Starting Out

mintypixel · Oct 2011

Hey guys.

I've been crawling this place for about a year now, but I felt intimidated overall. I have no idea on where I should start, but I would definitely like to at least "start" and just stop surfing this forum. I've been playing video games all my life (I'm 22) and would definitely like to be part of the industry somehow.

I have no background in modeling/art so I'm very very new to this side of the video game industry.

As we speak, I am downloading 3DS Max 2012 (I'm a student, so I get it for free?) and UDK. I would like to know, what is the best place to start for someone who would like to model characters/buildings for video games? I met Ken Levine last year at PAX and he suggested I get UDK and start tinkering with that.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions (and sorry if this post is all over the place, I'm a bit nervous) ^^;

pior · Oct 2011

Pen, paper, GO!
Basics first.

ZacD · Oct 2011

The wiki is always a great place to start, http://wiki.polycount.com/

I would pick a basic project (probably not a character, something simple and boxy should be a nice starting point, avoid doing a generic dumpster or crate or anything over done, just make sure its something you can get a lot of reference pictures for), and finish it completely, get it into udk textured with materials and worthy of a screen shot.

Here's a basic guide for that, if you need any help, don't be afraid to post what issues you are having in this thread.

http://udkc.info/index.php?title=Tutorials:3Ds_Max_-_Complete_asset_creation_process

GarageBay9 · Oct 2011

Foundation art skills first.

Software after that.

If you don't understand how to draw, how color works, how form and volume and silhouette work, and composition, all the software in the world won't do you a bit of good. I made that mistake and it took me a long time to dig myself out of the hole. Trust me on this one.

MrOneTwo · Oct 2011

Yeah basics are important but if you can study basics really hard you can start learning modelling in the meantime. Simple things like mug or crate. Just to slowly learn software. Basics like form or silhouette are really important in the long run but I know people who can't draw and are great modellers. Of course don't even think of modelling characters when you are new to modelling. It all takes patience. Mostly basics and during lunch break maybe dig into max and udk. Watch Adams presentation:

http://www.polycount.com/2011/10/22/toronto-igda-talk-by-adam-bromell/

... If you didn't already ;]

DrunkShaman · Oct 2011

You said you've been here surfing over a year, what did you learn so far from this website?

There is no definitive way of learning this. You can learn the apps first, make stuff and see what you can come up with, or you can to your local art store, get a sketchbook, pencil, eraser, anatomy book and any book that is related to an introduction to the drawing style you would like to persue. Mostly, people would go with life arts tutorials.

So you can do that. And do post what you make so you can get a good feedback for it.

Geezus · Oct 2011

Welcome!

There is a new sticky that may interest you.
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89972

There is no Point A, Point, Point C path to getting into the industry, so maybe the stories in that thread will show you the different avenues people have taken. Good luck!

Sayanora · Oct 2011

GarageBay9 wrote: »

Foundation art skills first.

Software after that.

If you don't understand how to draw, how color works, how form and volume and silhouette work, and composition, all the software in the world won't do you a bit of good. I made that mistake and it took me a long time to dig myself out of the hole. Trust me on this one.

This ^ I'm still paying for that deficit ><

PolyHertz · Oct 2011

ZBrush first, everything else after that!

.
.
.

No I'm just kidding

Focus on the basics of 3D: lowpoly modeling, UV's, and texturing. The Mobile Gaming thread should be your bible starting out.

Look at games that have beautiful hand painted textures (Ex: Allods Online), and try and achieve that level of quality in your work. If you can get even half way there you'll be much better off then the vast majority of artists trying to break into the industry (and even a lot of the ones that are in it currently). Though if for some reason you feel the urge to skip the basics and jump into ZBrush/Mudbox/etc., I think Bobo_the_Seal said it best:

"it's becoming extremely easy to find good sculptors. What I look for when hiring artist is people who can texture. I'd rather take a great texture artist and teach them how to sculpt than to take a great sculptor and teach them how to texture."

Also, I noticed you mentioned UDK. I would suggest not messing with game engines for a while, at least until you can make competent 3D assets of your own instead of needing to rely on the ones built into the editors.

As for traditional mediums, don't feel like you NEED to be exceptional at them, but know that they can be a very strong foundation to build off of before delving into all the technical stuff.

Mcejn · Oct 2011

pior wrote: »

Pen, paper, GO!
Basics first.

This x 100000000

Software changes all the time, but if you have a strong traditional background then you can make shit look good, no matter the tools. There's a ridiculous amount to learn, so don't get discouraged.

Possibly the most important thing of all: ask questions.

mintypixel · Oct 2011

Thank you so much guys for your replies. I'm definitely going to get to work and will be on this forum daily. Thank you.

ErichWK · Oct 2011

Also, make a folder.. Put inspiration in it.

mediochrea · Nov 2011

Greetings, people! My story is very much similar to mintypixel's. And as I understand it, first of all I should learn the basic academic drawing, color theory and so on, in order to make myself a base of knowledge for 3D. But for me, unfortunately, art school is not an option. So I would be enormously grateful if anyone would recommend me some good literature/tutorials on the basics of drawing, anatomy, light and shading and anything else I must know. Thanks in advance!

tehrobster2 · Nov 2011

I would also recommend heading over to 3d motive and eat 3d if you have the money for there tutorials, and you can learn a lot of basic and advanced techniques from their tutorials.