kingchris20 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 I'm interested in learning how to model using Softimage 7.5 to create models for use with Skyrim. I was wondering what the general opinion is of softimage 7.5. I have downloaded it and am starting to learn how to use it, and the reason I chose this program is because it is free. Will softimage be sufficient to build models to use with skyrim? I am new to modding and what the best free materials to use so I can begin creating the models I need for the mod I have planned. So, any tips for a newcomer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FallenJudge Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) I don't know much about Softimage myself and i never heard of anyone using it for making 3D models. Since its by Autodesk and Autodesk major 3D model program are 3DS Studio Max or Maya i would have bet that Softimage what your looking for (but again I could be wrong). Also 3DS Studio Max and Maya both cost a lot of money(unless you have educational version of it). A good free 3D model program to use is Blender. It has bit of learning curve because most of the program is driven by shortcuts, but once you have interface down, its free its easy to use. The version your going to need for import and export Skyrim model is 2.49b (lastest is 2.6), you'll have go digging around on how import and export using blender(I use 3ds max to import and export so I have no clue). As for learning the basics of 3D modeling I suggest Model UV and creating a Manga Character at cg tuts, (this was probly the first tutorial look at as 3D artist) it was fairly insight to me when i started out. Also this tutorial is in Blender 2.49b.Link:http://cg.tutsplus.com/tutorials/blender/model-uv-and-texture-a-complete-manga-character-in-blender-day-1/ As for Tips:-3D modelling is an art form, it take practice. Don't get discourage when things are looking so good, I know my first couple models i did where completely awful. -Before you sit down at your 3D modeling Program, sketch out what you plan to model from multiple views. This allow you think of the object as whole not just 2D picture or idea in your head. From experience not everything on paper will translate the same way on 3D model.-Use Reference pictures! Using references before you and while 3D modeling can significantly boost the quality of models or designs.-3D models(inside games use texture maps), no matter how well you create a models, if the texture aren't good the model will look bad. Texture can make or break models.-And lastly, practice makes perfect & have fun! Don't forget to enjoy yourself while your designing and creating your models! Edited January 2, 2012 by FallenJudge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingchris20 Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) I appreciate your comment! I look forward to beginning! I believe I will start with a simple sword or something like that. I know you said you didn't really know about softimage but how different do you think it is from something like 3Ds Max? I know it is quite expensive, but being made from auto desk softimage should serve my purposes right, for making models to place in skyrim once the CK comes out? Also I will look into that Blender software you mentioned. Edited January 2, 2012 by kingchris20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FallenJudge Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) Essentially all 3D program are the same (for the most part) its just the interface that is different. Such as, I originally learned Blender and then went on to learn 3Ds Max and Maya with not much effort. Although I'm most proficient in blender, I can use them all because they have same basic mechanics. Taking second look at Softimage It seem like its going to make models and animations just fine (that what it said it does XD). Although the plugins to get the file(".nif", file type that bethesda uses) inside and outside 3D modeling program are for Blender 2.49b and 3Ds Studio Max. So you might want to take that into consideration. Edited January 2, 2012 by FallenJudge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingchris20 Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 Okay, so there is no way to get .nif in softimage! That is good to know! I will definitely look into blender, thanks, I was searching for information on specific file types and such but couldn't find anything concrete on whether or not I could get something from softimage to skyrim..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FallenJudge Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) It is possible to get a nif file into SoftImage, but you have to import it into blender or max then export into SoftImage then vise versa to get back in the game. It a lot extra work when you want make small change plus export and import with Max and Blender aren't perfect. There are bit of "manual" editting you have to do in program called NifSkope to get them work. Edited January 2, 2012 by FallenJudge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingchris20 Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 Wow, I have much to learn! So if I make a model in softimage, I should be able to export to blender, then from there I can convert to a nif for skyrim, but it sounds like I'll be better off just finding that version of blender and working from there.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadToRegister Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Wow, I have much to learn! So if I make a model in softimage, I should be able to export to blender, then from there I can convert to a nif for skyrim, but it sounds like I'll be better off just finding that version of blender and working from there.... Doesn't AutoDesk also offer a free version of 3dsMax?It might be limited to personal use IE can't make money from it, but I thought they offered free student versions of their software. IF they do, then you would be able to use a nif importer/exporter for 3dsMax instead of having to go from Softimage to Blender to Nif Blender to me, has one of the most non-intuitive and confusing interfaces I've ever used on a 3d modelling program Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t0mm06 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) Was 7.5 with autodesk? i forget when autodesk bought it out, Anyway, Soft isnt great for modelling for game really, its more of an animation software, although i have seen some amazing models come out of Soft, To be honest I would say that you'd be better off getting Blender as it is also free and there is a lot more support from the modding community on blender then Soft. Its also a bit more basic and easier to pick up. And to expand on some tips from Fallenjudge;1.Pay attention to the topology, (how the polygons are laid out) this makes UV mapping and texturing a lot easier... its also something Bethesda should take more care with.2.try and keep swords under 700 polygons (this is around the amount that are used for the base swords in game, it doesnt matter as much if there is only going to be one of them in the game but if for instance, all the guards carry a sword that got x3 more polys then the originals it can begin to slow the game down) i know you're just practising at the moment, but its always better to start trying to make very low poly models then moving up to high poly models later.3. Like Fallenjudge said, draw up some concepts of what you want first, but expanding on that, get some pictures off google of similar weapons/objects, helps you see what you're trying to achieve, also they will help when it comes to textures later. Edited January 2, 2012 by t0mm06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t0mm06 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) Double post Edited January 2, 2012 by t0mm06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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