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Friday, June 10, 2011

Blender updates

I've just found an amazing modifier in blender 2.5. It was probably here for  many versions. I just found it today though. The bevel modifier.

It adds subtle creases to your mesh, and makes it look more detailed without you having to model in the curves. It is much better for softening hard edges than the subdivide modifier or smooth modifier.

Hopefully I will be able to post images of this mesh after the game comes out.


-MNR

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

3d Modelling and Texturing

It is difficult in Blender 2.5. Heck, it was difficult in blender 2.49.

Blender is a great 3d modelling program. Yeah, 2.5 looks much more sleek and professional, but why did they take the spacebar menu from us? Now I have to click and point. Spacebar brings up file menu items, not mesh objects and options. I kinda liked that.

I learned quite a few things in the past two weeks. I am out of college for the summer, and working at Deadmans Productions as a game artist.  I am learning a lot about how an artist works, and I have learned how to pace myself. I am not sure if I am allowed to show previews or anything, since the projects are under wraps.

But we have one new app coming out soon, and I am working on another one that should be coming out in a few weeks. Tight deadline.

I just did some weird UV stuff. By weird UV stuff, I mean I unwrapped a mesh and gave it an image with an alpha channel. But now the outside is invisible and the inside is the wrong texture. Oh blender. You can be so tricky and finicky.

But having to model things, mockups and finished structures has really helped me to streamline my 3d and sketching skills. I know how to move the 3d cursor back to the origin of the map, to parent objects and to make new objects, to join objects, what blender wants to see when you want to make a UV object, and lots more. How fun.
I'm pretty grateful that I get to work in the industry so soon.

Ugh. I'm having trouble adjusting to the new schedule though. I'm tired all the time.