work/ 3d
Take control of the third dimension
Apr 8, 2022
Take control of the third dimension: A guide to get started in 3D design
Discovering my passion for the 3D world.
Ever since I saw Pixar's Toy Story and the Barbie movies of the early 2000s, I was fascinated by the ability to create compelling and realistic elements in motion, with light, shadow and depth. The interplay between movement, shape and colors left me in awe.
As I grew older, I developed a great taste for photography and creating flat lay compositions, where I could plate objects in a visually appealing way and achieve harmony in their arrangement. I would create still lifes with colors and elements that, although they had no conceptual relationship, were attractive to the eye. He began creating these compositions with real objects he had on hand, then photographed them and finally painted them to recreate them. However, it was at this point that the world of 3D design crossed my path again.
Exploring Behance, I discovered Peter Tarka, who has become one of my biggest influences in this field. Peter is recognized worldwide for his incredible scenes and visual compositions that combine abstract and surreal elements with a modern and vibrant style.
3D design as a key element in the present and future of design.
3D design definitely plays a major role in the present and future of design. As technology advances and 3D rendering and modeling capabilities become more accessible, its impact in various industries continues to grow. Its ability to create realistic visualizations, customize designs, optimize production and its synergy with emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality make it a powerful tool for creativity and innovation in various industries. As technology advances, 3D design is likely to continue to play a pivotal role in the evolution of design.
Because of this, I decided to embark on a master's degree in 3D design to learn and get closer to this tool. At first, I expected to dive right into design and start creating right away (yes, very bogged down). However, the first few classes took me down a different path. I learned that before designing, it is essential to fully understand what you want to create and study it in the real world. Study its physics, its composition, know how it is made, what is created first, etc. I found this very interesting (and challenging) as it gave me a different look and approach to the creative process. Approach with caution, pause and planning (which is something I will certainly apply at every creative level). I should also clarify that I am not an expert at all and I am just starting down this path, but here I share some tips that have helped me overcome fear, get out of the comfort zone and just start:
1. Observe your surroundings:
Before diving into design, just like in the movie "Surf's Up" (2007), where they teach the penguin protagonist to create and carve his own surfboard before launching out and surfing, it is crucial to observe, study and understand how objects are constructed in the real world. I learned that all objects (such as a simple table) have details on their edges that are known as "chamfer" or "fillet", which are smooth transitions between two sides of an object. Nothing is completely flat due to the materials used in their construction, and they are elements that give realism to your designs.
To create a glass tumbler, the main materials need to be fused together in a kiln to obtain molten glass, which is then shaped using blowing or pressing techniques. After shaping, the glass is gradually cooled in an annealing furnace. The same happens with a cup, which is directly connected to the handle. This is the same way you should start building objects when designing. Although these tasks may seem boring at first when we just want to start designing, they are fundamental learning for any type of design: knowing and looking closely at what you want to design, understanding your target audience and familiarizing yourself with the market.
2. Learn the language:
The second and fundamental thing is to understand that each 3D design software has its own language. In my case, I started with Blender and studied several tutorials, especially the following:
Blender Guru - or also called "Donut guy's", is one of the most user-friendly resources for learning Blender. It offers detailed step by step tutorials, tips, tricks to start from 0. The good thing about their tutorials is that even though it is a very simple object, it covers many aspects that will be useful for the future.
CG Cookie - which provides step-by-step tutorials on modeling, animation, visual effects and more in Blender. Their explanations are clear and easy to follow.
Ducky 3d - this one is more advanced but explains very well the whole process of animation, texturing and movement. His designs are very creative and abstract.
Studying the tool was a great help to know its limits and possibilities, and allowed me to explore and take full advantage of it. The most important thing was to become familiar with it and **lose my fear of the wide range of elements and functions it offers.
3. Suitable equipment:
For best results in 3D design, it is advisable to have compatible equipment. When rendering or creating an image from a 3D model, different memory capacities are required on your computer. It is important to have a sufficient amount of RAM and a powerful graphics card to handle the rendering workload. In addition, it is advisable to use a mouse, as many keyboard shortcuts are necessary in this type of software. Consider investing in a computer with good technical specifications to suit your needs. When dealing with 3D design, it is important to be prepared with the right equipment to get the best possible results and not take ages to create an image or animation from your designs.
4. Have fun and explore:
You're ready to dive into exploration! After you've studied and prepared, it's time to enjoy and experiment with the tool. The best way to learn is to use the software regularly, as practice makes perfect. Playing and experimenting with the endless possibilities offered by the software is the most exciting thing to do. A recommended exercise is to choose an object you have at home, such as a cup, a lamp or a glass, and try to recreate it without following a tutorial. This will allow you to develop your creativity and gain confidence in your skills.
5. Release the result:
It's time to let go of the result and immerse yourself in the joy of the creative process. As you delve into the world of 3D design, it's important to remember that not everything has to be perfect or turn out exactly as you expected. Allow yourself to experiment, play and explore without fear of making mistakes, letting go of your own expectations (this is one of the things I found most difficult). Sometimes, unexpected results can lead to surprising discoveries and open new creative doors.
Enjoying every step of the process, from idea conception to materialization and rendering allows you to immerse yourself in the fun and excitement of creating shapes, textures and compositions in digital space. Don't worry if something doesn't turn out exactly as you had in mind; instead, use every attempt as an opportunity for learning and growth.
