Datasheet

low-resolution model of a character (one that uses few polygonal faces) can easily be
placed in wide shots, and a more detailed, higher-resolution model can be used in
close-ups.
Architectural and Environmental Modeling
3ds Max is a natural tool for architectural and environmental modeling. In fact, architects
and engineers use it to model and render designs for previsualizing. This type of modeling
includes the generation of backgrounds for sets and environments. To do this, you model
any buildings or interiors, as well as mountains and other required scenery, such as trees,
roads, lampposts, and mailboxes.
Do not create overly detailed environments when they are far off in the background.
The biggest common mistake new CG practitioners make is over-creating detail. Doing
this adds more geometry to a scene, creates inefficiency, and can crash a scene. The more
geometry that is used in a scene, the more slowly the computer will run and the more time
you will need to render the scene.
You can create a good deal of the environment using clever textures on simple geometry.
Detailed maps on bare surfaces are used frequently for game environments.
Props Modeling
A prop is any object in a scene that is actively used by a character in his or her action.
Props are useful to the narrative of the story. They help the characters’ actions. A prop
can be anything from a baseball bat that a character is swinging to a purse that a character
is carrying.
Any objects not used by the characters as props are called scenics, as they are often used
to add realism to the set by “setting the scene.” Think about it. If your scene takes place in
front of a desk, that desk will need scenics such as pens, notebooks, and papers to make it
look more realistic. Just showing an empty desk may not be enough to make the scene
believable. You usually can find the props and scenics you need on the Internet, frequently
in a format for 3ds Max.
Texturing
Once you have created a model, you’ll want to finish its look. You can apply materials to
its surface(s) to make it look right, whether it is supposed to look “real” or not. Texturing
is typically applied immediately after modeling and heavily tweaked when the scene is
lighted. The process of texturing essentially applies colors and tactile feeling to models.
3ds Max automatically assigns simple colored materials to objects as you create them.
Because your computer stores everything in a scene as vector math, the term geometry refers
to all the surfaces and models in a scene.
10 ■ chapter 1: Basic Concepts
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