Best way to begin learning advanced modeling/texturing techniques
I am 17, and I have been experimenting with 3ds max for a while because several years ago my dad used 3ds max for his engineering job, and he had a copy of the 2003 edition, and I played with that a little. Then I got a student license of 3ds max and was able to start seriously working with it. But being as I'm still in high school and they only offer basic courses, I've pretty much only been able to learn some basic low-poly modeling skills. I'm decent at making fluid topology and shaping the model's base like I want it, but I really need to learn how to add more detail, learn the more advanced tools of 3ds max, and most of all I need some information on textures and materials. I hope I don't sound completely inexperienced when I say this, but right now all I know how to do is drag a jpeg to a material, slap it on an object, and us a UVW Map modifier and call it done. I really need to learn more about textures, being as that seems to be a major part of making a model look as great as it can. Can anyone shares some links to some tutorials? I'm looking at 3D Motive for the annual subscription but I'm really short on cash right now. Is there a less pricey/free place that I could go to? I've learned fast so far so anything you have please share! Thanks in advance!
Replies
And sorry about the second post. Had an energy drink and my fingers were trying to find something to do. Didn't mean to be winy. :P
Also, here are some places you can take a look for getting started:
-Gnomon
-Digital Tutors
-Eat3D
-3DMotive
Digital Tutors is the place to start for newbies, they pretty much take A to Z approaches, and show really well the basics as well some nifty tips.
Gnomon mostly has old tutorials as far as 'uptodate' stuff goes, but you can still learn some pretty nifty techniques, although they specialize more in traditional art.
3DMotive is the sandwich in between, usually showing techniques proven by industry standards and vets, as well tips to help workflow.
Eat3D pretty much specializes each time they release a tutorial, but they're an intricate as you can get without breaking the bank.
I, like yourself started off at College; then as I was learning moved onto harder tutorials that challenged me and still I learnt new things.
Try not only following tutorials but reading magazines or books. 3D world is a good start - you see other peoples work, with steps on how it was made and their inspiriation, aswell as a few tutorials and free assets whether that be textures, reference materials, or models. - But its a great read; both entertaining and educational.
Hope this helps.
http://wiki.polycount.com/TextureCoordinates
And some reference characters can be found here, there's character base meshes for download
http://wiki.polycount.com/CategoryCharacterModeling