From the libretto to advice on the choice of PCs and software, as well as the timeliness of entering the field of 3D modeling.
Mankind has long been on its way from the material world to the digital one, and the hype around the metaverse only showed the obviousness of the trend. It is not surprising that 3D modeling is becoming more popular – someone has to create objects of the new reality! But 3D modeling is not only about virtual worlds, the scope of its application is even wider and more fascinating.
A primer on 3D modeling
3D modeling is a section of computer graphics devoted to the creation of three-dimensional visual objects with the help of specialized software. In simple words, three-dimensional pictures are made in special programs.
What is it for?
The entertainment industry.3D modeling is used in films, to create animations and video games. And, of course, what can you do without it in the meta-villages?
Modern 3D graphics are difficult to distinguish from photos, so you can use it to create a spectacular presentation of projects for clients, partners and investors. For example, it is used to visualize buildings and interiors, to model the results of plastic surgery.
Production
Parts, jewelry, and even medical prosthetics all to be embodied in the real world can be modeled and then printed on a 3D printer or produced on another device.
The approaches are so different that a specialist in modeling characters for games, may never open a single CAD program (computer-aided design system). Although we are talking about the same 3D modeling.
Polygonal modeling
The essence of the method is that models are created with polygons of surfaces defined by points. The points can be moved, thereby shaping the model based on appearance and intuition. This is more of a creative work, there is often no reference to real units of measurement.
Polygons
The process of creating a simple 3D model using polygonal modeling:
The method is often used if the object being modeled will not extend beyond the screen, that is, it will not be recreated in the real world. Thus, for example, game and cartoon characters are created;
Creating high-precision virtual objects with this method is difficult, because the process is more like modeling from plasticine, but on the computer. But it can also be used to design things for which high accuracy and observance of dimensions are not important in production.
Modeling in CAD
CAD or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, where models are specified by formulas rather than polygons. This makes it possible to achieve accuracy to fractions of a millimeter, so the method is widely used to design models that will not only go beyond the screen, but also go into mass production. For example, to create models of parts to be cast in a factory, cars, engines, buildings, furniture, and airplanes.
The modeling process looks like this:
If you compare this method with polygonal modeling, the difference is about the same as with raster and vector graphics. Even extremely high-polygonal model (with so many ribs that the most powerful computer hangs when trying to display it), will have irregularities when approaching, while in CAD any surface is perfectly smooth.
This method is also good that the models are set with the parameters, so at any time you can adjust the necessary indicators (for example, change the height of the object or the diameter of the hole) and the whole model will be rebuilt. But it is extremely impractical to create complex organic models with it, so designing a perfectly smooth game character would take an unreasonably long time.
What does it take to start creating 3D models?
The main thing is a genuine interest and inspiration for the idea. The very first step can even be downloading an application for 3D modeling on your smartphone just to see if you like creating three-dimensional figures on your device. On Android you can install 3D Designer (the rating is not very good, but you can understand something, discounting the raw version), and on iOS will go and more serious CAD application Sharp: 3D modeling CAD.
Knowledge and skills
To start polygonal modeling, you don’t need any specific knowledge other than the ability to use a computer. A useful, but not necessary skill for the sculpting stage (a method of modeling when the character is molded as if from clay) will be the ability to draw by hand. An understanding of surface topology, material properties and manufacturing technology will be a big plus to start productive work in CAD. Therefore, specialized education and design skills will be very helpful.
What computer is suitable for 3D modeling
The choice of hardware will depend on the complexity of the projects you will be working on. So high-polygonal modeling and work in CAD will require more computer power.
Low, medium and high-polygonal face models
The minimum characteristics for 3D modeling without heavy brakes, taking into account the requirements of most programs are as follows:
- Full HD screen 1920×1080;
- Processor 4 cores from 3 GHz;
- 8GB RAM (remember, 4×4 is faster than 2x8GB);
- 4GB video card with OpenGL 4.3 support;
- Free disk space of 50 GB – here with a reserve, but it is desirable to have as much free space as possible, because a lot of memory will occupy plugins, sets of materials, textures and the projects themselves).
