Thoughts on Wings video course

[lovisx]

cover all the tools in detail, because everything in wings serves an important purpose.

[Fro Lee]

Wings3d Course:
If I were doing a crash course in wings I would start with teaching the principles of of 3d modelling as based on traditional sculpting. (Really basic things such as volume, form, contour, etc). Then I would move to teach basic modelling principles such controlling detail and volume with edge-loops and polygon rings. This would provide viewers with a decent understanding of modelling as a whole - like a foundation for future learning.

Then, I would move on to the wings 3d specific tools - tweak, bevel, bridge, virtual mirror, keyboard shortcuts, etc. … using analogies that relate to traditional methods. Then I would focus on the workflow enhancements that wings offers over other programs - temporary highlights, moving the camera during a command and then continuing the command, finishing a command with a shortcut for another command (like an extrusion to a move command), vectors, magnets, etc …

Then I would do a compare & contrast of wings vs. other programs in capabilities vs. price - and let the "wings kicks arse" conclusion to be made by the viewer.

As for video content, I remember seeing the videos on ggalien's training DVD and they were pretty impressive.

- Fro.

[markyjerky]

I added a new one to the DVD Fro-Lee.

I will try to upgrade the potential DVD ... with each donation made to the www.ggaliens.com (http://www.ggaliens.com) forum. I had a buddy make a very small but appreciated donation ... and in return I said I'd upgrade the DVD. It was well worth it ... as I'm immersed now in a fun new model.

The Latest Killer Clown WIP of mine has been added to the DVD. Which is of course still available for next to nothing. I'm to the point where I have to boot some older videos off the DVD which is CHOCK-FULL now. I guess I have to experiment with long playing lower data rate DVDs next to fit more on. I don't want to sacrifice too much video quaility though.

[Lostalcarion]

I'm very much a noob to 3D I always feel as if I am missing some basic concepts that keep me from modelling detailed models I see other people here modelling. Perhaps if the DVD showed some tips and tricks for making certain shapes and went through the modelling of some basic models (i.e. a steering wheel) to some more complex (like an airplane) and finally to something like a face, that would be very helpful.
UV itself, despire tutorials I've read, still does not work out for me and so if there was a tutorial on UV unwrapping and then just throwing on a two-minute texture and placing it on the model, that would help tremendously.
Also, if it could include sections on how certain rendering programs interact with Wings and show some sample renders, that would be extremely helpful.

[Fro Lee]

Yeah, I have been at that stage too - the one where you know how to use all the tools well but still cannot seem to make detailed meshes like the pros.

I would say that having a traditional background (drawing, sculpture) helps tremendously - as well as knowing basic anatomy. It always help to draw your character out/use a reference as an image plane in the viewport.

The basic concepts as they relate to 3d are edge-loops. Put edge-loops around superficial muscles or bone masses your character. That way, you isolate volume and can later proceed to add detail only where you need it - plus it keeps your mesh light.

Sites to visit in terms of concepts are:

http://maxrovat.sns.hu/subdiv/

http://cube.phlatt.net/home/spiraloid/tutorial/index.html

and for a working demonstration:
http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/joanofarc/joanmenu.asp

-Fro

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