• Advanced Lighting and Rendering

    Lighting is one of the most important parts of 3D art and rendering, after all, it is what showcases our model and establishes the tone of the image. We need to start looking at our renders in the same light as photographers examine the lighting set-up in their photographs. Having a well lit subject is what most photographers aim for so we will be looking a number of ways to produce beautiful illumination across our models.

    Using lights in our 3D scenes will help shape and mold the contours of our 3D models. Our model will come alive once we start placing 3D lights correctly in the scene. Most of the mood of the render starts with the lighting set-up in the scene, so it is really important to establish a few industry standard lighting techniques.

    This week we are going to explore the standard 3-point lighting technique and how we can easily employ this technique in our work. We are also going talk about the other types of "Direct Illuminators" (a.k.a - lights) we have access to in Modo.

  • The Medicine Bottle (50pts)

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    Project Due: Week 09

    In this assignment, you are to design a new, unique bottle. Design your shape with the idea in mind that this bottle needs to be a functioning shape. How are the contents of the bottle going to be inserted? How is the shape of the bottle gong to determine how a person uses it? There are going to be two products your create for this assignment: a 3D render and a 3D print of your bottle. Once you have your bottle designed in the computer, we are physically going to print your design on our 3D printers. Your bottle will be printed once your design has been approved by your instructor. In addition, you are also going to create a product shot of your design in Modo. Use the Three-Point lighting setup to help shape your object with light. Please ensure your project includes the following required elements before you complete this assignment:

    Industrial Design

    • - 2"(L)x2"(W)x3"(H)
    • Custom Bottle Design
    • Must model both the outside and inside of the bottle
    • Cap needs to be a separate mesh item to print correctly
    • Sub-Divs are allowed but final mesh must be frozen in to polys
    • Mesh Items to be printed need to be triangulated

    Product Shot Render

    • Geometry for the Bottle
    • Geometry for the Cap
    • Geometry for Table Top
    • Key Light = Area Light
    • Fill Light = Area Light
    • Rim Light = Spot Light
    • Global Illumination = On
    • HDR Reflection Map = Studio Presets OK
    • Materials and Textures for Bottle, Cap and Table Top
    • Final Render Frame Size = 1280 x 720 pixels
    • Final Render Frame Type = JPEG

    Examples of Successful Projects

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    Check out these awesome projects! The images below are examples of successful student projects. Use the following images to help guide you to your end results. If you look closely, the shape of the bottle matches the reference image perfectly! The textures, materials and lighting on all of these projects really make these images shine!

    Using the Radial Sweep Tool

    Radial Sweep ExampleOver the past few months we have explored a suite of tools and techniques that have allowed us to create some amazing shapes. Specifically, the Box Modeling Technique has enabled us to take simple shapes, like cubes and cylinders, and edit them into more advanced surfaces using the Bevel Tool. While the Box Modeling Technique allows us to create complex models quickly, it is not the only technique in our tool box. Check out this video on the Radial Sweep Tool. This tool serves as an excellent alternative to working with the bevel tool on cylindrical models.

    All Finished with your Homework?

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    After you have saved the project file on your personal external storage device (like a thumb drive), please upload your Luxology Scene File (.lxo) and your rendered image (.JPEG) to the Medicine Bottle dropbox on D2L.

    Before you upload your files to D2L, please ensure your files meet the following naming conventions:

    • lastname_gcom_402_medicine_bottle.lxo
    • lastname_gcom_402_medicine_bottle.jpeg
    Submit Your Assignment
  • Goblets and Glasses (25pts)

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    Project Due: Week 08

    This week we will be exploring the technique of sweeping using profiles. The process of Sweeping a shape in Modo involved using the Radial Array Tool. For this lab assignment, download the lab assets and use the supplied profiles to build two separate models (Goblet and Wine Glass). Once modeling is done, apply simple materials, reflection maps, a three-point lighting set-up and ground shadows. Fire off a final render at 1280x720 pixels when you are done modeling, texturing and rendering your scene.

    Examples of Successful Projects

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    All Finished with your Lab Assignment?

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    After you have saved the project file on your personal external storage device (like a thumb drive), please upload your Luxology Scene File (.lxo) and your rendered image (.JPEG) to the Goblets and Glasses dropbox on D2L.

    Before you upload your files to D2L, please ensure your files meet the following naming conventions:

    • lastname_gcom_402_lab_goblets_glasses.lxo
    • lastname_gcom_402_lab_goblets_glasses.jpeg
    Submit Your Assignment
  • Important Documents

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    Check out these awesome learning resources! I've collected a number of assets that I think will help you conquer this week's homework and laboratory assignment. Please download the following materials to your local hard disk or flash storage device (AKA thumb drive).