Yeah, that was pretty impressive.


Oh, don't be so modest! Everything you've shown has been outstanding.

A very interesting story you got there. ^_^

Hah! Nice one!

I actually have quite a bit of experience with SolidWorks. Most of my models were originally created in that program and converted into a format that is importable into 3D Max. I didn't mention it because I've had to draw a mental line between modeling software for modding and engineering. While SolidWorks can make beautifully detailed models, converting them turns them into poly heavy monsters. Optimizing them down to a respectable poly count makes them look horrible 90% of the time. So its really not a good program to use for modeling content for mods unless you don't mind spending hours manually optimizing the models. But I guess I should have mentioned my training in mechanical design. It's not really intended to be art, but I guess some people might consider it in the same class these days due to the results the software can produce.

I've a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. I'm currently working as an artist at an antique furniture business. Right now in my free time I'm fiddling around with 3D max because I really want to contribute to this wonderful community. If I ever do anything it would be unique furniture for all the races of MW. Like Imperial furniture, Telvanni pod-like furniture, Arabasque-like Rendoran furniture, etc. But I wonder if i ever get the time. I need to learn a whole laundry list of software like, Nifskope, 3d max/blender, PhotoShop and what not. Here's a pic of a real life furniture decorated by me:


http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4604/p7120019original.jpg

Did you paint that?

If it's worth anything, I can vouch that art education does not mean you'll be able to model or texture. I took all but 1 course available in high school (I took at least art in 6 or 7 of my 8 semesters, with 2 courses in at least one of the semesters, everything but AP). I can sketch, draw and paint a bit, but not texture.

The training of looking at things as light/shadow/colors is definitely valuable. I'd say that's made up for the time and effort alone, just because of how often I use it day-to-day. Being able to place things nicely without cluttering a mod is also a nice skill to have...

Yeah I did. The painted decoration. Is a very laborious work. A little over a month work. The main artwork is in relief.

4 years of art in high school. One half of a semester in collage. I've done oil painting and so on over the years. Every so often I'll get the texture making bug. But I'm far to lazy to ever take it seriously.

Some of my greatest work as of yet. http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/846/mansdesireforpeace.jpg

All I've done is a couple of years of high school art classes. :shrug: Although I will admit that it has helped me with modding.


:dead:

I attended art school over 20 years ago with a view to specialising in illustration, though my passion was oil painting and sculpture. I then worked as an archaeological illustrator for a number of years before turning to nursing and giving up on art.

When it comes to 3d computer art I'm self taught but I must say that past teachings helped. My previous experience with sculpting proved the greatest help though translating ideas to a pseudo 3d form remains frustrating as you cannot physically grasp and feel the object.

Don't you know art degrees are useless?

Honestly, if you don't have an eye for it to begin with and aren't willing to practice, no amount of art classes is going to help.

The point of the poll was to find out, whether having art classes helped modelers and other modders. It helped for few and that is just as I thought. Art degrees are not useless, I don't seem to get it, why you said that. <_<

I was (mostly) joking.

Oh, sorries, didn't catch it. ^_^ As it is sometimes hard to understand sarcasm over the internet.

Lets see I did Art at GCSE, started an Art A-level but then dropped it in favour of my other subjects. Ended up going back to college to do a BTEC in Graphic Design which included an AS Level 2 in Photography. Then I went on to do a BA Honours Degree in Information Illustration (Technical Illustartion).

On my courses I used Photoshop, Illustrator, Form Z and Lightwave and some other programs. I taught myself 3DS Max after learning to use Milkshape, but before I used Form Z and Lightwave. I also have A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Computer Programing.

My current job has me using Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and 3D Studio Max.

I think all of my experiences being taught, self taught and my job have helped me with my modding, I'm not a really great artist, more of a Jack of all Trades, but I'm still learning.

Sy

LOL!

For those who might think art school may not be of any use. Well, it does. Art school is not about creating an artist, it's about refining the artist. The reason why I went to art school is not to be an artist(you are born with that or not) but to get professional guidance and above all a DIPLOMA. It's hard to get a professional job at a company or/and get a good salary without a degree. I'm learning very fast in 3d max because I have a good traditional art foundation. There is a game company call Pyro studios which are the creators of the classic great RTS hit title Commandos. The founder of the company said something interesting in that he would rather hire traditional artist with no knowledge of CG and teach them how to do it than CG people who are not artists. To teach someone CG is easy but to teach someone to be an artist is near impossible.

I can imagine. Having to hand paint all of those small details would drive me nuts, which is why I prefer digital art, copy/past FTW. Looks rather authentic to me, though I am not very familiar with antiques so..... :shrug:




That was pretty much what I was attempting to say. I know a lot of game companies, when looking for artists, usually add "traditional background is a big plus."

Anyway, if you need any help with max or photoshop shoot me a line.

Lol, yes. Painting all that detail is time consuming and a pain in the butt sometimes but when you love what you do is worth it. I don't know exactly what you mean about 'authentic".
This chest of drawers is painted in the traditional style of Chinese lacquer. I'm pretty sure you are familiar with Chinese screens in some home decor. That kind of artwork is what I do and more. The composition and details are all done from my own ideas but following, in this case, the Chinese and European tradition of oriental art. Now, what I'm doing in my meager understanding of computer graphics is to design motifs/patterns in software like Corel: Painter and Illustrator. Print my designs and copy them in pencil and what not to the furniture, for example. I guess I'm going high tech in this traditional art form:)

Thank you for wanting to lend me a hand in 3D max and PhotoShop. People will always need help in these kind of stuff. Which version of 3d max do you have?

I mean authentic as in it looks like it belongs, like that is what it could have looked like originally, or something like that haha.

I have max 2010 and Photoshop cs5.

I have Max 2010 but I have PS cs4. I don't know about you but one thing I'm finding very complex much more than 3d modeling is the whole UV unwrapping process. So far, the YouTubes vids of UV unwrapping tuts are bit complex. And the simple tuts leaves much to be desire. I wonder if there's a simple but complete tutorial of how to do UV unwrapping.

Yes, but most places aren't looking for people with ART degrees. It's not exactly a profitable field.

You probably wouldn't make much, if any, more as an entry level artist in a game company with a traditional art degree, that depends on what they hire you to do though. Not all companies have the same structure. However your chances of getting the job would probably be significantly higher if you have a strong traditional background. EDIT: especially if yoo are applying as a concept artist.


Anyway....

Lorca, I will send you a PM.

Maybe, if the few thousand other applicants applying to (insert large company here) don't also have the exact same degree. Artists are a dime a dozen these days.

Wrong. If you have an art degree in your resume(among others)you'll get a higher salary at Pixar, for example, than someone who doesn't. In the world of Art and Design fields you get incentives for having art degrees. That doesn't mean that an artist with an art degree is better than the one without it. I met wonderful talented artists at work, better than those with degrees but in the real world if you have a degree you are a the top of the salary change.