3d Modeling
3d modeling software comes in many types with many different learning curves. Each program requires different skill sets. From the advanced 3ds max, c4d... to the extremely simple sketchup.
In this tutorial I will focus on modeling with sketchup, uv mapping and texturing those models. Unlike other modeling software, SU is unique because you work in a single view and do live changes. I find this very beneficial since you can work in a 3/4 view and see real time changes.
The most important tools for SU is having the ability to visualize in your head what the goal is. It is possible to work with a single mesh, but it is a lot quicker and more efficient when working with multiple objects.
I am going to assume that the user has basic SU knowledge, and knows how to scale, move, protrude, group and create components and flip them. Always work without colored objects since flipped faces can and do occur. If you keep track of face orientation, you should not have any issues as I rarely ever do.
In the following video I show some quick ways to create a ship, there are a few techniques that are extremely simple but take a long time to perfect, as such, practice makes perfect.
Download Video-http://www.filefront.com/17459684/Movie.wmv
Download Model-http://www.filefront.com/17462570/ranom.obj
Once the model is finished, copy/paste the goblins into a new file, and save them for later. for now we will only work on the main hull. It is also best to remove the engine nozzles and texture them later.
When exporting from SketchUp for the uv/texture process, always export your model as a .obj file with a .mtl library.
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Save as obj
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Once you have finished doing that, launch C4D. (Cinema 4d)
UV MAPPING PORTION
UV mapping with c4d, is perhaps the simplest and quickest way to uv map. With the click of a few keys you can have a near perfect UV map that requires little editing to make it 100%.
1-File Open (Select your .obj file, MTL will load automatically)
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2-You will be prompted with a pop-up, check the boxes like I have.
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3-On the right hand side, once model has loaded, ensure that it is 1 single material.
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4-On the left hand side of the c4d window, click on the top box, and select bp3d. Picture as example.
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5-Press 3d Icon on the top.
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6-Press magic pen
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7-Tick of boxes
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8-Tick of boxes
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9-Tick of boxes, Select 2048min by 2048 max, rescale later as necessary.
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10-Close tab
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11-Press texture tab.
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12-SHow UV mesh by clicking the tabs as indicated.
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13-You should end up with something along these lines. The model is fairly well laid out, however still a few pieces need to be re-arranged so that higher ress is possible.
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14-Click icon in RED
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15-Click icon in RED
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16-With the arrow head, click and drag over the faces, this will select them "Yellow" at this point you can move faces, rotate and scale them.
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17-This icon moves faces on the UV mesh, the 3 icons to the right of it, rotate, scale and mirror/flip faces.
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18-You can also switch back to 3d view and use the arrow head to select new faces that you might not have been able to make out with the UV mesh view.
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19-Keep moving faces that are joined closer together, until you have a uv mesh that takes up the full page and it easy to work with.
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