First & ForemostI would like to say a few things about becoming a designer. I guess it seems that if you become a well known designer, people tend to think of us as a celebrity. I dont know why, but they do. If you become a well known designer Please stay true to yourself. Meaning dont let the fame go to your head. Stay true to yourself!! |
The key to learning how to create 3d models is to first learn how the program works. After you learn the program, be consistent with your work. Meaning once you find a system that works for you do it that way every time.
TIP - Don't be afraid to ask other designers questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
TIP - To be a great designer is to learn from your mistakes, and always look for ways to improve from your previous work. An eye for detail is an A must also.
TIP - Never be afraid to experiment, and try new techniques.
Things to know
Ever wonder why some objects you can see further than others? Reason being, is because smaller objects that generally go inside a building does not need to be high distance (cheaper wholesale cost) as opposed to a house. This list will be a general purpose. For a complete list go here. This page can be viewed during Maintenance also.
LOD distances
After you have made your model, and collisions, and ready to submit. Make your dummy01 node (action tag)keep it selected, then go up to edit, then choose "Object properties". Choose "User defined" tab, Then choose which distance your needing. I find it easier to write a document, and type the different distances in and save that, then just copy/paste. So I don't make a typo.
Group seating
LOD0 = 50
LOD1 = 75
LOD2 = 350
Knickknacks
LOD0 = 25
LOD1 = 50
LOD2 = 100
Floral & Ornaments
LOD0 = 50
LOD1 = 100
LOD2 = 350
Deck Foundation's & Shop Config's
LOD0 = 75
LOD1 = 200
LOD2 = 700
- Page 1
Consist of setting up gmax for use with There.com™ First you will need to setup Unit measurements. Go up to Customize/Unit setup. Click here to see a picture of the location, and settings. From there I will show you the
most commonly used area's for creating models.TIP - Patience is a Virtue. If you don't have much patience, I would recommend either
- 1. Work on your patience's
or
- 2. Consider learning another hobby.
- Page 2
This is where the fun begins. This is where we will learn how to create a simple box, and scale it to 5x5x5 meters around. Then clone for your collision.
TIP - Collision is cloned model that (no textures) keeps you from walking thru or able to stand on. If you are designing a house. For the door you would want to delete that polygon where the door is for the collision.
- Page 3
This section will cover setting up Material Editor. You will need to make a solid plain texture for this tutorial. Use your paint program to create a new 64x64 pixel size texture, then fill it with a single color. From there we will drag and drop the material on the model.
TIP - Mapping, and tiling is the key to a good looking model. It's all about how you make your texture.
- Page 4
This page we will then make the dummy01 Object (Action tag), and link the col, and LOD0 to the dummy01 object. Then make 2 more clones from LOD0.
TIP - Once you have made your dummy01 object, be sure to go up to "Edit/ Object Properties/User defined",
and enter the lod distances.- Page 5
The final phase of gmax - Exporting the model, and opening the box model in Previewer.
Conclusion
You should now have enough knowledge on how to create a model for use for There™.com You have alot of factors involved when creating 3d objects for There. Poly count, vertices count, amount of textures according to your model. Pixel count, and placement of the dummy01 object. It can be very frustrating in the beginning, but in time it will become natural to you, and less frustrating lol. I hope you have enjoyed these tutorials, and most importantly learned something :) If you find any errors or flaws or an easier way to create 3d models, I hope that you would either share with me, and I will add it to my tutorials or write your own tutorials. Should you have any questions feel free to CONTACT ME
TIP - Last tip for you is to have fun creating new objects, and enjoy every minute of it.
Beyond the Basics
- Advance Tutorials -
Next Session
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