Author: Bob Jan 31, 2022 9 min read
3D modeling is a creative, technical, and fascinating process in one bottle. With the goal of helping others to start modeling and take a deeper look at the 3D modeling process, we have created this 3D for beginners guide.
Let’s get started step by step.
3D or 3-dimensional modeling means the process of creating animation elements that are as close to real-life as possible since they are created in three dimensions. Compared to 2D, 3D modeling is a more advanced technology that requires using more sophisticated software, along with the knowledge of anatomy, physics, and so on, depending on what is 3D modeling used for.
There are a lot of applications of 3D modeling, in addition to cinematography, cartoon production, and game development. For example, 3D modeling is used in engineering and architecture to better represent an object in as much detail as possible. It also can be used in medical modeling, for instance, to showcase how a certain pill affects cells and the human body.
But the most often-used example of 3-dimensional modeling is marketing and advertising. With the help of 3D technologies, the artists create memorable heroes, telling brand stories, showcase the way a certain product or service works, educate and entertain the viewers by creating engaging videos modern customers are fond of.
The use of 3D animation modeling is on the rise since this approach allows for creating as realistic videos as possible. But how to start modeling and how hard 3D modeling is? Honestly, the 3D modeling process is pretty complex so you have to understand 3D modeling basics first, then choose and try good 3D modeling software for beginners, and only then, come up with your first model.
Let’s move along this path step by step.
The first step in getting started modeling is making sure your hardware is powerful enough to deal with 3D modeling tasks. For beginners modeling, your computer should have a minimum of 8GB RAM, Core i5 or higher, integrated GPU or basic Graphics card, and high-speed internet.
There are also dedicated tablet PCs for 3D artists and designers. They are developed in such a way to make the process of drawing and modeling as convenient as possible.
Let’s take a quick look at 3D modeling terminology to get the first idea of how the basics of 3D modeling work.
After you have understood and memorized the main 3D modeling terms and definitions, let’s proceed with the basic 3D modeling workflow.
This stage implies thinking through the objects you want to create, following the logical sequence of a storyline. Also, at this stage, it is necessary to create a storyboard. This is a step-by-step sequence of the images that will become 3D models at one of the following stages, following each other according to the planned script.
Next, the process of 3D modeling itself begins. Using specialized software, the artists draw the objects in three dimensions with the goal of animating them at one of the following stages. At this stage, the model can be quite simple.
To put it simply, texturing means adding a 2D picture to the background of a 3D model or to the model itself you have created at the previous stage. At this step, the object gets its logical environment in case it needs it.
Next, it is necessary to balance light and shades to create as close-to-real life objects as possible.
Rigging and animation mean making the model move as it was planned and if needed. Rigging stands for the process of adding a movable skeleton to the model, since animating it becomes impossible without a rig.
The last stage of the 3D modeling process is adding after-effects and sounds to create even more vivid animation. Our artists also agree that this is the most creative part of the process which can take even more time than all the previous stages of 3D modeling.
Indeed, the list of the opportunities 3D modeling can promise can be longer. But generally, there are four essential things to create with this technology.
There are a lot of different solutions to use in the process of 3-dimensional modeling. Some of them are better suitable to learn to 3D model, while other applications come with more advanced features. Let’s review the most popular solutions to create well-designed 3D models.
There are two applications that are perfectly suitable to get started with modeling.
The process of 3D modeling is both technical and creative. So, below is the set of skills you have to master if you want to become a 3D modeler.
There are a lot of opportunities 3D modeling can promise already now. In addition to delivering well-developed and visual marketing messages, 3D modeling also prevents businesses from making costly mistakes, for example, in engineering, and architecture. The same technology helps healthcare practitioners better explain the processes taking place in a human body, in response to treatment, for example, within the framework of research and clinical trials.
The path of mastering 3D modeling is unlikely to be too easy. There are a lot of technical features to understand and software to master. However, keep in mind that the process of 3D modeling and animation is still about creativity so the best advice that can be given in this case is to enjoy what you do.
We, at Wow-How Studio, would be glad to support you with our guides, created with the support of our creative department, so discover more articles in our blog right now!