When it comes to 3D modeling, it is important to have references,
3D artists use Reference materials for 3d modeling productions. If you’re create something, you want to feel and observe objects in your hands so you can examine them, measure them, and see them from every angle. When it’s not possible to get physical objects, photographs are simply the best option. In video games or animated films, the same overall idea is used to recreate scenes and compositions. You want as many references, pictures images, as possible, to provide the best accurate finality. Some references will also come in the form of drawings and paintings as well.
Sometimes references are made from 3D models or 2D drawings. There are some specific references that require more detail and measurements, those are called blueprints, and will it be essential when we start creating 3d modeling. For example, some specific shapes need more attention than others according to their respective sizes. (e.g modeling a specific table to fit in the room, an engine for a bike, etc.)
Methods of sourcing reference material can be:
When you think of references and see this list above, that seems obvious. But I am going here to be a bit more specific from the 3 best sources used and why and how they are so important when we create 3d modeling.
The Problem with our Visual Memory—is it generaly a short term memory…
When remembering what we see in the past, there will be many elements that you won’t be able to recall—even if you got a good memory. Visual memory has limitations as per our normal brain function. Even when you have spent a long time studying and analyzing a subject and were able to remember a lot of elements, it is very likely that you don’t know all the relevant details needed to recreate your composition. In fact, visual memory needs to be short allowing your brain to store the most relevant information while excluding useless detail.
It is impossible to create a perfect composition without having them in front of your eyes, image references remind you of the details we don’t generally pay attention to in order to create accurate 3d modeling.
In 3d modeling, a common technique of Image-Based Modeling demonstrates how 3d artists don’t ignore references to recreate shapes from the image sources.
Do I need to know how to draw to have a successful career in 3D?
That question came to my ears so many times…
In traditional art or digital painting, it is obviously essential! but why about 3d artists? it is really essential?
Let’s say you are so bad at drawing and don’t even like it! Yes! You can still be a great 3d artist without having drawing skills, however, there are numerous reasons why drawing skills make you more versatile and increase dramatically your talent!
Let’s imagine now you are a talented Michelangelo! Then, YES, you have got better advantages using different tools for your 3d creations.
Drawing skills give you flexibility and freedom during the initial design stages of your project, they give you the ability to seamlessly mix 2D and 3D elements. They allow you to tweak your image in post-production to enhance the result you received from your render engine but also see “better” how the proportion of your composition works, how to create characters from skate for your future 3d composition, or even texturing accurately your scene —no doubt about it.
In a perfect world, if everyone could take some pre-qualification of drawing techniques before entering into the 3D world artist, it would help to have a better understanding of some basic rule scenes in 3d such as perspective techniques, figure drawing, texture painting, etc. Drawing skills are not easy, some mistakingly even say it is a God talent. But it is a myth! It is a skill to learn and take into consideration for 3d artists. Despite the fact, it would take however years of practice. By then, getting into the world of 3d modeling would make much more talented 3d artist people if everyone would respect that simple pre-rule. In fact, some of the best 3d universities/colleges in the world such as Vancouver Film School, Supinfocom Rubika, or others request solid drawing knowledge to be approved—it is for a reason…
Drawing technique references are very useful when it comes to animate a character or simply a character you want to create.
First let’s start by asking this question, what is a blueprint?
Well, a blueprint is a reproduction of a drawing! However, a technical drawing!
Generally using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets, in which lines are shown in white on a blue background…
But that, it’s the old school one… Generally speaking, we have to remember that is the process that allows rapid, and accurate, production with measurements and specifications of your model in 3d or anything else you want to create. from your sources. In short, it is from your reference a more technical draw.
Drawing, again!? Once more, this is the old school process, there are out there so many ways to make a blueprint even with some simple lines and brief specifications make a perfect blueprint, but the rules stay the same… I like to simplify by a technical drawing!
Blueprint can be very important when we create special 3d modelings such as 3d machinery or specific 3d model. It is not very complicated to understand that if you want to create a 3D engine for a car company you must follow strict measurements from a draft and those draft measurements are from the blueprint.
Blueprints nowadays can skip the blue background (even if we leave it more for the historical meaning) but essentially it must have all the specifications to allow the 3D artist to create accurate 3d modeling according to the request. So if one day you want to create a table for your parent’s kitchen better help you to use a nice blueprint!