3d studiomax

this here.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0782141323/qid=1121092041/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl/026-4287671-3344417 .. is my bible when it comes to viz/max.

if you’re starting from scratch there are a few very good tutorials on how to model ronchamps and villa savoye, and as you become better it’s an excellent book to refer to for advanced ligting effects, animation, radiosity and so on and so on.

my advice would be;
first, figure out the basics. know what the purpose of each tool is, it’s basic application.
do some simple tutorials exploring materials, uvw mapping, basic lighting effects, daylight systems.
do more advanced schemes of projects you’re familiar with, you house in as much detail as possible, maybe invent a building as you go and learn to use viz as a modelling tool as well as just a renderer.
consult the book above chapter by chapter and go into as much detail as possible on each facet of the program. spend a day mastering the use of sunlight, spend some time on reflections and shadows. spend some time on creating tracked cameras and animation sequences.

it will take some time to get the hang of it, but once you have the basics down you’ll find your skill and speed increase constantly. i’ve been using viz for 3 years and i’m still learning.

as for the cad/viz argument..you’ll probably find that most models will be based on 2d cad drawings. and depending on your ability to model in cad, you might find it easier to just make the 3d object in cad then import it in. problems with this include stippling if you’re not very careful about avoiding concurrent faces in the cad model, and a lack of ability to edit the model in viz afterwards. i would advise that you learn to model and edit in viz/max, and use it as much as possible because of the limitations of 3d cad.

if you’re considering developing your skills to the level of a professional modeller, you might want to consider professional tuition. expensive but worth it if you’re very serious. as a self-taught amateur, i’d say that for most purposes you can just pick it up as you go along.

best of luck with it. any questions or problems, don’t be afraid to ask.

3D STUDIO VIZ is better suited to Architectural Models

Ryan Hood B.Sc B.Arch (QUB) RIBA
Architect
http://www.hbkarchitects.com

@modular man wrote:

Thanks for the advice guys. Is the book that you are referring to SW101 strictly to do with VIZ as I will be using 3dsmax? The reason I am not using Viz is because I don’t have access to that programme at the moment and also because it is a programme that is very tied into to Autocad and therefore not as versatile vis-a–vis other drawing packages.(as I understand).

max and viz are effectively the same thing to my knowledge. i use viz 4 and have used max 6 and the are almost identical. as ryan said, viz is more geared towards architecture with the ability to create windows and doors and daylighting. max would be more for industrial designers and animators.

they are all autodesk products with the same basic interface. if you can use one you can use another. i have had no problems moving drawings and models between viz, cad and sketchup.

if you get viz 4 you can use brazil by splutterfish and create photorealistic images very easily.

what is “brazil”?

Ryan Hood B.Sc B.Arch (QUB) RIBA
Architect
http://www.hbkarchitects.com

brazil is a render engine developed by splutterfish for application with viz 4. it has an excellent luma server which creates very natural shadows and can render models more smoothly and faster than the native viz scanline renderer.
http://www.splutterfish.com/sf/sf_gen_page.php3?printer=1&page=brazil

That looks like the Dogs Danglies. Amazing.

Ryan Hood B.Sc B.Arch (QUB) RIBA
Architect
http://www.hbkarchitects.com

tis a bit. i’d show you some comparison stuff if i was on my own pc.

anyone familiar with viz will know of the annoying scattered ray effect produced by the scanline renderer. increases in the complexity of the light create huge problems with making decent sized renders in anything less than a day, even with a decent processor and a big pile of ram. brazil is one solution.

there is no substitute for a human being guiding you…well ive found anyway…i was keen on 3d max…bought the books etc but really they bored me to tears…i went to a local higher education college (equivalent being a vec in republic)…part time for one evening a week to do a course specifically in 3d rendering using viz + max…it was about 60 sterling for a whole year!…some private companies are charging 2 grand for 2 day sessions to teach it!!….started out with about 10 of us…then gradually it whittled down to 2 or 3 which was great as the tutor gave us more attention…learnt tricks they never would tell you in a book…and it was more fun talking to someone about the easiest way to model that or what least amount of steps you take to do that…you will find there are umpteen ways in these programme to do one function. Well my advice would be check out the local vecs…more likely urban areas….as im sure they would have a 3d rendering/modelling course…if not suggest it to the vecs …they might see theres demand and get someone in!….like me!!

it was actually in belfast….even better in london as i know they do tonnes of these courses…this wesite is great…http://www.floodlight.co.uk/…….good luck

tungstentee,

Where in BELFAST was it, Belfast Tech? Im based in Belfast. Was the course in rendering and modelling? Who do you work for?

Ryan Hood B.Sc B.Arch (QUB) RIBA
Architect
http://www.hbkarchitects.com

well actually it was in bangor (about 3 years ago now)……the tech there…check out their website…they usually have a brochure thats free of all courses available…and it starts about september…….it was specifically based around 3d max and yes i would highly recommend it if your thinkin of doing it…other graphic design + dtp courses are available too at the time i went there……dont know whats on offer meself these days as am based in dublin now…

Hi,
Im an interior designer working in dublin and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good short 3D Studio Max evening courset get me started, i can create 3d models using cad so that should be a steppping stone…….hopefully!