3D Rockstar http://3drockstar.com 3DRockstar is a 3D artist's resource center, containing useful 3D tutorials, articles and resources designed to help you become a better artist. Looking to improve yourself in the 3D realm? Suscribe and get updates on new tutorials, articles and resources. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:30:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 en 27 Places to Get 3D Models http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/OXP6aojXNTg/ http://3drockstar.com/27-places-to-get-3d-models/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:18:35 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=381 The internet is full of free resources to use in order to make your life as a 3D artist easier. There are many reasons to download models rather than creating one from scratch. To save time, save money or even for testing lighting. As long as you follow the users rules, it is perfectly acceptable to download these models. Below is a list of 27 websites to download 3D models.

Mr Cad


http://www.mrcad.com

CG Tuts


http://cg.tutsplus.com

The Singularity

 
http://www.users.on.net

Archive 3D


http://archive3d.net

Artists 3D


http://artist-3d.com

3d Xtras


http://www.3dxtras.com

Amazing 3D


http://www.amazing3d.com

3D Kingdom


http://www.3dk.org

3DM3


http://www.3dm3.com/modelsbank

3D Magic Mantra

 
http://www.3dmagicmantra.com

3D Magic Models


http://www.3dmagicmodels.com

3D Valley


http://www.3dvalley.com

3D Plants


http://3dplants.com

Space Jetters


http://www.spacejetters.co.uk

Car Body Design


http://www.carbodydesign.com

3D Total

 
http://www.3dtotal.com

Google Sketchup Warehouse


http://sketchup.google.com

3D Model Free


http://www.3dmodelfree.com

dlegend


http://dlegend.com

NASA


http://www.nasa.gov

WireCase


http://www.wirecase.com

Adobe Tools


http://www.adobe-tools.com

3DSMaxOnline


http://3dsmaxonline.com

3Delicious


http://www.3delicious.net

Top 3D Models


http://www.top3dmodels.com

Render Light


http://www.renderlight.it

3D Auto Club


http://3d-auto-club.blogspot.com

]]> http://3drockstar.com/27-places-to-get-3d-models/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/27-places-to-get-3d-models/ New CG Tutorial Site http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/mlrPSrB0zL8/ http://3drockstar.com/new-cg-tutorial-site/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:24:23 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=369

I have been reading the PSDTUTS and AETUTS tutorial blogs for a while, part of the ENVATO network of sites. They have amazing tutorials for Photoshop and After Effects. It’s really great especially if you are new to both programs. I use both Photoshop and After Effects on a daily and found both sites extremely usefull. Even if only for inspiration.

I found out today that they launched a new site called CGTUTS (about a week ago), and from just browsing their site breifly, I can already tell you that this site is going to be a great resource for the CG artist.  I’m excited to see what other artists out there can do and are willing to share of their knowledge. I have been loooking for a good ZBRUSH / 3D modeling tutorial combo. I hope part II of the tutorial shows you how to export normal maps out of ZBRUSH back into 3DS Max for rendering and animation.

I think this site is going to be amazing, definatley one to add to your RSS feeds.

]]> http://3drockstar.com/new-cg-tutorial-site/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/new-cg-tutorial-site/ A Detailed Guide To Human Head Modeling http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/kQXwZl87zYc/ http://3drockstar.com/a-detailed-guide-to-human-head-modeling/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:57:39 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=352

The human head is one of the most difficult subjects to model. The structure and form of a human face is so familiar to everyone that even a small fault in the 3D model is easy to notice.

The head will get its final form when Meshsmooth modifier is added to it. When the Meshsmooth modifier is added to it the face becomes a so called subdivision surface. Subdivision surface means a surface which is created by dividing the original surface into smaller polygons. Meshmooth modifier does exactly this. This tutorial from http://www.secondpicture.com covers the basics of modeling a human head from rough polygons down to subdivision and meshsmooth.

View Tutorial

]]> http://3drockstar.com/a-detailed-guide-to-human-head-modeling/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/a-detailed-guide-to-human-head-modeling/ 3D Lessons: Chapter 1 - 3D Basics http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/xrNWfjktybI/ http://3drockstar.com/3d-lessons-chapter-1-3d-basics/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:32:40 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=322 This section is the first of many lessons aimed at beginners who wish to learn 3D concepts. More specifically, this is written for users who wish to learn 3D Studio Max.