Of course, the more the better. Here’s an example of a top-of-the-line build to make everything fly on any project:
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor. It is ideal for 3D modeling by the number of cores (16) and threads (32);
- 32 GB of RAM (Patriot Viper Steel 2×16 GB);
- 12GB NVidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics card;
- MSI MPG B550 GAMING CARBON WIFI motherboard;
- SSD Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB and HDD Seagate Backup Plus Hub;
- Deepcool DQ850 power supply;
- MSI MAG CORE LIQUID 360R cooling system;
- Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 RGB case.
But the cost of such an assembly is about С$3700.
Of course, you can afford a great build that will be nice to work on for most projects, for at least half the cost.
For example, it might look like this:
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor;
- 32 GB RAM (Corsair Vengeance LPX 2×16 GB);
- GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card;
- GIGABYTE X570 GAMING X motherboard;
- Samsung 970 PRO SSD drive;
- Corsair CX550 power supply;
- AMD Wraith Prism cooling system;
- Phanteks Full Tower Case ATX.
The main thing is, if you want to save money, don’t take pre-made assemblies. There is a high probability that you will overpay or get a raw part in such kit.
It is better to ask for help from a friend who knows about hardware, ask a specialized company for individual assembling, or better yet, try to figure it out for yourself. Digy Zem talks in detail about the nuances and pitfalls of selecting the hardware for 3D modeling on his Youtube channel:
And yes, you can model on a laptop too, as long as it meets the minimum software requirements.
Which graphics tablet is suitable for 3D modeling
For normal 3D modeling, a mouse and keyboard will suffice. But if you plan to do sculpting, you need to invest the budget to buy a tablet as well. The WACOM Intuos S, which costs about C$160, will be enough for a beginner 3D modeler.
Is it worth it?
According to Statista, the global market for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) will reach $30.7 billion in 2021, and by 2024 will approach $300 billion. That is, over 4 years will grow by 10 times, which will clearly lead to an increase in demand for specialists in 3D-modeling.
Designing virtual worlds is a real challenge of the near future. In addition, 3D-modellers will be steadily in demand in industry, while the number of areas of application of the specialty is only growing. Therefore, if you as a child dreamed of creating spaceships, you are close to it.
If you go back to Earth, there are already 643 job openings on HeadHunter for 3D modelling. On average salaries start at 70 thousand rubles and reach 300 thousand rubles, for example for Lead 3D Artist and Motion Designer 2D/3D positions. Specialists are required in a variety of areas and for a variety of tasks: from the creation of game characters and jewelry models in ZBRUSH, furniture design in AutoCAD to modeling the results of treatment in dentistry, as a supplement to the main specialty of the doctor.
So it’s not uncommon for programmers, realizing the potential of the industry, to change into 3D modelers. So if you feel the urge to work with visuals, you should definitely try your hand at this field.
Where to Start Learning 3D Modeling
It is very simple to download software for modeling and start working on interesting projects that will add to your portfolio.
It is often recommended to start with mastering Blender, because it is free, does not take up much memory and there are many tutorials on it. But it’s better to download and feel a lot of programs, and choose the one that you like most and that fits your needs. The 10 most popular programs for 3D modeling can help you make up your mind.
When you have chosen a program, you can begin a detailed study of the interfaces, modeling techniques, texturing, and general immersion in specialty programs, using all kinds of courses, articles and books. And do not forget that watching a video about modeling becomes learning only after the material is applied in practice.
If you do not have time to gather knowledge by the grain, then you may be interested in the Faculty of 3D modeling and visualization. In 12 months you will work in all popular programs, learn basic and professional tools, and make 10 works for your portfolio and get a job guarantee.