Tutorial DVD's: (Latest releases at the top)
Click the links below for more detailed product information on each DVD:
"Modeling with modo, Volume Two"
$30 plus $5 shipping
Right brain/Left brain…
First, a very large aircraft project focusing on the construction of the King Air B200 model, as well as a variety of systems, including animated versions of the de-ice system, fire suppression system, heating/cooling system, fuel system, and a fully-animated cockpit.
And, something completely different…
A variety of large, organic visualizations for other artists, making extensive use of modo's sculpting and painting tools. Several model and scene files are included too, in LXO format.
Modeling with modo
Volume One AND Volume Two
$50, plus $5 shipping
"Modeling with modo, Volume One"
$25 plus $5 shipping
A huge variety of projects, from museum scale aircraft, to architectural visualizations, organic art, displacement exercises, future gadgets and vehicles, boolean operations, and modeling with spline cages. Several model and scene files are included too, in LXO format.
(See above for a deal on both volumes)
Recommended for those NOT familiar with 3D tools. This two-volume series was produced to introduce and explain the basic uses of 3D in the design and modeling process, and includes an explanation of basic modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation techniques. It's generic in nature, so that users of different software packages can get started with the tutorials and files. (Included files are in DXF format.)
CAD for Modelers, Volumes One AND Two
$35 plus $5 shipping for BOTH volumes
"How to Do Everything, Volume One"
$25 plus $5 shipping
Advanced tutorials and reference information for those interested in the design and fabrication of flying, radio-controlled models and UAV's. Includes aerodynamics, structures, weight prediction, material selection, plug and mold making, composite fabrication, including vacuum bagging. Also includes the entire contents of my archive site at nextcraft.com.
How to Do Everything, Volume One
$25 plus $5 shipping
Detailed Product Information on previous releases:
"CAD for Modelers, Volume Two"
Click here for a preview movie. (8.9MB)
NOTE: To some, "CAD" is simply an acronym for "Computer-Aided Design" or "Computer-Assisted Design", while to others, it means vector-type data in 2D form, like the output you'd expect from architects. In the context of this presentation, it simply means "3D design".
"CAD for Modelers, Volume Two" covers more ground, and goes into much more modeling technique than Volume One, since it's not oriented specifically toward RC aircraft. This DVD is for the serious 3D/CAD modeler who is concerned with details, whether it's to create a scale model, or something more whimsical. Those of you who purchased "CAD for Modelers, Volume One" will appreciate that many of those same models have been greatly improved, with the methods being shown and described in detail. Here are some highlights, along with some image previews. (at the bottom of the page)
- An extensive "Checklist" section, passing on a huge variety of tips and shortcuts, which will save you some time and headaches. Topics include creating various "libraries" of parts, scene settings, (so you can splice short clips into longer animations) "shaders", camera and lighting movements, etc.. Special attention is given to tips for the individual and small-team artists, who don't have access to huge "rendering farms" and super-fast computers. For example...When do you have to build "real" geometry for moving parts, versus doing things that are easy in 3D, but impossible in the real world? (because objects can pass through each other) And...Using various rendering methods and schemes for different goals.
- Geometry:
Basically... "How to build your model" - This is the largest section, as it covers virtually all kinds of spline and polygonal model problems. For example: How to build analyze a subject beforehand, to determine the best way to model it, How to create a 3D model when all you have is 2D data. (no cross-sections) How to insure that your geometry is "solid", creating IK (Inverse Kinematic) links or "skeletons" for animating moveable parts, Converting models from one format to another, Adding realism and detail to your model's geometry, etc.. - Shaders:
(The "paint" on your model) - "A good texture map is worth 1000 polygons." From single colors to (2D) parametric texture maps, to procedural "shaders", including the use of layering. "Weathering" tips to make your models look real. Includes the use of "normal' images, including photos, as well as grayscale maps for special "bump", "transparency", and other special needs. Using movies as shaders. - An extensive look at the use of transparency, in both PNG images with Alpha Masks, and in GIF images. You may be surprised at the versatility of these in 3D modeling. Create "window" effects, graphic overlays, and even simulate removable parts and "cutaway" geometry in your models, in both still images and animation. These tips alone can save you a huge amount of modeling time.
