#Sculpting with AM
15 messages in this thread
Hi there,
is there any chance to get some written information about sculpting with AM?
My problem is :
The documentation coming with AM is well done, but it does not satisfy all
needs.
By example, multiple patches which share one (or more) controll-point(s), its
hard to understand how to construct such surfaces without unwanted differences
in curvature.
Its told there is a video to show how sculpturing should be done, but for me
(talking and hearing german better than english) written documentation will do
much better.
Or is there a simple answer to my question :
How can i edit control-points later? I am talking of control-points of patches
which should apear curvy, but they should look like a cross and not like a "S".
Many thanks for answering my previous questions …
Hartmut
<patches showing edges … more documentation> Hartmut,
I have experienced many cases where the edges of patches rise up or cut
in below another, ruining the smooth surface. I work around that by adding more
and more splines and creating smaller patches in the problem area. I have tried
using Gama and Magnet with mixed results. Sometimes you can fix a bump by using
Peak on the control point. But it often does more damage than it fixes.
I suggest you always make at least two or three constantly updated
copies of every segment you build. I save two copies after almost every
operation. My hand is always poised above CNTL-S. If you have to back up, and
have to delete a spline, you usually have ruined your model and it takes a lot
of work to get the shortened spline unstuck from the wrong control point.
Finally, try modeling the same area with different patterns of splines.
There is always another way to build a segment. The smoothest models are
generated by the lathe tool. If you hand-build, it is a nightmare to get
everything smooth. Another trick I use is to build separate parts that are
lathed and distorted, then join them together in a place where the inevitable
seam will not show. This works good on faces and hands.
I am writing a book on modeling in A.M. and it will be available at the
time release 3.0 is shipped.
Good luck.
Sanford
Thanks for your long answer. It looks like the sculpting-tool needs some work
for the next version. A tool for editing control-points after drawing and a
better way to delete lines between points is in my opinion a good way to make
sculpting easier.
Perhaps the spline-editor should have control-possibilitys like in 2D-Software
(b.e. COREL-Draw!).
Read you again …
Hartmut
Sanford,
One of the best tricks I learned for adding splines is to NEVER connect the
end point of the new sline, have one extra point dangling off the end, then
after connecting the second to last point, you can delete the dangling point.
This has something to do with the way A:M keeps track of which points are part
of which spline. This forces A:M to think of the new spline as truly a new one,
Not a continuation of an existing one. The main benefit of this is that later
deleting this spline (for me so far) doesn't destroy your model!
Jim jonah
Jim,
Good idea. I am doing a hummingbird tonight. I'll try it.
Sanford
Sanford,
When will your book be out? Which I guess is the same question as when will
A:M 3.0 be out. <g> AD
A:M 3.0 will definitely be shipping by March…. we are stilll shooting for
January, but a definite March give us some breathing room…
Steve, Hash Inc.
Steve,
So what you are really saying is you were shooting for last Christmas, but it
was delayed <BG>…. <OW!> Just kidding you guys, stop throwing stuff!
I vote for throwing out the necessity to split the seg up and reassemble in
character.
Also (your gonna love this), seemless and efficient DXF import/export. I'm
sure it's easy to do… 😐 AD
Watch out Adam ! here comes a big rotten tomato! Just Kidding <g> This version
has taken more work than we thought… the new interface has been really tough!
But hey, we figure if Microsoft can be a year or more late it's OK for us to be
a couple months behind <BG>
Steve, Hash Inc.
<SPLAT!>, "ouch!" Hey Steve, what's the big idea? <hefting quivering, oozing
pile of green jello (with the little fruit bits). Aiming for the fingers, I
fling… 'MEEOOWWoo' Dang it! Another good cat put to rest, Steve slinks
(saunters?) away.>
BTW, IS there any chance to get automatic skinning?
Adam 'It's made from horse hooves you know' D.
ROTFL!…. Unfortunately, no automatic skinning this time around! We'll try and
get it for our late 95/early 96 release….
Steve, Hash Inc.
Adam,
Look for the book around March-ish..A certain amount of luck ic
necessary in a project like this.
Sanford
Harmut,
The training tapes show the computer screen through probably %90 of the tape,
so visually following along probably wouldn't be that hard. I think the tapes
are invaluable!
Jim Jonah
Thanks for this answer. I try to get a copy of this (these) tapes to play them
on my PAL-Video.
I have bought AM through KODIAK, a german seller of 3D-Software. Perhaps i can
get a PAL-Version there.
Hartmut