Modeling techniques
 

Hey,

I'm reasonably new to Lightwave, and been tinkering on and off with 3D for 2 years. I come from a background of trueSpace, you can see my work at Second Ave. Project .

I can do reasonably well with primitives, texturin, but was looking for advancing my knowledge. I haven't been able to find great tutorials on more advanced techniques. I have some questions about terms and other things I've seen around but can't find an explaination of (just "How to use", Google hasn't turned up too many sites with descriptions.).

1. Where can I find some very good tutorials on Spline modeling? I found one that looks real good at ap3d.com, but I'd like more than 1.

2. What are edge loops? How are they implemented? (Again a tutorial would be great) I see the term mostly in reference to modeling humans, but do they have other uses. While I'm at at, what exactly are they used for in human models?

Thanx in adv.

Hello Big Bad

I´m reasonably new to Lightwave too, and tinkering on and off with 3D for about one year.

As per your spline modelling tutorials request I´ll have that one in mind next time I go in search of tutorials, however when you asked about edge loops it rang a bell, I suggest you check out the following link:

http://cube.phlatt.net/home/spiraloi.../modeling.html

Hope it helps,

Hello!!! For spline based modeling have you checked out our very own Modeling tutes? Philip seems to be the master spline modeler...Nail also rocks ( check out his USS defiant model) these guys can teach you just about anything you want to know about spline modeling... I know!, I used to be a poly model kind of guy... but now I'm using splines like crazy!...( not very well of course but there is always room for improvement.... in my case.....alot of improvement!)
Good luck!!!:D

...

im VERY new to LW, been using 3d for a few years. Mostly Poser and Bryce. But what are splines? and spline modeling?


Okay you can laugh at me now.

Websters dictionary has spline down as:

'a flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines'

in the context of Lightwave, a spline is a mathematical curve that fits smoothly through a set of control points. The points control the overall shape of the curve, and also how tight any 'corners' are in the curve.

Spline modelling is the process of creating a 3D model by making a cage from a series of connected spline curves to get the overall shape of the model. These splines are then used as the 'anchors' for guiding the polygons you will create in the voids between them.

Hope this helps...

Mark

Can I add this into the Lightwave Questions and Answers Thread?
-Credit´s yours, I just want to start filling it up, and this seems like the perfect chance-

Regards,

Well said Mark!

Y'know Mark... what you said was the first thing that popped into my head too!

Cheers guys.

Adldesigner: Sure you can add this to the Q+A thread. No problem.

Thanks Mate

I also have a free spline modeling tutorial on my site at:

at the bottom of the page



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Johnny9ball Moderator

hey!!! you poaching our guys?? :D

nice tut splinegod

LOL, its a very simple tut but gets the point across. :)

Try out Philips Mclaren its great for learning some spline skills. 9 out of 10 dentists recommend it.

http://www.simplylightwave.com/vip.shtml?tut=510

I can definitely help! It sounds like you've got a good foundation in Lightwave with primitives and texturing, but want to take your modeling skills to the next level. Especially coming from trueSpace, it can be frustrating when tutorials focus on "how to" without explaining the "why." I hear you on the lack of in-depth explanations. Let's see if we can find some resources to buy research papers here on spline modeling and edge loops together. While edge loops are commonly used in character modeling, they're valuable for creating smooth, clean geometry across many object types.