Everything You Wanted to Know About Modeling in 3D Animation -

Details for Everything You Wanted to Know About Modeling in 3D Animation

ID:	6172
Author:	Lorabella
Title:	Everything You Wanted to Know About Modeling in 3D Animation
Article:	Modeling is an integral part of 3D animation, therefore those who wish to build a career in 3D animation should have a good idea about what 3D modeling entails. Conveyed in the simplest way, it is the process of molding a shape into a complete 3D mesh. This process begins with the selection of an object called primitive. It can range be anything – a point, a 2D line, a curve or a 3D object. This primitive is then grown or extended into the desired shape which is then refined further by introducing details. This process is carried out with the help of suitable 3D software available in the market. There are 3 basic methods of 3D modeling, they are – 1.Spline or patch modeling 2.Box modeling and 3.Poly modeling The spline modeling method is the traditional and oldest method used for 3D modeling. Spline refers to a 3D curve. In spline modeling a skeleton of the desired 3D object is created by creating a cage of splines. Then with the help of 3D software a patch of polygons can be stretched between splines to form a skin around the skeleton. The models that are created by this method usually require a considerable amount of modification before they can be used in animation. Moreover spline modeling is a time taking process. It is not very popular nowadays and is mostly used to create hard object like furniture, buildings and cars, since they mostly involve combining angular and curved shapes. The next method, Box modeling, is highly popular method of 3D modeling. It is quite similar to sculpting in the sense that the process involves taking a primitive which is usually a cube and then refining and detailing it by first slicing it into many pieces and then extending various faces to develop the targeted form. Box modeling is very useful in creating organic models. However it requires much tweaking and models created through this method do not have a surface topology that works well in animation. Poly Modeling is the most effective method of modeling for 3D animation. However it is also relatively tougher to learn. In this method the modeler develops a 3D mesh point by point and face by face. The process generally begins by taking a 3D object having 4 points called a quad. From the edge of the first quad a second quad is created. This second quad remains attached to the first quad. In this way the intended 3D model gradually takes shape. The method of poly modeling takes more time compared to box modeling but it yields precise results and also allows the modeler to plan out the topology of the models for animation in the process. Professional modeling artists generally use a combination of modeling processes for creating their models. An organic model is usually developed by combining both poly and box modeling for different areas/stages. For example, box modeling can be effectively used for developing the torso, arms and legs while other areas that require finer detailing like hands, head and feet can be created with the help of poly modeling. Finesse in 3D modeling requires a considerable amount of practice and study. This will not only include gaining mastery over standard animation software but also working on traditional drawing skills. Studying the works of reputed 3D artists is highly recommended. About the author of this article: read more about 3d animasjon at noroff.no
Category:	Computers
Date:	February 06, 2010 08:03:07 PM

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