Simulating Real and Imaginary Worlds

3D modeling and animation is the art of mathematically creating computer simulations in 3 dimensions and rendering them onto a 2D surface such as a computer screen, film, or paper.  The method allows the same model to be rendered our at any size from postage stamp to billboard.

Process

The first step in the process is the construction of the model, often using spec sheets, CAD files, or photos as reference. This produces the geometry which is then skinned with layers of textures to simulate greater detail. Cameras and lights are added and the file is rendered out using the drawing style of choice.

• Geometry can be rough or detailed to show every fracture and bump. Increasingly the level of detail in the geometry requires adding more polygons. This makes the file more complicated. Not only will it take longer to build, but it will take longer for the computer to calculate the shapes, light and shadows to create the final render. In many cases a rough model is adequate and the detail is represented using textures.
• Textures range from flooded areas of flat colours to high-resolution photos that laid over the geometry, create an effect so real you can almost feel the finish.
• Depending on the textures and a variety of options made in the final stages of modeling, the final render can be photo-realistic, hyper-realistic, or give the impression of a hand-drawn cartoon or illustration.
• In the real world, lights improve visibility and cast shadows. Good 3D software can emulate almost any real-world lighting fixture by company brand and model, to bring an added level of accuracy to the final render.
• Camera angles can capture the equivalent of a 50mm lens on a tripod or can shoot from odd angles while the objects are animated. They can even see through objects.
• Many final renders are further enhanced through the addition of film effects using video software and graphics applications such as Photoshop.

File Formats and File Conversion

We have extensive experience in our favorite 3D applications: Blender, 3dsmax, and Rhino. We also work in Director 3D, Lightwave, True Space, Cinema 4D, Bryce, FormZ and other programs including those, like Photoshop and Illustrator, that emulate 3D.

Our models are available in fbx, obj, max, 3ds, dxf and other formats.

If you need to convert your model from one format to another, let us take care of it. We have converted files from Solidworks and from older versions of CAD. We can convert between most contemporary 3D programs.

Our 3D production manager has been involved in modeling and training students for over 15 years and has seen it all, including everything that can go wrong with a file. If it can be saved, fixed, upgraded or converted, we can do it.