The Nuts and Bolts of Sci Fi 3D Digital Art
3D Digital Art Spacecraft
The Nuts and Bolts of Sci Fi 3D Digital Art and How to Put Them Together
If like me you grew up loving Star Trek, Dr Who or any one of the amazing Sci Fi shows out there then there is a good chance that you are drawn to the fantastic world of Sci Fi 3D art. Digital art is a whole new world and lends itself perfectly to the future and Sci Fi.
This lens takes you through some of the basics from starting up and what you will need to where to find models and free software that you can use to start to create your own artwork or 3D movie clips.
Equipment You Will Need
Below is a list of equipment you will need and further on the lens this is further broken down into sections to explain why you need it and what it does.
- Computer
- Internet Connection - Ideally you will have this however it is not essential
- Photo editing software like GIMP or Photoshop
- 3D Modelling System
- 3D Models, Backgrounds and Accessories
Ideas for Sci Fi 3D art Subjects
The great thing about digital art is that with a bit of practice anyone can create any picture they want. There is a lot of help out there if you are not the greatest artist in the world. Just decide on what Kind of picture you want to create. Some ideas below.
- Cyborgs
- Robots
- Warriors both Male and Female
- Spaceships and other craft
- Beautiful yet strange worlds
- Space
- Planets
- Aliens
What Sci Fi Pictures Poll
What Sci Fi art are you interested in or would like to create
1. Computer
For the purposes of this lens we will assume that you have an up to date computer that has plenty of room for new programs and lots of working memory for pictures.
2. Internet Connection
Ideally you will have an internet connection this however it is not essential for creating art. It is great if you are using some of the software and need to download it or update it. It is also needed if you decide that using models is the best way for you.
Space 3D Art
3. Photo Editing Software
Photo editing software is essential for creating or fine tuning 3D images. How much you use it will depend on how you decide to pursue your art. Some people create their images mainly by use of Photoshop or similar. Others only use this kind of software to finish off or add touches or to join images together.
This decision will come in time; however it is likely that if you use models you will use photo editing software more for the later uses than the former. If you are already an artist it is more likely that you will use a tablet and mostly photo editing software.
The two main types that I have come into contact with are Photoshop and GIMP. Photo shop comes with the more basic Elements at a more realistic cost and the full version. You may be able to get away with elements while learning however there will come a time that you will need to invest in the full version. There are advantages to using Photoshop and the main one I can think of is that there are many artist designed "pens" that are especially designed for Photoshop. These may be transferred to other editing software with varying degrees of success.
To say GIMP is the poor persons choice is both accurate yet very unfair. GIMP is the Open Source software (meaning you don't have to pay for it! Yay!) It is amazing. It does have a manual but other than that and forums you are on your own.
I would recommend trying out both and deciding which one is for you. If you are interested in Photoshop you can get it at Amazon below. If you are interested in GIMP here is the link - Gimp
Beautiful Planets
4. 3D Modelling System
My favorite 3D modelling system is DAZ3D. It is the most complete system I have seen online which is why I belong to and affiliate for them. Most of the models, backgrounds and accessories are compatible. They are constantly improving and adding to their stock. The models are very realistic. Best of all you can get the DAZ software to run all your models for FREE! At the moment they also have Bryce for landscapes FREE. They also Have Hexagon if you want to create your own models also FREE.
Best Sci Fi Cyberpunk Digital Art
5. 3D Models, Backgrounds and Accessories
When you are not creating your own models or art from scratch you can purchase or sometimes get for FREE many different models that you can change to suit your needs and make them into heroes or villains monsters or aliens etc. using the software mentioned above.
You then add backgrounds that your either create or get from your model supplier. These models are extremely adaptable and allow you to create your own unique art or movie clips.
