#3D Design mag.
54 messages in this thread
Hey all. Check out the "3D Design" magazine.
Lots of meaty 3D Studio specific articles. Especially like the 3 Inverse
Kinematics articles for 3DS, Lightwave, and Alias. Interesting to see different
ways to skin the same cat. Very good reading – as it should be seeing that a
couple of our Asoft regulars are writing for it. : )
Good job!
Bill Triffet – Triffet Animation Co.
I'm _trying_ to check out 3D Design. Got an offer for a free trial issue, sent
it back in. (Weeks ago.) Haven't gotten free issue yet, but they were real
quick to send a bill! Anybody else still waiting?
SCL
>I'm _trying_ to check out 3D Design. Got an offer for a free trial issue, sent
it back in. (Weeks ago.) Haven't gotten free issue yet, but they were real
quick to send a bill! Anybody else still waiting?<
Yeah, I'm still waiting!
I got mine at Barnes & Noble ( an L.A. bookstore) this past week. At full
price it's worth it! : )
Bill Triffet – Triffet Animation Co.
*****
I got mine at Barnes & Noble ( an L.A. bookstore)
*****
LA Bookstore? B&N may be the Starbucks of the book business,
but I feel it's important to defend the concept that New York is
the center of the universe and point out that B&N is, at its
core, a NY book store.
Whew, now that I've got that out of my system…
I thought the 3D board article in 3D Design was pretty weak. No mention of real
world compatibility…sigh. This is, of course, my beef about all niche
computer magazines, lots of PR, not much else.
Andrew,
Care to share what your idea of "real world compatibility" is? Most of the 3D
graphics boards manufacturers have yet to release any drivers that support 3D
applications–besides Pro Engineer. None of the boards had 3D Studio drivers or
AutoCAD drivers that took advantage of OpenGL. Basically, what I'm trying to
say is that board manufacturers jumped on the 3D bandwagon a bit prematurely.
In addition other manufacturers were waiting on the second release of the Glint
3D chip.
We're planning to do a follow up article in the near future, when the boards
have drivers and the chips are in place. Let me know what you'd like to see and
we'll do our best to take a look at it. 🙂
Kelly Dove
You are right of course, the issue is that there are few software drivers to
use in a test of the current 3D graphics boards.
I would enjoy a magazine that covers a mix of 3D hardware, technique and
critique. There is always an interest in coverage of hardware choices, a need
for information on technique, but I would be interested in more discussion of
the creative side.
Andrew
Andrew,
Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep that in mind…
Kelly
>>LA Bookstore? B&N may be the Starbucks of the book business,
but I feel it's important to defend the concept that New York is
the center of the universe and point out that B&N is, at its
core, a NY book store.<<
Ouch!<BG> I meant I bought it at a Barnes & Noble that happens to be located
in L.A.
>>I thought the 3D board article in 3D Design was pretty weak. No mention of
real world compatibility…sigh. This is, of course, my beef about all niche
computer magazines, lots of PR, not much else.<<
That maybe true as I'm not in the market right now for any 3D boards at the
moment, hence I only glanced at those articles. No doubt about the PR when it
comes to reviews. I prefer the how-to articles by other animators. For real
world reviews I just log on to this forum. : )
Bill Triffet – Triffet Animation Co.
I agree, the information gained by the experience of the other forum members is
invaluable.
Oh, and I'm just an New Yorker getting over the shock of moving to SF!
Andrew
Tim,
The same offer applies to you as to Stephen. If you don't receive your issue in
a couple of days (different states get their magazines at different
times–ironically California, which is where we are, is usually the last state
on the mail truck) send me a private email with your info and I'll drop an
issue in the mail and ask our circulation manager to check on your
subscription.
Take care,
Kelly Dove
Thanks for the message, Kelly.
Fortunately I just received my first issue yesterday, and I'm impressed with
the content. 3D Design is definitely geared towards 3D Studio animators.
