Tips and Tricks for 3D Modelers

By Brenna Kimber

3D models require great skill, attention and patience from their creators. The following tips can save you a lot of time and help you move your creation in the right direction.

• Plan ahead – Before you start modeling, sit down and plan the big picture. Think of how you will want your model to move when it’s in motion and plan accordingly. If you are building your model from scratch, you will need some reference materials. Look for pictures, movie scenes and other media with similar models. Consider making a massing model to help you work out proportions and scales.
• Go pre–made – Check out 3D model services and look for pre–made models you can use in your project. Generally, downloading these models will save you time and cash.
• Use substitutions – Use mapping to substitute detailed mesh on objects that aren’t the main focus.
• Keep it simple – The more complex the model, the easier it is to bog down your system and cause trouble later on.
• Organize your folder – Keeping your files organized will make them easier to find and back up.
• Learn the keyboard shortcuts – Learning the shortcuts will cut the time you spend moving the mouse around by 75%.
• Save often and backup – Save your work in multiple files, on multiple disks or a flash drive. You never know when you will accidentally delete something, end up with a corrupted file, loose power or worse.
• Think about motion – Think about how you want your model to move and perform. Make an individual parent object for each motion.
• Think final output – Depending on the medium in which you use your model, whether it is web, video or a still—keep it in mind. Different mediums require different qualities of models. Lower quality mediums can save rendering time and possibly composition time.
• Name objects – Name your object as you go. It’s easy to get caught up in the creation process and lose copies of your files.
• Use soft shadows – Use spotlights with soft shadows. They render more quickly and give a more realistic effect than hard shadows.

3D models have great presence in the vast world of media. For more help and ideas, see what 3D model services can do for you.

References

Giambruno, M. (2003, Jan 17). 3D Modeling Basics. Retrieved June 28, 2006, from Peachpit Web site: http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.asp?p=30594&rl=1

Nieland, J. (1998, March 4). Getting Started— 5 basic tips which could save your sanity. Retrieved June 28, 2006, from Jennifer’s 2D/3D Website Web site: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~nielandj/article1.html

Nieland , J. Article 2: Working and Rendering Efficiently. Retrieved June 28, 2006, from Jennifer’s 2D

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