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r4bid · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2000 2:07 pm

Ok I am kinda new to the whole graphics thing. I have been working as a web designer (mostly code) for the past few years and have recently become very interested in Drawing and computer graphics. I do however have a few questions for all you geniuses out there.

1. What are some good things to draw to work on my 2d/3d skills? I can do shapes and stuff but not whole scenes yet, what would be some good stuff to start out with?

2. I am considering geting a wacom once my wallet permits, do they work in most programs or just a few? I only really need it to work in photoshop, fireworks and flash 4, anyone know if it will?

3. What wacom is good for a starter? Do I go with a small one or a big one? Do I go with one of those funky imac rip offs or the normal ones?

Thanks in advance,
Matthew Margolis

kaje · junior member Member # Joined: 08 Mar 2000 Posts: 16

First off.. for your first 3d scene try and do something that uses easy shapes.. like a city.. or a building.. whatever.. an energy kind of core in a science research lab.

Second.. a wacom works in all programs.. you can even use it as your pointer in windows if you so choose.. open apps etc..

Thirdly get a 6x8 Intuos Wacom.. not too small.. not too big.. and a nice board that will last you a while.

kaje

Eudoxus · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2000 8:55 pm

Hmmm... all the stuff Kaje said plus more.

1) To be good at CGI, you need to have a solid foundation that is: paper and pencil drawing, and some idea of tone and colour.

2) I strongly recommend Wacom Graphic Tablet, the 6x8 Intuos is a very good size. You will never regret buying quality.

3) If you can, go get yourself a few good Art books, and do some Night courses on the various traditional art forms. They will do you a world of good.

Cheers!

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"Art is self-expression, a reflection of ones's soul communicated outward."

pete · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2000 9:04 pm

Learn how to rap first off.

Second, having ANY natural drawing ability would help greatly, I haven't seen many go too far without some kind of natural talent. Do you ever doodle or draw freehand?

If you can do shapes and stuff, you can do scenes... scenes are just a bunch of shapes put together

I'd take Euxodus's advice and pick up a book or two for some pointers... good luck!

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-pete
(walletface) http://www.eccentrix.com/artist/pete

HariKari · junior member Member # Joined: 03 Apr 2000 Posts: 14

I'm not a very good artist. I can't help you much, but a suggestion would be to look up some sites on the 'net. I'm sure there's a lot of art sites with tutorials (such as the one Dhabih has).

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HariKari http://hk.tf2flak.com

Nex · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2000 1:26 pm

According to modelling I would recommend 3dsmax. Its not that hard to get into it and if I can manage to understand the basics you can do so too.

For rendering purposes I cannot however recommend the 3dsmax standard renderer. It has some quirks and is inferior to most other renderers like lightwave.

If you want 3dsmax however its possible to buy another plug-in raytracing renderer to replace the standard scanline renderer.

try it, its quite cool... after some time..

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- Nex

http://www.geocities.com/nexxus00/

chumps · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2000 2:48 pm

"Second, having ANY natural drawing ability would help greatly, I haven't seen many go too far without some kind of natural talent. Do you ever doodle or draw freehand?"

I COMPLETELY disagree with that statement. art is a skill like any other, and like any skill some people have innate talents but by no means is it a god-given thing.

as for tips. Just try and draw from observation. Even though it is hard that's really the best way to get started. I can get more specific if you wish

.

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Stroke my ego.

pete · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2000 2:54 pm

You don't agree that it'd help greatly? Cause that's what I said...

Ribbons!

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-pete
(walletface) http://www.eccentrix.com/artist/pete

chumps · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2000 9:03 pm

"I haven't seen many go too far without some kind of natural talent."

I disagree with that. Arr let's not get into semantics, you know what I mean

.

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Stroke my ego.

r4bid · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2000 11:57 pm

thanks for your suggestions and information guys (and girls). I do indead draw quite a bit in my spare time but just little scribbles, nothing big. I find it really cool that a wacom works many more programs than I thought (now I am definintly getting one) and thanks for the size suggestions

But now I have a few more questions.

1. What are some good books that you would suggest? I have done some quick looking around and have found compleat junk.

2. Shading is not my best skill, are there any tutorials you guys know about or good sources that could point me in the right direction? I know it takes a lot of practice but I am one of those people who cant wait for things...

3. I am looking into buying a 3d modeler, what would you guys recomend? Price isn't really a big issue here. I have fooled around in infini-d before but from what I hear and know, that program is lacking a little.