So long…
Tim Fairbanks
Hi Tim! Glad to hear that you received your first issue. That's one less
magazine for me to mail…<G>
Take care.
Kelly
Kelly,
Fortunately, I also got my copy yesterday.
(The mailman asked me a question about IK heirarchies! <VBG and see msg #195114
if you don't 'get it'.>)
Speaking as someone who put in many years working on publications and
advertising (before 3DS), I think it's a very fine first effort. You have the
potential to become the leading 3D-centric publication out there.
Here are a few tips, IMHO, to help that happen.
1. Stay away from puff pieces a la CGW. (You don't want to turn into "3D
People"!)
2. Don't run semi-useless "Buyer's Guides" that consist of nothing but a
compilation of manufacturers' tout sheets. This information should be provided
as a sidebar to a review.
3. DO run real-world hardware tests using real 3D apps. I'd rather read (for
example) that the Omnicomp 3Demon shaved 20 seconds off the rendering of a
particular file (preferably one that ships with the app, so we all have it and
can compare) than to see that it got 1.5 Winstones, whatever that means…
4. Keep your tutorials on a higher plane than a re-hash of the basics. Using
Flame and Vapor to make a campfire is elementary. New, unforeseen ways to use
them would have been worth an article.
5. A column of upcoming events and reader-provided listings of local users'
groups' meeting and contact info might be considered.
6. A gallery of readers' submissions is always of interest to other users.
7. Be VERY careful in your use of the word 'architect'. Evidently, they're a
real touchy bunch. <BG>
Congratulations again on a remarkable first effort! I'm looking forward to the
next issue already. (And the check is in the mail!)
SCL
Hi Stephen! Great to hear that you got your first issue of 3D Design. Thanks
for the feedback. I'll have to print your suggestions out and revisit them
every once in a while….Whew!
Thanks again!
Kelly
Got my issue last week — if you're having problems, try contacting Kelly Dove
at 71572,341.
Dave
Hi David! Glad to see that you got your issue. But unfortunately, the number
you posted wasn't my e-mail address. OOPS! Love to get your feedback.
Kelly
Sorry, Kelly! The CIS ID I gave was the one you listed in the "how to contact
3D Design magazine in the email you sent me — I never thought to check and see
if it was the same as the address on the "sender" line!
Who does that ID belong to? One of your "grunts"?<g>
Dave
>>Who does that ID belong to? One of your "grunts"? <g>
David, that number is to our customer service deparment. If someone
accidentally sent them an e-mail, I'm sure they'd try and help out.
Now about the "grunts" reference…is that comment PC?? <G>
Kelly
Kelly…
I was sent a free sample issue offer for the 3D magazine but can't seem to find
the response card… was it packed in? Anyway, if you are affiliated with the
mag, I'm curious. Let me know if there's a contact tel. number. THX!
\\\.
========================= >-==<MIKE(>=– >-==*-
/
Mike,
Kelly is the executive editor, she might have alittle pull around there. If all
you need is the phone number here it is (800)829-2505.
Regards………..Rick- Technical Animations
Hey Rick…
Thanks. I'll give them a call. Just want to check it out and see if it's
worth subscribing to. I'm already getting CGW, 3D Artist & Computer Artist and
I'm waiting for a trial issue of Technique.
BTW, Mark's building my PC this week, looking forward to completion. He
temporarily installed my PVR in his box and it didn't crash or hang with his
matrox video card, so keep your fingers crossed <G>.
\\\.
========================= >-==<MIKE(>=– >-==*-
/
Mike,
>>He temporarily installed my PVR in his box and it didn't crash or hang with
his matrox video card, so keep your fingers crossed <G>.<<
Great news, hope it continues on the positive side. I'm waiting to see what he
finds out before I tell him to go ahead and order my Millennium.
