Book, Pradeep C Kardani (3D)

[NauticaC]

You did a good job for your first 3D render. I have some pointers though that can help you out significantly I think

First off, I think that a more exciting background can be used. It really detracts from what you are trying to portray in the scene. Even if you steal a photo and photoshop the background, it will look better than a black/grey gradient.

Second, is the overall reflectivity of the scene. I think that the cover of the book looks like plastic as well as the pages on the rightmost side. If you use a bump map or a noisier texture it will help to capture the reality of the book better.

Third, I see some shadows, but it is still hard to place exactly where the light is coming from. I would make the shadows darker.

As I said this is really good for your first try. Keep practicing and you will literally see yourself progressing. Great job! :)

[mike_gauer]

It's a great start, NauticaC has some great points. What's more important in the final product is the presentation, over the actual models. Textures and lighting make the scene. You can take the simplist of primitives and make them absolutely amazing looking, just in your presentation. It would seem that your pages are also plastic looking, if you are looking for a paper look, they wouldn't reflect (referring to the red fluid reflection over the book). The cover wouldn't necessarily reflect such a flawless specularity to it either. Like said previous, bump mapping would instill imperfections that add realism. Also I see you have a horizontal line texture for the side of the pages, using that texture as a bump map will project shadows giving the pages individuality.

I also agree with the background, as stated above, even a simple plane representing a wall with a bumped wallpaper texture as if in an office or other enclosed space, would provide more completion. you have to evaluate your scene and determine your goal, then from there, work towards the goal. For example, your goal might be simply to create the models you have, and present them as you have, in more of an abstract setting, without a world. But if you wanted to create more of a self-contained scene, then there are a few gaps to fill.

Another thought to your lighting, (something to play with), is to perhaps have the desk under a lamp-like lighting scheme. You don't even have to model a lamp for this either, a warm spotlight (using yellowy or amber colours (not intense yellow or amber, but highlighted so to set mood)) from off-screen with soft shadowing, not only highlights the models you are showcasing, but what doesn't matter so much in the scene is shadowed out.

Just a thought, I think you have a great start already for a first attempt. Keep at it, and in a couple weeks you'll noticably see your learning curve improving dramatically. Good Luck!

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