Introduction to 3D Modeling

Welcome to your first day of working inside of Modo 601. I know you're going to find creating 3D models with this application a lot of fun. There are, however, a few small hurdles we must overcome before we can begin working within the application. Creating 3D models requires the artists to overcome two major hurdles: envisioning shapes within a volume of space and mastering complex tools. The first hurdle challenges the artist to examine the form of the shapes and then reconstruct that shape inside of a 3-dimensional volume. This is, perhaps, the biggest challenge for new 3D artists to overcome. We need to reprogram our brains to "see" shapes and forms along all 3 dimensions, not just two.

The second hurdle, while seemingly more challenging, is a lot easier to master. On the surface, Modo is a complex series of alien tools and confusing procedures but the tools get a lot easier to use once the initial shock of the user interface fads away. Trust me, the foreign nature of the Modo interface will soon fade away; it just takes a little time and experience. Creating great 3D models is an experienced based art form, so lets jump and start exploring how to create 3D models in Modo.

Project Due: Week 03

If you were to try to model most objects in our world you would initially say " No way! That's way to complex!". On the surface, most objects appear to be an endless maze of shapes and lines. When you break these complex shapes down and analyze their forms, you will discover that most complex shapes are nothing more than a series of simples shapes; welded together.

As we begin our journey in learning 3D modeling, we need to begin to recognize the simple shapes in our world. In this exercise, you will learn the basics of creating 3D models and begin to learn how to work in a 3-Dimensional environment. Using only two tools, Bevel and Loop Slice, your assignment is to create a 3D model of a coffee cup. During this project, you will also learn how to import a "Backdrop Item" and how assign simple materials to your 3D coffee cup. At the conclusion of this assignment, you will have created a 3D model of the coffee cup, the lid and a surface that your coffee cup sits on. Please ensure your project includes the following required elements before you complete this assignment:

Creating objects in 3D can present some large construction issues and workflow problems. For beginners, the hardest part about creating 3D models is understanding the workflow and construction sequence. I've created a quick time-lapse video of this project that will illustrate the proper steps to completing this project. Please Note: This video illustrates some advanced techniques that were not covered in class. I wanted to show you guys how a professional modeler would approach this project. Check out this video to see me building this assignment!

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 Coffee Cup dropbox on D2L.

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

Creating a 3D models using the Box Modeling technique begins with the initial creation of a simple shape. These simple shapes, in most 3D modeling applications, are called primitives. Using what we learned in class, create the following primitive shapes:

Focus on the construction of the shapes. I don't want to discourage you from assigning custom materials or textures, but focus more on the construction of the shapes. Follow the layout of the image below and position your primitive shapes in the same order. Please ensure that your primitives shapes are not penetrating into each other. Create a nice looking render of your scene when you have completed the assignment.

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 Primitive Shapes dropbox on D2L.

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

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).

Here are some important videos for this week's learning materials. I've created these videos to help you navigate the instructional content we covered in class. Make sure you add these important assets into your personal learning library by bookmarking them!

Here are some important links for this week's learning materials. Make sure you add these important assets into your personal library by bookmarking them!