If you are interested there's a magazine out devoted to Windows NT, it called
"Windows NT"…..how convenient! It seems to be about 1/2 very technical and
about 1/2 a review of software that works with NT. For the most part it over my
head, but sometimes that how I learn. It was interesting to find out that there
is a WinZip for NT, that was news to me. If you want to contact them call
(800)621-1544 or GO NTWORK they have a forum on CIS. Mark Smith is the
Editorial Director and he is on the forum, his CIS# is 70242,2607.
Regards……………Rick – Technical Animations
Hi Mike. Rick was right about the 800 number. If you have a problem getting
them to send you a free issue (but I doubt you will) send me a private e-mail
with your address and I'll put one in the mail.
Take care.
Kelly
Kelly…
Thank you. I'll call tomorrow, today was a bummer <BG>.
\\\.
========================= >-==<MIKE(>=– >-==*-
/
I'm STILL waiting also but I haven't gotten the bill yet I saw FREE and went
for it also. Hmmmm………..
-Tom McGuire
Well, I figure since I'm not the only one, at least it means my mailman doesn't
have secret aspirations to break into the exciting and fast-paced world of 3D
animation… <g>
SCL
Tom,
The offer stands for you too. If you don't get your magazine in a couple of
days, I'd be happy to put the premiere issue in the mail to you and have the
circulation manager find out what went wrong…Depending on when you mailed
your card back in, it could have missed the mail date. I'd be happy to try and
help you find out what the scoop is.
Send me your info via private e-mail and I'll be happy to drop one in the mail.
Kelly Dove
Stephen,
Sorry to hear that you haven't received your issue yet. If it doesn't come in a
couple of days, send me a private e-mail with your address and I'll drop on in
the mail for you and forward your info on to our circulation manager and ask
her to check into it. I hope it arrives soon and you find it useful.
Take care,
Kelly Dove
Thanks William for the nice feedback! Putting out a first issue is quite an
arduous task–you never know if you're on the right track or not. We'd love to
hear more about what you'd like to see in the future. Thanks again,
Kelly Dove
Hello! Kelly
Here's feedback-
If the word "architectural" is used in an article,
it'd be nice to know if the author and "architectural"
renderer is an "architect" in fact…
"Gone are the pencils and inks of traditional media-"
is a statistically inacurate statement.
No AIA or PA survey supports this myth.
Some studies show total CAD (ie even for working drawings only) offices in
California is only 35% of licensed Architects.
Sometimes I am reminded of when Autodesk announced AutoShade
in 1991 as totally "photorealistic" rendering (g).
Eliel Saarinen would sit on a train with a pencil, start at the
top left corner work down the sheet of paper and his design
would emerge. No designer could live without a pencil or big thick
inky pen. And they don't need 280 M of RAM-they run on pure soul.
Good Luck with the Magazine-it is not about Design, but it is
a nice computer graphics magazine!
Take care,
RR
architect
reg/Arizona
Rachel:
PMJI, How are you? I haven't read the magazine yet but I'd have to agree with
all of your statements. Just thought I'd chime in and let you know. On
another note, I was reading the latest CGW and got another stabbing jolt when I
read their little blurb on 3DS MAX. Who at the Yost Group or Autodesk is
responsible for putting forth in press releases the word "re-architected"? This
bastardization is annoying to me as a licensed architect to say the least.
Sapphire would love to do a column on this etymological travesty I'm sure. I
have no dictionary in my home that recognizes 'architect' as being a verb let
alone one that can be appended with 're'. So, its soap box time for me. I
don't tell anyone that I spend my day 'architecting' do you? Doesn't that just
rub you the wrong way?
– Bob Ritger
Hi Bob- (if you get 2 similar replies sorry I deleted one by mistake)
Your help was the reason I was up here -yours and Lacey's info about
QTIME.ZIP was invaluable; also your new Ustation / rat's nest tips.
Thank you.
Didn't see Autodesk press copy rearchitecting in CGW. It goes thru lots of
hands and it may not be Autodesk's language.
