modo 401Introduction to modeling, lights and rendering
Runtime: 426 minutes / 1280x720 Quicktime
Overview
This training is designed to bring you through poly modeling and sub division surface modeling all the way up to final renders and understanding all the different light types inside of modo.
The piece we are modeling in this training is the Le Corbusier Leather Chaise. This chair has been very popular in both modern designs and minimalistic designs. And due to its hard surfaces and flowing surfaces was a perfect piece to get modo users up to speed with combined techniques.
After the modeling we discuss lighting in detail and the differences between sampled lighting and poly lighting. We also discuss how to combine the two for optimal results. We then take a look at all light types and give some practical examples about how to use each light type and the unique settings associated with them. This series of lessons is very important for any modo user whether they are doing product shots or interior shots.
After our light break downs, we take a look at a few studio setups that work very well and have specific uses. The first is a general setup that can be very configurable and used for a wide range of things. The second one we cover is more specialized and has a specific function. We make our model pop with it. We also learn invaluable trouble shooting skills when dealing with render noise and bad Anti Aliasing. You will be able to dissect your own images after following along with this. As I enforce methods for trouble shooting and understanding what problems are what in your scene.
Total runtime for this set is 7 hours.
Video Descriptions
- Chapter 1
- Customizing the UI.
In this lesson we customize our tool set with new tools and scripts to make modeling and scene organization easier.
- Chapter 2
- Creating the frame.
In this lesson we create the main framing of the lounge chair using curves and a custom script to give us the best control possible over the curves before and after we have finished them.
- Chapter 3
- Creating bar supports.
In this video we cover some more technical poly/subd modeling. And cover a few handy techniques for replication along the frame of the chair using curves.
- Chapter 4
- Creating Wood Framing.
In this Chapter we create the main wood frame that the lounge chair actually sits on. This section covers poly modeling and a few tricks with booleans.
- Chapter 5
- Creating the Feet.
This lesson covers more sub'd modeling, as we create a fluid shape that is also hard. Using some new techniques and mirroring to get the desired result for the footing of the chair.
- Chapter 6
- Creating leather Pad.
This lesson takes you through the creation of the leather cushion that covers the chair. We use similar techniques in earlier videos, and cover how to add seams to your furniture.
- Chapter 7
- Detailing the leather pad.
This lesson continues on from the last where we start to deform the cushion on the chair. You will learn how to add wrinkles and deformations making your object look like something that has been sat on or is soft instead of stiff and unused.
- Chapter 8
- Leather Straps Part 1.
This chapter takes you through the creation of roughing out strap details that attach the main leather padding to the metal framing. We explore the bend tool in this chapter and how to best utilize it to get our straps looking natural and curve with the bars.
- Chapter 9
- Leather Straps Part 2.
In this Lesson we continue detailing the straps. And Create a new instance of the completed strap completing the bottom part of the chair.
- Chapter 10
- Leather Straps Part 3.
This lesson reinforces techniques learned in the part 1 and 2. We finish up the rear top straps for the chair and prepare to move to the final phase of modeling where we will be adding the head rest and some more deformations for the straps that interact with it.
- Chapter 11
- Head Rest.
In this lesson we finish up modeling of this lounge chair by adding in the last two straps and head rest pillow. We explore a few new techniques to get the straps into position and create a nice head rest with deformations.
- Chapter 12
- Light Targets.
In this short lesson we quickly discuss light targeting and parenting to meshs to give us control over objects so that our light setups follow where the mesh goes. This also allows us in future lessons to quickly change light setups as we dont have to retarget light rigs.
- Chapter 13
- Intro to Lights and Concepts.
This lesson covers alot of GI material and how lum geomtry functions and its pitfalls. We explore Rate and Ratio settings and their relationship in getting good shadow detail from Lum geomtry. We then explore area lights and the many settings associated with them. We also learn some valuable info regarding them and how GI works with them. We then take the strengths of each light and learn how to use them together to get the optimal result.
- Chapter 14
- Dome Light and Direct Lights.
In this lesson we explore the dome light and the directional light and how we can use them together to get some good quality and a alternative to using the sky system. However, we still combine all three elements in our light rig.
- Chapter 15
- Other Light Types.
This lesson wraps up the rest of the lights. We have already discussed vital settings carried throughout the light types in the previous lessons. This lesson talks about point, cylinder, spot and IBL lighting. And scenarios in which each should be used and the specific settings that each light has. We also talk about photometric lights and how to set them up and modify them as well.
- Chapter 16
- Parenting and Studio lighting.
In this lesson we inch that much closer to our final shot. We clean up the scene and create a hiearchy that makes the chair easy to modify despite the many pieces associated with it. We also begin setting up our first studio shot.
- Chapter 17
- Final Studio Rendering.
We made it! After trouble shooting a few problem areas and discovering the proper way to do it we are able to churn out a very clean shot from modo. After this lesson the user should be able to trouble shoot problem areas very well and understand the changes they make to get a better render.
- Chapter 18
- Bonus Setup.
This last video demonstrates a few things, and how you can do just about anything when it comes to studio lighting and showing off your product or model. We also discover the root of a crash which I work through on video so that the user isn't lost and frustrated by the crash that happens.
- Chapter 19
- Studio Lighting Continued. This is the first 401 update for the series. In it we focus on setting up a studio with a product that needs to be on a pure white canvas with a drop shadow. This is a typical client request that can be approached multiple ways.
