Published on March 26, 2008
in 3D.
The Digital Arts Technology Training Institute has registered on the Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community networking site. This website community will allow our students to connect with students and faculty in dozens of countries in order to share interests and get inspired.
Students will be able to:
- Download free Autodesk software
- Take self-paced tutorials
- Show off projects
- Learn from experts
- Explore industry careers
Registered users will also have access to question and answer forums, job postings, tips and tricks, a magazine archive, an extensive article database and a resource link repository.
Currently, the community has a Student Design Challenge running with several prize packs including:
- Xbox 360 Game Console
- Full version of Maya® 2008
- Profile on Autodesk.com and in the online Autodesk Student Magazine
- $200 (USD) Visa Gift Card* (or local currency equivalent)
- Grand Prize Winning designer awarded a contract with Disruptive Media Publishers, the leading independent publisher of gamer themes on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace
Students are invited to check their email for an invitation link from their instructor that will allow them to join our school in this community.
Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community –>
Published on March 12, 2008
in 3D.
I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I just came across a great behind-the-scenes post on Autodesk’s website about how their 3dstudio Max software was used to create the game art, and I couldn’t help but post it. It’s an extremely beautiful game, and this post details visually how a combination of simple geometry, displacement maps, normal maps, specular maps and diffuse maps create the look.
Assassin’s Creed Artwork –>
Published on March 10, 2008
in 3D.
This is just the niftiest thing! You can click and drag on the simulated cloth and it will bounce back with elasticity, and turn on an external force in the form of a fan. Fascinating and a little addictive.
Cloth Physics Simulator –> [via notcot]
OK, I really need to tout our own wares here. Our NEW 3D Game Artist program will give you all the skills necessary to apply for a job such as 3D Background Artist, 3D Artist, or Environment Artist.
The course materials are based on the requirements listed in actual employment ads for these jobs from companies such as Bioware, Blizzard Entertainment, and the Walt Disney Company.
You’ll be learning about the Game Industry, 3D Modeling for Games using Autodesk 3dstudio Max 2008 (including low-poly and subdivision theory), UV Mapping, Game Textures using Adobe Photoshop (including visual effects), ZBrush by Pixologic, Normal Mapping & Texture Baking, how to import your 3D assets into a game engine, and how to set up and display your work in an online portfolio for employers.
The program is in development and we expect it to be enrollable in the spring of 2008.
*Pending Department of Education Approval.
Sign up to be notified when the 3D Game Artist Diploma Program launches! –>
Published on January 28, 2008
in 3D.
I don’t usually link to our admissions website – it seems narcissistic, somehow, especially with the link quite evident in the sidebar there. However, Evan and I recently completed this Behind the Scenes photo essay. I had a quick concept for a character, and Evan put in the man-hours to flesh out the concept, then model, texture and rig him using 3ds max and ZBrush. (ZBrush isn’t yet offered in our programs, but we expect it to be added this summer.)
After the model was rigged up, I posed him and created a print ad, and Evan did up some Flash animations. There are some longer animations which will be available on our website at a later date, as well.
The photo essay takes you through all the steps, and gives a pretty good impression of the work (and fun!) involved in creating a 3D character from scratch.
Behind the Scenes with DArTT –>
Published on January 3, 2008
in 3D.
I’m not sure how I didn’t know this project existed until yesterday, but here it is.
The Sphere Project is a website dedicated to the evolution of technical and creative 3D sphere design. The purpose is simple; to create the most captivating and visually appealing sphere from our provided scene using your 3D program and renderer of choice.
I wanted to give our 3D students some inspiration, so the examples above were created using 3dsmax and Photoshop; the first two are very highly rated, and the third is from the middle of the pack. Each of these are possible with the skills you’re learning! A lot of the realistic CG images you see look so realistic because of the lighting, so make sure to practice, practice, practice!
CGSphere –> [via notcot.org]
Published on December 14, 2007
in 3D.
This incredible piece of CG work was created for no reason other than to make a piece of art, which is one of my favourite reasons. Excellent look into the making of this 3D image, and the artist behind-the-scenes.
Making Of: The Door To… –>
Published on November 14, 2007
in 3D.
I like to troll through the CGSociety’s forums and selected artists to find nifty art and those who create it. I’ve recently found Blaizer, an exceptionally talented illustrator, texture artist and modeller. There’s an excellent portfolio with a lot of progress + beauty renders that give you an idea of the artist’s workflow (as well as skill).
Just go take a look, you won’t regret it!
Blaizer –> [via CGSociety]
Published on November 8, 2007
in 3D.
I cannot get enough of progress articles! I love seeing the steps an artist takes to get to the final product. CGSociety had a great one last month from Jonas Persson, a student in Stockholm.
Portrait of a Troll –>
Published on September 24, 2007
in 3D.
Utterly breathtaking animation by EB Hu. Serene and majestic, with a bit of a heartbreak at the end.
Josie’s LalaLand by EB Hu –> [via NotCot]