It seems there is a free trial issue or intro price, of this new publication
3D Design. Maybe you will find it useful…it looks to be a nice effort and a
alot of hard work done etc. Other platforms and programs. General IK/meta
balls/graphics cards fare this month;
but info is in the rest of this thread.
Personally I am back to books-Edward Hopper, FrauLippo, Botticelli
and Art Museums. But Clifford Stoll seems to have covered the topic(g).
Going to "re-architect" the store rooms and the pool now. Ciao and
thanks for your help this week through your comments to others! r.
Rachel:
>> Your help was the reason I was up here -yours and Lacey's info about
QTIME.ZIP was invaluable; also your new Ustation / rat's nest tips.
Thank you. <<
Actually, Larry Minton was the one who uploaded the files about those rat's
nest errors. But thanks for the kind words.
>> Going to "re-architect" the store rooms and the pool now. << Maybe I'll
re-art some stuff tomorrow in addition to my re-architecting. Perhaps I should
just concentrate on re-graphicsing. Looks like we got our work cut out for us.
<BG>.
– Bob Ritger
> Who at the Yost Group or Autodesk is responsible for putting forth in press
releases the word "re-architected"? This bastardization is annoying to me as a
licensed architect to say the least. <
The term likely stems from the phraze "software architecture" which has been
around for probably a decade or so, or about the time applications embarked on
the "1 million lines of code" territory. The complexity of the programs was /
is such that they resemble that of physical structures: foundations, modules,
pipes, windows, etc. (I hope you're not offended by the industry's barrowing
of these other terms!) The term "software architecture" was a natural one,
referring to the approach taken in building a large, "structured" application.
The term "re-architecture" is relatively new, but clearly conveys a ground-up
re-design of a software application. I can't be certain, but I doubt Autodesk
was the first to use the term. Rather, they've been the first to capitalize on
it.
Personally, I have no qualms with the barrowing of terms between industries as
long as the analogy drawn by the barrowed term is accurate and concise (which
is the case with "re-architecture"). And remember: a "healty tan" is a
misnomer!! 🙂
Bungi.
— James — Choreo Motion —
James:
The term 'architecture' is easily understood in the software industry and
several others as well but only as a NOUN!!!! If you are altering a software's
architecture you are REDESIGNING the software's architecture NOT
RE-ARCHITECTING the software. The word is a noun and has meaning only as a
noun. Now back to re-computering my animation.
– Bob Ritger
[re-architected]
> The word is a noun and has meaning only as a noun. <
Excellent point. I looked back through the 3DS release information
[3DSMAX.ZIP] and searched for all occurances of <re-a*> and, yes indeed,
Autodesk is using the term as the verb "re-architectED". The word should only
be used as the noun "re-architectURE" which is proper grammar (ie.
re-formation, re-construction). 3DS Max is a "re-architecture" of 3DS Classic.
This is how I used the word previously in my reply to you. I see what you
mean. The word as a verb is "creative grammar". 🙂 What was that you were
saying about re-computing? <BG>
— James — Choreo Motion —
Bob:
Yeah, the use of nouns or adjectives as verbs really "weirds" some people, eh?
But then again, we "party" and we "network", don't we? <g>
Dave
Dave:
>> we "party" and we "network", don't we? <g> <<
When I met you I think you were doing both of these things <G>.
– Bob Ritger
This has generated an amusing thread. Hmmmm…where _could_ that term have come
from? Might it have anything to do with the fact that, in _every_ demo I did at
Siggraph, I used the phrase: "3DS MAX is the first complete rearchitecture of a
3D animation system."
I have to confess (or protest) that I did not think up that phrase, but as
current word-smithing goes, some might think it "brillig."
– Jack
Jack:
Sorry to spew forth my etymological dissatisfaction with the CGW article. This
has become a very humorous thread.
