Category: Tutorials

Computer Hardware

How to Find the Best Video Card (GPU) for 3D

GPU Introduction The GPU, short for the Graphics Processing Unit, is the processing chip dedicated to computing every visual information to display on a monitor.  The GPU is the second most important component of a computer system, after the CPU.  It can be either: Integrated:  Combined with the CPU Dedicated: A separate add-on electronic card What is called the graphics card or video card is the physical container housing the dedicated GPU with its electronic […]

Computer Hardware

Ergonomic Sitting Posture for Digital Work

Ergonomy at the Computer Nowadays, many people work long hours sitting at a computer desk, watching a screen.  This is especially true in the world of CG animation because digital artists must absolutely use computer software as a tool to create works of art.  But most of us have habits formed by many other factors than an ideal ergonomy for the body. Here are the good and bad sitting habits when working at a computer […]

3D Industry

CG Photo-realism & the Uncanny Valley

The ‘Uncanny Valley’ The Uncanny Valley is a phenomenon in art that happens when trying to recreate a perfectly photo-realistic scene.  It applies mostly to human faces, as it is based in how our brain are wired to recognize our own, but it can be translated to the ‘oddness’ felt in CG environments as well.   The problem with photo-realism, although pleasant to see, is that it does not have any margin for error. On the […]

3D Industry

3D Hard Surface Modeling

What is Hard Surface Modeling ? Hard surface modeling is one of two types of 3D modeling commonly found in the entertainment industry.  In games, films and visual effects, there is a distinction between organic and hard surface modeling.  This is because there is a need to represent both inert and living things, real or imaginary. In engineering and architecture, however, only hard surface models are created because they are inherently man-made and not alive.  […]

3D Industry

Rigging 3D Artists – The Digital Puppeteers

What is Rigging? In terms of CG productions, rigging is the process of creating controllers to deform a 3D object or CG character.  Not unlike rigging in nautical terms, it creates ‘virtual strings’ that allow the animators to control the shape of its target with precision. Facial animation use sliders and customized UI to create a mix between different pre-planned shapes, and freely controlled animations.  Oftentimes, every kind of controller and rigging system can be […]