3d modelling beginners tips?

BigManBill

BigManBill

BigManBill

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Joined
23 Mar 2008
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209
Location
West Sussex
I have just got into 3d modelling and used some basic guides to learn how to use the program (Blender) and have made only a simple 3d body with arms legs, feet, some muscle definition and a hat :). Now I want to know some things that are good for beginners to try and model, that I can make using my current knowledge without having to go look online at how to do certain things too much. I'm going to be reading more guides and learning more soon anyway, I just wanted some tips and ideas on what I should think about modelling when I feel confident. Bear in mind I am not learning about this at school or college it is all self taught as I am 16, and everything is done for free, that is why I am using Blender. Thanks.
 
Blender is okay, but you're better off trying 3D Studio Max IMO, you can get a demo off the Autodesk site. You'll find a lot more detailed tutorials too, and some excellent books.

If you decide to go the whole hog with 3D Studio Max I'd recommend picking up one of the Fundamentals books available, they're excellent.
 
When i was learning to 3D model i would just pic a random object in my room and try to model that. I started off with simple objects like DVD cases. I then moved up to harder stuff like a old bike bell etc.....Then once i felt confident that i could do them i moved onto modeling cars. Cars are nice to model as they require use of a lot of functions within 3c modeling. I cant comment on using blender as i am a Cinema4D man but the theroy is the same. Any questions feel free to ask :)
 
Please don't recommend that. I found the best way to learn modelling stuff was just experiment, there are lots of tutorials out there for max especially, and books. I never really engaged with the books though, the tutorials online always seemed a better way to quickly dip in and out of what a book could offer you without the commitment of reading the entire thing. It's hard to say exactly what objects you should model as a beginner, because even something that seems relatively simple can turn out to be complicated to reproduce in 3D. If you have a camera you could start photographing stuff around your home and try recreating that. Main thing is have fun with it, there are lots of modelling techniques and lots of tutorials that explain them.
 
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Cheers, it is something I wouldn't mind pursuing as a career. I guess I should just try something simple, I keep thinking of things but always one part of it is something I don't quite know yet, so I should go more simple. I'll have a look at other things, just form what I saw on Wikipedia, Blender was about the best free one.
 
Like said above get a trial version of something else. You can also download Maya PLE (personal learning edition) for free from Auto Desk. I'm an XSI man myself as I really could never get on with Max and have dabbled in Maya so its each to their own really. Max and Maya have 1000's of free tutorials online so this would be the route I'd take if starting out.

Object wise try polygon/box modelling something basic like a console/phone/mp3 player. If you want to learn Nurbs modelling plant life or a realistic face would be good places to start.
 
I have experience in Maya and 3DSm and find maya a lot more intuitive..

Definitely get the PLE edition ^mentioned above - its really worth a go..

Currently a lot of the stuff i'm doing is 3d/gis/geospatial work - modelling buildings and transport schemes... extensions for autocad/microstation/paramics...

Good luck... I *may* have an old school maya book which'll teach you the basics which I'd happily let you have for the price of postage - but theres loads on the interweb! :)

Tom
 
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