- Null Objects:
When you have a tricky part to animate, such as a control surface on an aircraft, a (invisible) "Null Object" is usually the answer. Various demos and tutorials here include movable doors, control parts, and "controllers" you can use to create "Morphs" in animations. - A variety of external and internal lighting solutions are demonstrated, along with tips on economic lighting use, to save rendering time. Included is a discussion of the "glow" channel (or "effect") available in most 3D software. (an alternative to traditional light sources)
- Tutorials:
Tutorials demonstrate how to solve a variety of problems. These range from very simple lighting and shader examples, to intermediate examples where you'll build complex-looking models, to an advanced tutorial where we create several complex animated scenes from scratch. In most cases, I show both the "easy way" and the "hard way", so you can choose which is appropriate, depending on your time constraints. - Animations:
There are a variety of animations included, ranging from simple 1 to 2-second "loops", to longer animations showing the end result of each tutorial. Topics here include frame-rate considerations with moving parts, various camera and lighting special effects, efficient use of rendering cameras, etc.. - And more... See below.
- Look for "CAD for Modelers, Volume Three", in mid 2009. It will focus on the steps required to update your models from traditional (triangle) polygonal types to "quad only" and subdivision surfaces. (something I've just done) It will also include several hands-on tutorials, (using screen capture video) with those models included. I'll be using "modo", so these commands and methods will translate well to all the major 3D software packages.
Some of the models featured in "CAD for Modelers", Volume Two
Doors, windows, and more interior details
Texture mapping and procedural shaders
Movable controls surfaces, doors, landing gear, etc.
Variations on wingless vehicles
Personal spacecraft
Futuristic, but practical too
MUCH more info on modeling scale interiors
Interior and exterior lighting for your models
3D (DXF format) models included on the DVD, for your own use:
For those of you who haven't purchased "CAD for Modelers, Volume One", I've included the entire "Space Tutorial" from that DVD, as well as all of the models. These include a "Shuttle", "Cruiser", and "Carrier", along with crew and furnishings, and (when possible) all the texture maps.
The "J-50" (original design jet fighter) cockpit, used in one of the tutorials on the DVD. It has actual geometry for the cockpit tub, seat, pilot, and some controls, and uses a transparent polygon with a texture map, (.PNG image with alpha mask) for the instrument panel and HUD.
My simple model of Boeing's "X-32", previous contender for the Joint Strike Fighter program. This model is normally sold in my 3D Catalog, but made available here, as an example of using simple primitives to create complex-looking shapes.
"CAD for Modelers" (Volume One)
There are two preview movies available for "CAD for Modelers".
Small version (5.9 MB) click here. Full-size version (52 MB) click here.
"CAD for Modelers" is an intermediate-level tutorial, presented in a generic enough way that the lessons can be applied through most modern CAD and 3D modeling systems. The main tutorial on the DVD ends in the creation of an entire outer space scene, including a planet, several spaceships with crew, cargo, lighting, and functional parts, and a large "space port". All models for this tutorial are included on the DVD. All the material is presented in a generic way, so you can apply the concepts to your own designs, regardless of the particular CAD software you use.
Some of the subjects discussed and explained are:
- Defining your project goals
- Various modeling methods (splines, polygons, etc.)
- Building your own "library" of parts, as you go
- Create an inner hull for your models, to give them depth
- Creative use of lighting, texture maps and "shaders"
- Modeling interior parts, windows, lighting, etc.
- Animation techniques and considerations - (Many example movie clips included.)
- An analysis of various frame rates on certain effects (i.e. spinning propellers)
- Camera movement vs. model movement in your scenes
- Building models for entertainment, vs. physical manufacturing
"How to do Everything", Volume One
(Design Methods for Molded Composite Products)
Multimedia DVD includes Research, Design, CAD/3D Tools, Plug & Mold Design and Fabrication, Vacuum Bagging, Movies, Data, and Assorted Building Tips.
Click here for a preview movie of the "How to do Everything", Volume One CD. (QuickTime™, 2.5MB)
The title, "How to do Everything" is meant to be humorous, and I don't portray myself as some "super guru". If you've enjoyed the content on my site, then you'll like the CD. The content on the CD is better, in some cases, since I can include larger, uncompressed photos and movies. Since I've often been forced to adapt methods to work on a limited budget, I think you'll appreciate the many options in each section that you can use when time and/or money is a problem. This information is applicable to any composite field, including aircraft, automobiles, boats, surf boarding and snow boarding, etc..
Since this disk is more of a "library" than a "video", it's smarter to produce it as a CD, rather than a "movie". The HTML-based navigation system makes browsing this CD the same as viewing a web site, except faster. Of course, you can also browse the files manually. For comparison... The entire content of my NextCraft™ web site at the time this CD was created was about 300 MB, and all of it is included. The CD also contains over 200 MB of additional information, images and movies, that were not published on the site. (Bonus!).