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Thursday Thirteen #32 – Getting Started in 3D Graphics

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
19 Comments


My Wordless Wednesday post yesterday led to an e-mail asking what to buy to give 3d computer graphics a go. I realised I was suggesting around 13 points in my reply so I thought I’d use it as my Thursday Thirteen tonight

  1. A reasonably up to date computer with at least the recommended specification for any of the software.
  2. For landscapes I use Vue. There are different versions Vue 6 Easel is the cheapest and a good starting point or if you have a bit more cash to spend get Vue 6 Esprite. Once you know what your doing you’ll probably want Vue Infinite, which I use and which was used for Pirates of the Caribbean II and III.
  3. For adding figures Poser 7 and a willingness to overcome an interface which many find frustrating. The alternative is Daz Studio which is free and has a nicer interface but doesn’t work as well with Vue.
  4. To touch up or play with your finished pictures Photoshop Elements is a good choice. I find Photoshop elements does most things I want to and isn’t going to set me back by a huge chunk of cash. If you want to dive into animation you can get Premier Element bundled in too but I’d get the hang of the basics of still 3D work first as animation is a lot harder to learn.
  5. Vue 6 Revealed is a good book to help you learn.
  6. For sea pictures Monsoon’s Sea Vue adds some nice extra stuff you can use in your pictures.
  7. For space pictures Monsoon’s Postcards from the Rim.
  8. For landscapes the TerraPak toolkit for Vue 6 is a great starting point.
  9. Vue comes with some plants but you’ll probably want more. Realms Art, Martin Frost and Linda Daireaux’ Incredibly Lush plants at Cornucopia 3D are all well worth considering.
  10. I’ve been a member of Daz’s Platinum Club since it launched. It lets you buy lots of Poser and Daz Studio stuff cheap or at a discount. Once you’ve got it you’ll probably want Victoria 4 and Michael 3 and some of their basic clothing packs. I’d suggest restraint though. Don’t get drawn into buying every shinny new outfit with a discount. Buy the ones you need for a specific picture when you’re going to make it.
  11. If you got Vue 6 Infinite and you’re working with Poser figures SkinVue and the Daz and/or Poser plug in depending on which figures you use will improve the look of your figures in Vue.
  12. Keep and eye on 3D World Magazine and to a lesser extent ImagineFX and some of the other computer graphics magazines like Computer Arts for useful free stuff and tutorials. I’d be careful of Digit as it’s cover disc often sounds more tempting than it really is, in my opinion.
  13. Time to work through vue tutorials, time to spend on vue forums asking questions and time to play more.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. WorksForMom
2. Chelle Y.
3. Nicholas
4. Comedy Plus
5. ellen b
6. nap warden
7. jenn
8. Yen
9. Lori
10. SandyCarlson
11. Aline de Chevigny
12. marcia v.
13. Yuriko
14. Sandier Pastures
15. katherine.
16. Working at Home Mom
17. Michelle
18. Xakara
19. Nancy Bond
20. naturalparenting
21. Samantha_K
22. cajunvegan
23.

You’re next!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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19 Responses to Thursday Thirteen #32 – Getting Started in 3D Graphics

cajunvegan Friday, October 26th, 2007

I have no idea how to use it but someone just gave me a copy of Photoshop CS3 Extended. I almost had fainted when I found out how much it cost.

Samantha_K Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Oh, now I feel overwhelmed! I would love to be able to do graphics and things, but I'd have to have a lot of time to focus on it. Extra time is not a phrase I'm very familiar with, lol.
Happy Thursday!

Nancy J. Bond Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Judging by yesterday's graphic, it looks like you've got these things all mastered. Great work!

Xakara Thursday, October 25th, 2007

I don't know how to use any of them save for Photoshop and I'm still learning that as I lean more toward PSP. But I'm proud that I recognized many of the program names and what they do, especailly Poser 7.

It looks like my self-teaching is actually getting me somewhere. *grin*

~X

Michelle Davis Petelinz Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Good luck with your new venture!

HAPPY TT!

katherine. Thursday, October 25th, 2007

what was the grand total on all that? smile.

yh Thursday, October 25th, 2007

That's just too much information for me to digest... give me a few years and maybe I'll get it. :)

Joyismygoal Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Thank you it looks so helpful just a
little high tech

Aline de Chevigny Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Wow I know someone that will love this.

Aline

Sandy Carlson Thursday, October 25th, 2007

This is interesting. There's a lot involved in this activity.

Lori Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Great info but im computer retarded...lol. Happy TT.

Yen Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Hmm..what a great list! I should pass this to the husband:) Great list! Now, I feel so lame with my lists..lol

Mine is up here;
Thursday Thirteen!
Happy TT!

jenn Thursday, October 25th, 2007

All of that went right over my head!
Happy TT!

Nap Warden Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Ok, I used to do architectural visualization using 3d Max and Photoshop CS. I still love and use Photoshop, I have lost most of my Max skills. If I were to learn one animation program, would you think Vue would be the best to learn? Just wondering....Thanks

ellen b Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

I'm a graphics idiot for sure...
happy tt

Sandee (Comedy +) Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

This was a clever way to do TT. I like it. Have a great TT. :)

Nicholas Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Now I feel really thick! I didn't understand a word of that!

Chelle Y. Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

That all went right over my head! :) I am so dumb when it comes to computers, that I am surprised I can even do a TT every week!

WorksForMom Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Wow, you sound pretty talented. I so wish I had more experience with that. Great list!

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