Recommendations for newbie projects

idakyne · Oct 2009

Hi Everyone,

Its my first post here on polycount so be kind

I'm looking to get into 3D art but I am a bit unsure how best to progress. I've downloaded blender and ran through enough tutorials to get a fair idea how the basics work. My problem is I don't really know what to model.

I'm basically looking for a few project ideas that are suitable for a beginner but are rewarding in their own right and hopefully will push me enough to make me better.

Thanks in advance.

p.s. if its relevant I'm a programmer by trade and am familiar with the technical background of 3d graphics, I am just attempting to become less artistically challenged

MRico · Oct 2009

You can always model a penis!

It's a lot harder than it looks.

BradMyers82 · Oct 2009

AutopsySoldier: ha ha, good one!

idakyne: For the whole model and texture experience, a lot of people do mail boxes or dumpsters.
But if you really want to challenge yourself try making a car.
Hope this helps, Good luck!

CheeseOnToast · Oct 2009

Try a small, self enclosed scene, like a prison cell. Start with the basics (walls, floors, ceilings, bars) then move on to the larger props like beds and sinks. Get some basic lighting in place, including the light source models. After that, concentrate on making smaller details that tell a story, such as laundry draped over the ends of the beds, a shelf with various small doodads belonging to the occupant, etc.

crazyfingers · Oct 2009

Make a tank, it's ambiguous and could be pretty much anything you want. That or a handgun.

DO NOT worry about making something recognizeable or kick ass. Just feel the program out, this stuff takes years to become good with. Most people you see making textured stuff and the like have been doing this stuff for over a year on PC. Best advice i can give is to have fun and keep pushing new buttons.

Good luck! It's not easy starting out

idakyne · Oct 2009

Thanks for the suggestions everyone,

I may pass on the first one though , I can imagine I may get funny looks from my wife

Jesse Moody · Oct 2009

idakyne wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone,

I may pass on the first one though , I can imagine I may get funny looks from my wife

Well only if you are sitting around on the "reference" sites for a bit too long. Other then that she might want to sit down and help you look at some and make a choice with you.

Pope Adam · Oct 2009

lulz

TheWinterLord · Oct 2009

Me and some friends started at threedys speed modeling challenge, check it out. its really helpfull for someone in your position. You get to model a bunch of different stuff and you will probably find it really motivating modeling with other like minded people.
heres a link to the current competition.
http://forums.3dtotal.com/showthread.php?t=70175

bounchfx · Oct 2009

start with simple shapes and objects you have around you. it's the best reference if you actually have the object! then work your way from there to a scene or more complicated objects.

brandoom · Oct 2009

boxes and barrel are the bread and butter of games; maybe try start with some of them. CheeseOnToast gave a good suggestion. Regardless of what you make, keep it simple.

Rhinokey · Oct 2009

or stick with programing, thats where the money is.. at least more than art

Yozora · Oct 2009

just model whatever is in your room, you'll have hands-on reference to the objects and if you model everything 1 by 1 then you can put them together to remake your room in 3d

eld · Oct 2009

There are alot of us blender users here, so if there's any issues with the program, just go to technical and we'll find you there, anything artistical you can just ask anyone at polycount.

and stick around.

ps. try out the game engine in blender

Taylor Hood · Oct 2009

This > A box. A box with something else. A basket. A sword. A gun. A vehicle. Practice, practice, practice, practice... and MORE practice.
Get 3dsmax or Maya.
Practice, practice, practice.
Only you can choose what to model. If you haven't modeled yet...model a box? Duh

Mark Dygert · Oct 2009

Try MoP's random idea generator. Refresh to get new ideas.
http://www.ldaustinart.com/paul/speedpaint.php

Or...
Michelangelo's Peita, 3 days. Go.
http://stldesignworld.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/michelangelo27s_pieta_5450_cropncleaned1.jpg

Ghostscape · Oct 2009

Pick a cool idea/scene/etc. Then work on a small portion of that (IE, if you want to do a character, do their signature jetpack or helmet or a bust. If its a scene, do one of the smaller props in it). Then if you still like the idea of the thing, work on more of it. If you aren't liking where its going, pick something else and start working on that, and come back to the idea later on if you need to do so.

Whatever you do, accept the fact that the first time you do something, you're going to fuck it up. Once you've realized where you went wrong, scrap it and start it over again.

joe gracey · Oct 2009

Vig wrote: »

Try MoP's random idea generator. Refresh to get new ideas.
http://www.ldaustinart.com/paul/speedpaint.php

Awesome link, thanks for sharing!

idakyne · Oct 2009

Wow , thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I've got loads to go on now.

I've decided to have a crack at an oil drum first of all.
I'll drop by pimping and previews when I've got something to show for myself.

That random idea generator is cool as well , might have to use that when I get a bit more proficient.

Mark Dygert · Oct 2009

For future ref, I've always thought anyone wanting a awesome post apocalyptic scene for their portfolio could easily get just about any scene from www.opacity.us and have an amazing portfolio piece.

sir-knight · Oct 2009

props... regular household objects.. pencils, books, appliances, etc.. simple stuff and small compact standalone projects.

Sean VanGorder · Oct 2009

Vig wrote: »

For future ref, I've always thought anyone wanting a awesome post apocalyptic scene for their portfolio could easily get just about any scene from www.opacity.us and have an amazing portfolio piece.

Thanks for that link Vig. Those photos are amazing. Awesome wallpapers too.

Recommendations for newbie projects

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