This section covers basic 3D concepts. and does not go over any of the 3D Studio Max interface, which will be covered in Chapter 2.

For those of you who are early readers, note that I am writing the chapters as I go so the only thing I have completed so far is Chapter 1.

Objectives

  • Learn 3D basics
  • Define the third Dimension
  • Understand X, Y, and Z axes
  • List some of the 3D software available

What is 3D and Why do we User 3D Software?

This may seem like obvious answers to simple questions. But before you can begin building in 3D, you need to understand what it is and what tools are needed in order to create these graphics

Let’s begin by defining the three dimensions:

Zero dimension: A point is an example of a zero-dimensional object. It defines a point in space but has no length, height, or width.

First dimension: A one-dimensional object is a single line. It has length but no height or depth.

Second dimension: A two-dimensional object has any two of the following three dimensions:

  • Length
  • Height
  • Depth

Third dimension: Three-dimensional objects use all three of the dimensions (length, height, and depth) or the X, Y and Z coordinates. 3D applications conform to a standard from of axes called the cartesian coordinate system, first used by Rene Descartes in the mid 1600s. These X, Y and Z axes correspond to dimensions values.

  • X: Width
  • Y: Height
  • Z: Depth

According to the graph, and 3D studio Max, X points left and right, Y is up or down, and Z is at a diagonal representing depth. 3D applications use these axes to transform, rotate and scale according to the specific axis. For example, I can transform or move an object along an X axis which would move it left or right. I can also move my object on the Y axis which would move it up or down. If I move my object on a Z axis the object would appear closer of further away from my view.

The tricky thing with computer generated graphics is that you create 3D data using two-dimensional tools. Your computer screen is a two-dimensional object and your mouse can move in two dimensions; it can report left right and front-back motion but cannot report how far above or below the desk it is. Furthermore, your output will always be two dimensional.

How is this accomplished?

In order to create 3D graphics you need to have 3D software. What I am using is 3D Studio Max, but there is other 3D software applications out there. Some of these include Maya, Softimage XSI, Lightwave, Blender, Cinema 4D and ZBrush to name a few.

Once you obtain the software and have a solid understanding of the key concepts of 3D, the next step you need to take is to learn the interface of the software… which will be covered in the next chapter.

]]> http://3drockstar.com/3d-lessons-chapter-1-3d-basics/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/3d-lessons-chapter-1-3d-basics/ Make Money From Your 3D Models http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/e8fb5t1I_VE/ http://3drockstar.com/make-money-from-your-3d-models/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:16:31 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=313

A single 3D model can demand thousands of dollars in profit when sold to graphics or design companies. For a 3D model to command such a high price it must be highly accurate and lifelike.

Creating polygonal models has shown to be more profitable than creating other types of 3D models such as b-spline or NURBs 3D models. This being said, many buyers of 3D models take into account that NURBs models can be transitioned into polygonal models, but it is not possible to create a NURB model from a polygonal 3D model.

There are high market values for models that are lifelike - whether they are human models, organ models or models of household items or furniture. These 3D models are necessary within video games and other animations.

These lifelike models can take extensive periods of time to complete and therefore it is important to focus on specific aspects of the model. For example, when making a model of a popular vehicle, create the exterior of the vehicle first, but overlook parts of the vehicle that are not going to be required - such as the engine, or trunk.

In order for the artist to reach high earnings levels they must have an eye for detail and the know how, and skill to create these highly specialized 3D models. Detail and versatility are the keys to selling designs in the 3D model business. When companies purchase models for thousands of dollars, they expect the models to transition into different formats with ease. Creating models that can transition easily yields more income than a static 3D model.

For these reasons, details such as texture should be avoided as many companies employ individuals that can add on this texture. As well, when an artist adds texture to a 3D Model it can make the model hard to transition into other forms.

