Hi...am just getting my feet wet in the 3D world and am, basically, "learning by doing." Would like to know more about programs that allow the artist to create and manipulate objects to use in programs like Bryce and Vue. I'm all ears (eyes.) THANKS!
Wen

er.....I just fiddle with stuff, and find out what happens. No real train of thought involved.

I have not looked at the Bryce manual except to look at how to make holes in stuff.

Well, it's just trial and error.

Get used to laying out basic 3D scenes. Then get used to creating boolean objects. The other thing is to seriously mess about with the textures as much as you can until you get the hang of how they work - don't just use the default textures. When you create a texture you like or a boolean shape, save it in the library so you can use it again. Don't be afraid to move the camera. The tutorials that come with the software are usually good for a basic overview. Also, there are absolutely masses of resources out there on the net - just look on a search engine.

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you - just tweak like crazy. Lateral thinking is handy too. I don't think I'm qualified to say much else.

I don't think I was clear...I'm not looking for you to tell me how to use Bryce. I'm trying to get information on PROGRAMS to use to CREATE objects that I can USE with Vue or Bryce. Sorry. Don't want you to try to explain how to use Bryce or Vue.
Wen

Right. Well, try Wings 3D.

Of course, you can create boolean objects within the 3D programs, but they're pretty basic. I've only just started using Wings. I used it to create my mushrooms and my chess piece. I'd like to create more models if I get the time.

Yep, that's the kind of info I was looking for! Thanks, Matthew...I'll look into "Wings 3D." Anybody here use POSER?
Wen

I used to use it and, along with PuMa, posted a few pieces using Poser - havent got the latest version yet though. See my Endorphinmachine images for examples of some of my Poser stuff. As far as I know Poser files can be imported into Vue scenes as well.

I use it occasionally. Poser scenes can be imported directly into Vue.

Yeah...the little I've read implies that poser is compatible with Vue. PuMa, eh, Phil?
Wen

yes - do a search for his stuff - he's very creative with his Poser work.

Hi Wendy...I just noticed this thread. Unfortunately I've never used any of those programs. Stricktly Bryce, and basic objects.....so I doubt I'd be much help!

What got me pondering this was that I wanted to put PEOPLE walking into my tunnel in my Vue image, Paradise Beckons. I looked for some ready made downloads and found some Poser people - - a whole large group of various people of different shapes and sizes - - that you can buy and realized that, if I wanted to USE such objects or MAKE them, I'd have to have a different program to fashion them the way I wanted them. Something new to learn every day, isn't there?
Wen

well if your using Vue - Poser is definitely the best option - curious labs/efrontier also run an educational pricing structure on their software - which is nice.

I'm moving in that direction, Phil...But, since, I'm really in the dark about what various programs do and don't do, I thought I'd see what those more familiar with them think. THANKS!
Wen

I've found problems with exporting hair from Poser.

um ... out of my league here .. but doesn't bryce 5.5 have something called DAZ studio

according to one guy I asked he said it was like poser but not as good

but ... most poser models look fake (to me, anyways) ... what about stock photgraphy or ... heck ... your camera has a self timer ...

I'm gonna make you a star

LOL! I appreciate your desire to make me a star, Keith! I agree that many poser models look fake. As for DAZ studio, I'll do some checking into that, now that you mention it. Don't think I can use 2D photos as objects in a 3D context ---(they don't have any "depth". <G>) Thanks to all!
Wen

I think (I could be wrong) that DAZ just make detailed figures for use in Poser...

Carerra works well and has better control then Bryce.

Well, I got Poser 6.0 today (got a nice deal on it.) One of you 3D jocks could have warned me how complicated it is. LOL!
Wen

I highly recommend the inexpensive Animation Master. It is by far the most powerful and versitile application for 3D in it's class. at about $300.00 it rivals packages 10-15 times that and it is well optimized for character work as well as for scenes and objects. It's one of the oldest 3D applicaitons around so it's got a mature interface with few if any bugs. Get it at www.hash.com. BTW I also like Caligari trueSpace, which I wrote the bible on (Amazon) and I currently use Expensive packages like 3ds Max, Houdini, Maya and Softimage. Fortunately I don't have to pay for them. But I will tell you if you will paying for this and you're not made of gold you will not ever do better than Animation Master which has a very active and helpful online community behind it as well. It is a professional tool. Go to their website and see what I mean.

Thanks, Peter! I'm on my way to Animation Master's website!
Wen