>> Might it have anything to do with the fact that, in _every_ demo I did at
Siggraph, I used the phrase: "3DS MAX is the first complete rearchitecture of a
3D animation system." <<
It was indeed at your first MAX demo that I first heard the term
'rearchitecture' but that got mangled in CGW to 'rearchitected' which is like
fingernails on a blackboard to me.
>> I did not think up that phrase, but as current word-smithing goes, some
might think it "brillig." <<
I think you meant "slithy" <BG>
– Bob Ritger
>>I think you meant "slithy" <BG>
No, I said _some_ might think it "brillig." I _know_ that _you_ think it's
"slithy." <B'gerG> Anyway, you're right about "rearchitected." Glad I wasn't
responsible for spreading that one. (By the way, I hear the makers of the movie
"Re-Animator" will be coming out shortly with a slasher flick about
word-frenzied building designers, called "Re-Architector.") <g,d & r>
– J
STOP IT BOTH OF YOU! Now, get back to your wabes and begin to gyre and gimble!
Dave
Ooops! (frumiously gimbling…)
Jack:
>> (By the way, I hear the makers of the movie "Re-Animator" will be coming
out shortly with a slasher flick about word-frenzied building designers, called
"Re-Architector.") <<
LOL! You are right, I gotta reel it in. Very little sleep and two
all-nighters in a row this week, did it show in my AMMEDIA posts, nah!
– Bob Ritger
>> Personally, I have no qualms with the barrowing of terms between industries
as
long as the analogy drawn by the barrowed term is accurate and concise
(which is the case with "re-architecture"). <<
"Barrowed, Barrowing?" Oh, uh, I guess you've coined yet another verbified
noun to describe moving "terms" between industries with the help of a
two-handled, one-wheeled hand truck–the wheel barrow.
I suspect Bob isn't gonna like *that* word, either! <gd&r>
<<"Barrowed, Barrowing?" Oh, uh, I guess you've coined yet another verbified
noun to describe moving "terms" between industries with the help of a
two-handled, one-wheeled hand truck–the wheel barrow.>>
Nah, he just doesn't know how to spell "borrow"… Comes from too much
dependence on the Instant Artist IPAS! <BG>
SCL
>>Good Luck with the Magazine-it is not about Design, but it is
>>a nice computer graphics magazine!
Well Rachael, you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Hi,
Do you mind if I jump into the fray, I happen to be the author of the article
in question.
>>If the word "architectural" is used in an article, it'd be nice to know if
the author and "architectural" renderer is an "architect" in fact…<<
No, I don't happen to be blessed with a license, although I have been a
draftsman, project manager, designer, inspector, and general "do everything"
employee of architects, and now serve as a CAD and graphics consultant to
professional architects and engineers. Nowhere in the article do I attempt to
describe how to be an architect. I am describing some short cuts for animators
who work for architects and on architectural jobs, and that's all.
>>"Gone are the pencils and inks of traditional media-" is a statistically
inacurate statement. No AIA or PA survey supports this myth.<<
I think a little got lost in the editorial process, it was deadline of the
first issue, after all. And I do have to apologize to Kelly Dove for getting
her my first draft so late in the game. My original opening referred to that
subject something like this:
"…and as the architectural community slowly pulls itself away from the
pencils and inks of the traditional drafting board, more and more building
owners are seeing computer generated renderings or animated walk-through's of
their proposed facilities."
I think both got the basic point across, and that is that computer graphics
are, and more quickly of late, replacing the traditional media, as software and
hardware becomes easier to acquire and use. We weren't trying to author a
"paper" on "This week's statistics concerning the integration of computer
design technologies into the Architectural profession".
>>Good Luck with the Magazine-it is not about Design, but it is
a nice computer graphics magazine!<<
I am not sure what that is supposed to mean. I'll try and give you the benefit
of the doubt and not get into a fight about whether licensed architects are the
only individuals allowed to use the word "design"<b-friendly-g>.
