been one of the fields where computers meant a true revolution. But, until getting to the revolutions we can see in movies like Toy Story, everything has a beginning.
This beginning is what we will talk about here. Outlined below are the basic skills needed for 3D designers, and a general outline of the ways you will take. As a designer, you will end up prefering one kind of job over another, but you should still be prepared.
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Steps
- Start by getting a simple 3D modeling package. Moray or AC3D are good options. You can also try those like 3D Studio Max or TrueSpace, but you may find them harder to get started with.
- Learn basic modeling notions. Learn what a primitive is, what textures are and some lightning. Try to build some simple models, or some abstract pictures, using only primitives.
- Learn some more advanced modeling methods: NURBS modelling, mesh modelling and metaballs modelling should be in your toolkit. Each of these may be more useful for one thing than the other.
- Try to expand the range of models you design with each of these techniques. Many modellers try to model cars, so do that, too. Planes may also be a good place to begin, because you can take the plastic miniatures as a reference.
- Perfect your texturing skills until your objects start looking natural
- Learn animation. This is probably one of the most tedious parts, as animating even a simple character movement can take hours. Nevertheless, it is also very rewarding.
- Learn to do post-processing of your movies and images. While this will not make a bad image look good, it will add some extra touch to the good ones.