Expert: Andre Hickman - 4/9/2007

Question
Hello! I have two questions;
1. In modeling, almost all of the tools that 3dsmax or any other such software provide us (for example extrude, lathe, noise, squeeze, etc) help us make what we have in our minds. But as no one knows what "exactly" we were trying to make and what we have made, there's no problem. The problem appears when we try to "simulate" something that exists in real world. For example to make a special car, all of modifier tools practically are unefficient because we can make only "non exact" models and finally, the model we have made - even if we are soooo[!] experienced - will differ from the main car you wanted to simulate. And I don't know how some people simulate specific things such as a specific car, face of a specific person, a specific mount, and all of other specific things "exactly" as they are. How can I simulate things?
2. Please introduce me a website in which I can learn some about Character Studio for practical use.
[Sorry! my mother tongue isn't English!]
Thanx!  

Answer
Modelling is just that, modelling.  The preciseness of your model really depends on your ability, and the time that you put into it.  3D max and similar tools are just a tool.  They can't model themselves, just as a hammer can not bulid a house by itself.  Depending on whose hands a hammer is in, it can build a shack, or build a mansion.  It is all in the investment in studying to achieve your end results.

3D max has been used in movies and the like, to create CG graphics that you probably thought were the real thing.  To simulate or model a real car, you have to study a car more than just looking at it.  You may need to go out to a car and take measurements of the hood, curvature, wheels, steering column, etc. before you'd ever be able to model it precisely.  (hint: you can also buy models to use in your animations, if you don't have the time or resources to model)  

Modelling a face is about the equivalent of giving a person a big lump of clay.  In the right hands, a person could model the bust of the President of the United States...In my hands, well, a lump of clay would be doing good to come out as a bowl that could hold water.

If you want to get that good at modelling, the only thing you can do is practice.  I don't know any websites off hand, but go to Yahoo.com and do a search on "modelling a head in 3D max" or "modelling a car in 3D max" and you'll find step by step tutorials on approaches to modelling these objects.  Still, there is no easy way.  If you want it bad enough, you have to go after it.

Cheers,
Andre