CompuServe Thread

Thomas, there are several different solutions out there for organic modeling tasks. one of them, and the one I like most <g>, is Metaballs. Another solution would be to use a spline based modeler. I use metaballs just because I'm more comfortable with it. In order for you to use metaballs with 3D Studio, you'll need (if you already don't have) a metaballs IPAS routine. When you model something with metaballs, you create a set of reference spheres that the metaball modeler interprets to create a smooth mesh object. So, the spheres are never rendered. Metaballs also allows you to put the mesh into the 3D editor, where you can do anything to it that you'd do to any other object. like optimize, smooth, and map it just the way you want. As far as Jabba goes, he's really a pretty simplistic character. a big tail with a head at one end and some arms <g>. The complex part of creating him would be generating the detailed texture and bump maps needed to bring him to life – convincingly. if you want to do some reading on metaballs, I wrote an article for Planet Studio where I explained the process that I created the Face Hugger creature from the Aliens films. there are some images of it in NEWHUG.ZIP here in the forum. feel free to shoot me any other ?'s you may have -Kyle