Expert: Andre Hickman - 3/16/2006

Question
Hey,

I like the metaphorical explaination Andre, theres always three or more different ways to do everything in max and you can think up a way that works but you dont realise that your doing it the long way round, another way could be hours or even days quicker! lol, i'll practice the unwrap method on small spheres and experiment with how the jpg is layed out like you said, but remember that this isn't a flat surface so if the edges of that shape (the three part flower type of shape (i know which one you meant lol)) dont meet then im in trouble, hense me wanting to paint on the contour lines directly... gulp... but anyway i've just ordered a 10 hour training dvd from ebay thats for max 8 so that should fill in the gaps, i've kind of researched into the things i want to do instead of starting from the bottom and building up my knowledge like building bricks (theres alot of basics i havent even looked at in other words).
i want to use a fall-off map for the surface too so that i can have dirt/sand at lower levels of the terrain and green higher up finishing with rocks and eventually snow (i dont have photoshop and my file sharer isn't working for some reason?) so the fall off method seems best especially for a whole planet ( oh yeah and i just want to confirm with you that im not trying to re-create my own google earth just incase you thought i was crazy and planned on spending the rest of my life doing this lol).
Anyway i'll go away and experiment like you said and if you dont mind you could give me a normal email address at some point so i can send attachments, screenshots/prototypes etc?

Thanks again Andre!


Max

Answer
dude...I was just about to say the same thing...I would love to see screen shots and the like.  I still use 3D Max 4.2, so I don't know of all the compatability issues, but I'd love to see the material files that you come up with, and even a Max file or 3ds model, if it's not too big. Here is my info...

andrehickman@bellsouth.net
www.andrehickman.com
ahgraphics.andrehickman.com

My site is about 2-3 years outdated, and I decided not to update, and just build an entirely new site from scratch...So a lot of that stuff on there is pretty antiquated in my scheme of learning, but I too learn like you do...find something you want to accomplish, then study everything to accomplish that end goal.  With that method I pick up techniques and tools that I sort of put in a library in my head, and then when the next project comes up, I can draw from all of the volumes of tricks that I have filed and mix and match and come up with a possible solution.  That is how I am able to help you guys. It's not that I have ever tried a project like that, but the skills that I have learned are modular in a way, and I can piece them together when needed.

I'm sure that through our discussions, I will gain a few more volumes of info, that will go into that library, as well.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,
Andre'