MAXON understands that making a transition into 3D graphics and animation can be a daunting proposition for artists already pressed for time keeping up with the ever evolving progression of more traditional graphics technology. With that in mind, they have crafted CINEMA 4D, a software that is intuitive yet amazingly powerful. Using this application, a traditionally trained artist can instantly create mind-boggling graphics and animation. At the same time, this application has the depth to keep artists challenged and engaged to push the boundaries of image creation. Users will find that anything imaginable is attainable in this software. CINEMA 4D has created a name for itself as a motion graphics and texture painting power house but, as you will see in this book, it is an all-inclusive to tool to create any animation imaginable.
The 4D Environment and Workflow
The common reference to 3D encompasses the three spatial dimensions used to create and manipulate objects. The 4th dimension reference in C4D is that of time. How objects and components change over time is, of course, the underlying foundation of animation. When you first open CINEMA 4D and begin to work, the graphical user interface allows you to create and manipulate objects in a virtual 3-dimensional environment within the element of time. The workspace is infinite in size and can be configured with any units of measurement. Numerous tools allow you to create and animate objects that can be viewed through virtual cameras. Along with objects and cameras, you’ll find all the elements of a fully functional production house. Lights, backgrounds, virtual skies, effects, foreground elements and mood changing environments can all be found within this one application. To understand how to be successful at creating 3D content, it is vital that you have a grasp on the core areas that make up the 3D process. This new edition of CINEMA 4D The Artist’s Project Sourcebook aims to give readers a look at how CINEMA 4D can be utilized to meet the demands of the 3D marketplace today. The 3D marketplace is spread into many vast disciplines of which this book will give a glimpse of the workflow and tools to get you on your way to succeed, regardless of where your future in 3D takes you. We will begin by covering the basics of 3D. Rather than separating these into isolated practices, we are going to build complete scenes from the beginning, allowing readers to see the full picture of how these disciplines interrelate to make a successful 3D composition. These principles include, but are not limited to: modeling, texturing, staging, animating, lighting, effects and rendering. Advanced workflows may add rigging and compositing to the process. Regardless of what field an individual enters, the mastering of these core principles is vital to succeed at the top level of any 3D profession.
Introduction to the Basics of CINEMA 4D: DVD Chapter Be sure to check out the Cinema_4D_ Basics.pdf chapter included on the DVD. It includes charts labeling and explaining the locations and usage of tools and icons within the C4D interface. You’ll also find an overview of all the Parametric Primitives, Splines, NURBS and other Modeling helpers and generators that you will use to create 3D scenes.
Modeling
Modeling refers to the creation of objects and shapes within 3D. Think of it as digital sculpting.
Texturing
Applying materials to models and scene components to control the appearance of objects.
Staging
Framing the scene by moving the objects into the correct position as well as setting up cameras to capture the action.
Animation
Animation consists of any 3D elements and how their appearance changes over a specified time.
Lighting
An infinite number of virtual lights can be added to 3D scenes to create any lighting scheme imaginable.
Effects
In CINEMA 4D, the term “effects” can be applied to anything from fog and smoke to particles, hair and dynamics. Effects often time are incorporated in post.
Rendering
Rendering is the process of taking the 3D environment created in C4D and exporting it to a flat output that can be used as printable stills or sequenced together for animation.