2D or 3D Particle Questions

GhostDetector

I recently had an interest in particles and I was wondering. What makes a good particle? Is it motion?

I'm trying to hand draw particles but its never turning out right. I'm also looking to find out what makes a good particle in 3d to understand more about particles so I can also incorporate that knowledge into 2d.

My questions is; What makes a good particles?

LMP

Well, it really depends on the goal you're trying to achieve. Although, motion is probably the most important factor for some particles, if you can get the feeling of what you want to achieve with basic particles you can then add graphics.

passerby

more often than not, a good explosion is a mix of 2d sprites and some mesh particles, if you want to make good particles for explosions i would say learn maya ndynamics or max's fumeFX.

For styled stuff you can get away with a mix of hand drawn sprites, and some mesh particles with hand drawen stuff.

GhostDetector

LMP wrote: »

Well, it really depends on the goal you're trying to achieve. Although, motion is probably the most important factor for some particles, if you can get the feeling of what you want to achieve with basic particles you can then add graphics.

So which factors should I keep in mind when I'm drawing a particle? I'm only drawing it for concepts, rather than sending it into a game or an engine.

Are there any techniques or workflows that I can use to make nice particles? Or do I just use a round brush and draw in the particles?

passerby

the question your asking is just way to broad, it really depends on what kinda effect your are tryign to create, and what your able to accomplish shader wise

GhostDetector

@Passerby
The reason why my question is broad, is just so I can get a grasp the basics of all particles. And I'm not really asking for shaders and engine stuff, its mainly for drawing/concept art. I only mentioned 3d because FX in engines revolve around the same principles as hand drawn FX.

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Lets say I want to make ______, what should I keep in mind? (I did this so I can examine the similarities and differences between each particle)
Fire/explosions
Beams
Lightning
Smoke

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Passerby asked what kind of effect I'm trying to make. What different types are there? Out of the top of my head I can only think of dynamic (like fire) or ambient (like heat waves)

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Is there a particle resource that I can read online or something? I've been searching about particles but I can't find any resources that isn't either science stuff or fx tutorials for different software. (it doesn't elaborate on particles)

Eric Chadwick

This is kind of an empty wiki page at the moment, but the links at the bottom might help you get started.
http://wiki.polycount.net/CategorySpecialEffects