I like to model.

October 4, 2004 10:06 PM

looking for a simple 3d-modeler [--->]

I am trying to find a simple 3d modeling program for my dad who is a paper and pencil artist (i.e. not super tech-savvy). Mostly something to be able to move a simple model of a person around and view it at different angles. I have the personal edition of maya, but that is definite overkill. Rendering and textures are not important, just a playfield to be able to work with a few premade models would be enough. Any suggestions?

posted by lkc to technology (9 comments total)

Bryce is a nice simple modeler, but it's more of an environment thing than a person thing. I know Poser is specifically intended for modeling people but I've never used it myself.
posted by Krrrlson at 11:19 PM on October 4, 2004

I'd suggest Gmax. It's a cut down version of 3ds Max geared toward the production of game assets. It does not let you render out movies, and it might be a little more complex than you need, but the fact there is a huge wealth of tutorials for Max that cover the basics make it a good option for a beginner.

I haven't tried it, but Wings 3d is apparantly pretty good. This is a pure modelling package, so if your dad wants to look at some simple animations Gmax might be a better option.

I had some fun with SketchUp, but it is not precisely free.
posted by arha at 11:50 PM on October 4, 2004

I second Wings 3d, which has no rendering machine but offers *great* intuitive modelling capabilities; and/or Anim8or, which is also relatively easy to use and incorporates not only a rendering machine, but also a solid character animation system (great for posing pre-made models, for instance).

Both are free.

This is a good place to look for other options (check their freeware section first for some truly awesome findings).
posted by magullo at 4:02 AM on October 5, 2004

Don't discount Bryce too much.

You could (in earlier versions, not sure about later...) import 3D objects from 3DS and LWO formats, position them, light them, and have a beautiful image. The good thing is that the interface is conducive to experimentation...
posted by jpburns at 5:51 AM on October 5, 2004

I think bryce actually has a "person" primitive, that you can create with on click, but I might be mistaken.
posted by signal at 6:03 AM on October 5, 2004

No, there is no "person" primitive in Bryce. "persons" in Bryce are usually imported from Poser.
posted by unreason at 7:06 AM on October 5, 2004

If he has a strong enough computer/graphics card, consider the game Second Life. It has a simple but powerful modeling system, and pratically infinetly variable avatar modeling ka-jigger.

It's got a free trial, then it has a one time cost of $10, with monthly fees if you actually want to own stuff in the game world.

(that's a referer link for me above, if you don't like that just go to www.secondlife.com)
posted by Capn at 7:38 AM on October 5, 2004

Silo...
posted by weston at 3:33 PM on October 5, 2004

I played with MilkShape for a while, which I thought was cool. I wasn't rendering with it though, I was making things to import into a game engine.

Depending on what you're trying to do though, that might even be better - you get physics, flybys, animation, sound, etc...
posted by freebird at 4:37 PM on October 5, 2004