]]> http://3drockstar.com/make-money-from-your-3d-models/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/make-money-from-your-3d-models/ Autodesk Set to Acquire Softimage http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/kFMTqYk1GAU/ http://3drockstar.com/autodesk-set-to-aquire-softimage/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:40:09 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=295

I received information today from Autodesk that they have signed an agreement to acquire Softimage, another very powerful 3D software. The acquisition is expected to close next month, until then, Autodesk and Softimage will continue operating independently.

We are pleased to announce that Autodesk and Avid Technology have signed a definitive agreement for Autodesk to acquire substantially all of the assets of Softimage, a Canadian subsidiary of Avid Technology. We are excited by this opportunity to join forces, combining two strong teams into a world-class center for computer graphics software research and development.

Both Softimage and Autodesk Media & Entertainment are headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technology for more than 20 years. Its products are recognized as best-ofbreed in the entertainment industry. With nine million users, Autodesk is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the media and entertainment, manufacturing, building and construction markets.

Autodesk now has a majority of the powerful 3D software out there, including Autocad, 3D Studio Max and Maya, which was purchased about 3 years ago from Alias. Some of the other 3D software not owned by Autodesk includes Blender, Cinema 4D, Lightwave and Bryce.

What does this mean for Softimage users? When Alias was bought out, a lot of Maya users had concerns about the UI changing so drasticlly that they woudl have to relearn the software. Other concerns were that both software would merge into a hydrid in which neither Max user nor May auser would fully be experts in. With a third major software introduced, it will be interseting to see the plans that Autodesk has for the future. I do think however, we will see drastic improvements in ALL software (3D Max, Maya and Softimage).

]]> http://3drockstar.com/autodesk-set-to-aquire-softimage/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/autodesk-set-to-aquire-softimage/ 26 Amazing Inspirational CG Characters http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/7fOfbxlAlHo/ http://3drockstar.com/26-amazing-inspirational-cg-characters/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:15:04 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=127 Need some inspiration for your next CG character. Check out these amazing CG characters, from goblins, robots, witches and women. This list covers quite a few of the different types and styles of CG characters.