Best Regards,
Brandon
Hello Brandon;
This one got misinterpreted from the get-go.
It is wishful imagining for me to think each new magazine might be like
Communication Arts.
I appreciate your sharing your experience in an article!
Obviously not only an "architect" or "engineer" can create art or write/speak
about this subject nor build and design fine buildings/structures –
The anasazi and Celts and Druids, my favorite framer/designer, all the great
painters/ computer renderers who aren't
"licensed by a government" prove that.
As I simply said "gone are the pencils and pens of traditional media" is
falsehood and your original statement rang more true-
nothing cataclysmic.
Bob had some other ideas and one was about grammar-
not architecture-ie "lawyering" "doctoring" "architecting"
ie nouns used as verbs. "Open architecture" is not Open architecting.
Healing is not "doctoring".
On another topic-did you see the October Cadence article about Bob
Keefer, many others and 3D Studio at the Oklahoma City bombing disaster?
helping the search parties locate bodies?
When I read that I felt so proud of Autodesk and 3D Studio.
To think this was one of the first uses of AutoCAD/3DS in a
disaster. One can only imagine an earthquake and a similar team in the field,
now.
It was great to read your article and learn of your work and you!
and wish we could have discussed this in the bleachers instead.
And if anybody is offended out there because that was a great bunt and steal or
thinks I did not want Seattle to win too
Sorry!!!!
bye. Good Luck and Health! r. and now …play ball!!!!!!
Hi,
>>This one got misinterpreted from the get-go.
Sorry If I misinterpreted!
>> Bob had some other ideas and one was about grammar-
not architecture-ie "lawyering" "doctoring" "architecting"
ie nouns used as verbs. "Open architecture" is not Open architecting.
Healing is not "doctoring".<<
I agree completely with Bob R.'s point. It doesn't necessarily offend me like
it did Bob, although I can see why if I was a licensed architect, but to me the
word just sounds, well, sort of dumb<g>.
>>On another topic-did you see the October Cadence article about Bob Keefer,
many others and 3D Studio at the Oklahoma City bombing disaster?<<
Yeah, that was great wasn't it. I still haven't had the chance to finish
reading about that. I have read some articles, somewhere, about AutoCAD being
used as the graphical map database for 911 emergency centers. When someone
calls in, the computer automatically compares their phone number with the
address database and pulls the right view of the AutoCAD map. It can even be
faxed directly to the responding emergency vehicles while in route. Cool,
huh!!!
>>and wish we could have discussed this in the bleachers instead.
Beautiful sentiment<g>, I'll buy the hot dogs!
Best Regards,
Brandon
Hi Brandon;
Condolences today if you are truly in the bleachers for this.
Phew. That was another great game. Real life is still The Best!
I hadn't read that about 911. That ArcInfo News by ESRI has stories
stories like that …so much interesting work. I met a developer called
CIM Technology that makes factory flow for analyzing work paths, etc through
plants via AutoCAD.
bye bye for a while…good luck with your work!
r.
Hi, Rachel!!
I'm glad you noticed the article. I did not participate in the interview for
the article, but Mike Ogden was kind enough to see that I got a mention. That
was definitely a "no-glitz" application of AutoCAD and 3D Studio – but
challenging just the same.
>>To think this was one of the first uses of AutoCAD/3DS in a
>>disaster. One can only imagine an earthquake and a similar team in the
field, now.
Many things we did were experimental and were done not only to solve immediate
problems, but to see how the people, techniques, and tools could be useful in
other potential disasters. We were working closely with two GIS specialists
from California who were experienced in disaster work, and they were very
interested in finding local people who could do this type of work in such a
situation, and in developing ideas, procedures, etc. that could possibly be of
use in the future (hoping of course that we never need them!).
It was nice to hear you out there – I've lost track of you since A.U. last
year, but your dude and dudette meshes are still finding happy homes in my
work!
Take care…
Bob Keefer