Title: Evil Witch

Artist: Sven Geruschkat

URL: http://www.svenger.de/

Title: Obsolete

Artist: Pawel Hynek

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=430849

Title: Alien

Artist: Damien Canderle

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=528186

Title: Don Quixote de la Mancha

Artist: Fabricio Moraes

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=502979

Title: Old Lady

Artist: Krishnamurti Martins Costa

URL: http://www.antropus.com/

TItle: Salad

Artist: Till Nowak

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=432943

Title: Frost GIant

Artist: Jérôme Denjean

URL: http://www.jed-online.com

Title: Pink Sugar

Artist: Olivier Ponsonnet

URL: http://re1v.free.fr/imgup/PinkSugarFull.jpg

Title: Opal Child

Artist: Olivier Ponsonnet

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=641720

Title: Mr. Coutinho

Artist: Wesclei3d

URL: http://www.3dk.org/m/artgallery/Mr-Coutinho_44d.html

Title: White Teeth

Artist: Jonathan Simard

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=378998

Title: Jimi Hendrix

Artist: Marcin Klicki

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=431478

Title: N/A

Artist: Oliver Cannone

URL: http://www.gameartisans.org

TItle: Arnold

Artist: Patrick Beaulieu

URL: http://www.squeezestudio.com/Gallery.htm

Title: Suzie

Artist: Andrew Hickinbottom

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=428656

Title: Forest Golbin

Artist: Caroline Delen

URL: http://www.carolinedelen.com

Title: Lady of Shalott

Artist: Yang Zhang

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=450726

Title: Pavlin

Artist: Anton Bugaev

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=608361

Title: The Beast

Artist: Thaddeus Maharaj

URL: http://www.cgchannel.com/gallery/viewimage.jsp?imgID=17587

Title: Don’t Feed The Plant

Artist: Alberto Lozano

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=496863

Title: Bad Assassin

Artist: Lon Krung

URL: http://www.cgchannel.com/gallery/viewimage.jsp?imgID=17736

Title: Fat Mafia Boss

Artist: D-E-A-N

URL: http://www.3dk.org/m/artgallery/Fat-Mafia-Boss_979.html

Title: The Penguin

Artist: Adam Schuman

URL: http://gameartisians.org

TItle: Lil Napoleon

Artist: Jonathan Simard

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=468115

Title: Automaton

Artist: Almacon

URL: http://www.3dk.org/m/artgallery/Automaton_bc7.html

Title: Blobby Bubble

Artist: Patrick Beaulieu

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=464953

Title: We Are Not Alone 2

Artist: Damien Canderle

URL: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=121&t=484714

Title: Open Green

Artist: Andrius Balciunas

URL: http://www.cgchannel.com/gallery/viewimage.jsp?imgID=17619

]]> http://3drockstar.com/26-amazing-inspirational-cg-characters/feed/ http://3drockstar.com/26-amazing-inspirational-cg-characters/ 3D Studio Max Hotkeys Quick Reference http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/3dRockstar/~3/YD9uz7XY3qU/ http://3drockstar.com/3d-studio-max-hotkeys-quick-reference/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:49:32 +0000 Chris http://3drockstar.com/?p=195 When using 3D Studio Max, its always important to become more efficient the more you progress. A keyfactor in that is learning hotkeys. Autodesk will give you a handy dandy reference cube when you order 3D Studio Max 2009, with a bunch of common hotkeys and shortcuts on each one of the six sides. I have listed out a few of those hotkeys and shortcuts so you can use this as a quick reference while using 3ds Max.

Main UI

Angle Snap Toggle - A
Auto Key Mode Toggle - N
Camera View - C
Display as See-Through Toggle - Alt + X
Fetch - Alt + Ctrl + F
Hold - Ctrl + H
Grid Toggle - G
Material Editor Toggle - M
Maximize Viewport Toggle - Alt + W
Perspective User View - P
Render - Shift + Q
Redraw All View - Single Quote
Redo Scene Operation - Ctrl + Y
Redo Viewport Operation - Shift + Y
Set Keys - K
Show Edges - F4
Smooth + Highlights/Wireframe Toggle - F3
Transform Gizmo Toggle - X
Undo Scene Operation - Ctrl + Z
Undo Viewport Operation - Shift + Z
Zoom Extents All - Shift + Ctrl + Z
Zoom Extents All Selected - Z
Toggle SteeringWheels Feature (only for 2009) - Shift + W
Toggle ViewCube Visibility (only for 2009) - Alt + Ctrl + V

Edit/Editable Poly

Vertex Level - 1
Edge Level - 2
Border Level - 3
Polygon Level - 4
Element Level - 5
Bevel Mode - Shift + Ctrl + B
Chamfer Mode -  Shift + Ctrl + C
Extrude Mode - Shift + E
Target Weld Mode - Shift + Ctrl + W
Ignore Backfacing in Selections - Shift + Ctrl + I
Grow Selection - Ctrl + Page Up
Shrink Selection - Ctrl + Page Down
Hide Selection - Alt + H
Repeat Last Operation - semicolon
Select Edge Loop - Alt + L
Select Edge Ring - Alt + R
Unhide All - Alt + U

Track View

Add Keys - A
Move Keys - M
Zoom Horizontal Extents Keys - Alt + X
Zoom - Alt + Z

Unwrap UVW

Edit UVWs - Ctrl + E
Show Seams in Viewport - Alt + E
Unwrap Options - Ctrl + O
Update Map - Ctrl + U
Zoom Extents Selected - Z
Zoom Region - Ctrl + X
Zoom to Gizmo - Shift + Spacebar
Zoom - Alt + Z

Selection

Select All - Ctrl + A
Select Ancestor - Page Up
Select Child - Page Down
Select and Move - W
Select and Rotate - E
Select from Scene - H
Select and Scale - R
Select Invert - Ctrl + I
Select Toggle Lock - Spacebar
Subobject Level Cycle - Insert
Subobject Selection Toggle - Ctrl + B

Playback Controls

Backup Time One Unit - comma
Forward Time One Unit - period
Expert Toggle Mode - Ctrl + X
Go to End Frame - End
Go to Start Frame - Home
Play/Stop Animation - /
Show Safeframes Toggle - Shift + F
Show Statistics Toggle - 7
Scale Start of Timeline - Ctrl + Alt + click-drag
Scale End of Timeline - Ctrl + Alt + right-click-drag

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