The value of 2d-skills for a 3d-artist

#1

How valuable is it to be great at painting in 2d for a 3d-artist, a modeler for example?
I wonder since I’m not too good, and I need to know if I need to spend my time learning or not. I’ve heard you’ll be ok without it but I want your opinion.

#2

If you only want to specialize in geometry and sculpture modeling, you don’t have to do painting and mapping, its a complete different world, being able to paint require some talent to begin with, occasionaly you may want to see your model fully textured but you can only acheive certain level.
Not many artists can handle both, it is an advantage and often those who like to paint don’t favor technical or mechenical work flow and vice versa.

Know your limit and acheive one level before consider the other or you’ll be another casualty in the field of Virtual reality.

#3

That was just about the answer I was hoping for! :smiley:
Thanks a lot.

#4

I don’t think a 3d artist can ever be that good without having lots of 2d skills. There are some exceptions like animators, but in general you need to understand how images are going to be processed in 2d so you can make better 3d. Also, having an understanding of logic-ops and layering will help you with lighting, rendering, and programming.

#5

I’ve doing 3D for over 8 years (off and on) and I found I got stuck at a certain level. The last year or so I’ve been picking up on my 2D skills and I already see the results. And I don’t even do CG full-time. This to me proves that having both skills is better in the long run.
Also, it’s nice to move away the keyboard once in a while and smell ink and paint. It helps getting your mind clear. And going back to 3D is also more fun than way.

I actually think it would’ve been better if I spent the first 5 years or so in 2D instead of 3D.

#6

It’s all about making pretty pictures…right right…

So, you get your hamster wheel moving and it’s firing those neurons up to your brain and you have a great idea, be it a model, a pose, and colour scheme…whatever…

Option:

  1. So lets say you have an idea for a character, if you have the 2d skills you can draw him up in a Sketchbook (or if your really a wiz) draw him up in alias sketchbook pro, add colour and detail, and have a really awesome picture you can show and use as a guide as you model, and having the confidence that the character will work and look good because you already have a exact idea of what he will look like out of your brain and on paper or pixels.

OR…

  1. You don’t have the 2d skills, you just have your little character in your head, and start modeling right away, struggling with the arm cause it doesnt look right…remolding…re doing…not really sure if it’s gonna work out. Struggle struggle… Look around the internut for reference…eventually you start to compromise what your character will look like from that vision in your head after many hours because it’s taking so long…option 1 guy who did his 10 drawing with detail side and perspective views is all done, your sitting there still trying to get the nose to look right by pushing poly’s for 4 hours…

So…you decide…

I would go with option 1…but that’s just me.

#7

Sometimes when I start from a concept and try to take it into 3D, I realize that there are problems with the concept and I need to do new sketches of these areas in greater detail. It’s important that the sketches convey the right kind of feeling to them, because if they don’t I don’t think the model will either

#8

You’re also right, I mean, I have the skills, but I’m not a wizard at it if you know what I mean :slight_smile:

#9

Hey Kizoku, I’m currently trying to break into the game art industry in Australia and I think your texturing skills are more important than your modelling skills. Of course that’s the nature of game art, working with low poly limits means your textures will have to pull most of the weight. I’m under the impression that over here you need to have at least two skills out of say modelling, texturing or concept art that you are good at to get hired by most games dev houses (preferably all three :p). Perhaps with the dawn of normal mapping you may be able to get a job as a base geometry/zbrush normal map guru, but who knows. For now my advice (for what it’s worth) would be to work on improving your texturing skills. I’ve found it’s hard work and most of the time you feel like you’re beating your head against a wall, but it’s well worth it in the long run.

#10

But most people are focused on one aspect. Or so I’ve heard at least.

#11

I have recently started to notice that I don’t see certain things or some things take longer for me to see because I don’t have a traditional 2D background. Face structure and defining lines for example. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I might proceed to study figure drawing? I was thinking about taking a continuing education class at SVA in Manhattan next semester.

#12

If your more of a creature/human modeller, knowing anatomy is pretty helpful. Right now, I’m sitting down with an anatomy book and learning all the bone structure of the human body off by heart.

A couple of good diagrams do for me. I just draw the diagrams again and again, at different sizes and angles, and you’ll be surprised how fast it gets drilled into you.

#13

%110 agreed.

#14

I’ve found that 2D Skills are very improtant.

Let’s use myself as an example.

I feel I am a competent modeler. I can take a piece of concept art, or photographic reference and recreate it faithfully in 3d with ease.

However, I’ve always struggled with drawing, painting and design.

Currently I’m working on some portfolio pieces, character models to be specific. I find that I am being limmited by what I’m able to express on paper. The models end up being very generic and lacking in details. Details that I could have included earlier in the process, if I had been able to formulate my ideas better in the concept stage.

I have two options.

  1. I can work to hone my 2d skills, which will improve my models and make me a better, more desireable artist all around…

or

  1. I could try a collaboration with a 2d concept artist who has solid design skills.

I’m opting for for former, rather than the latter. So Now I spend my evenings infront of Painter or my sketchbook, instead of Maya or XSI.

#15

Well, my biggest issue in 2d is that what I am doing easely gets strange after a while since there are too many lines everywhere. And yes, I’m not at the photorealistic level like some of you talents out there :slight_smile:

#16

Wouldn’t mind learning more
I have recently started to notice that I don’t see certain things or some things take longer for me to see because I don’t have a traditional 2D background. Face structure and defining lines for example. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I might proceed to study figure drawing? I was thinking about taking a continuing education class at SVA in Manhattan next semester.

Artistic Anatomy and Figurative Art Forum

Check out:

Tutorials, Workshops, Anatomy Reviews & More … [links within]

We currently have Open Figure Drawing Workshop 007 running. Every OFDW runs for 2 weeks. They are linked in the Tutorial link above.

If you’re planning to take a class at SVA, check to see if James McMullan is still teaching there, or most likely, one of his proteges. He wrote a famous book which I recommend checking out.

Cheers, :slight_smile:

~Rebeccak

#17

I’m pretty much on the same stage as you, I can do some 3d but is completly worthless at 2d and drawing. Thankfully we’ll be getting a new art teacher since our current is and 65 years old lady and she’s having a hard time learning thirty 15-year olds teenagers. :slight_smile:

#18

BEGINNERS’ Drawing Workshop - Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - With Margie

Always happy to have new folks on board. :wink:

Cheers,

~Rebeccak

#19

I’d normally join up without a fuss, Rebecca, but my schedual (?) is just filled up with homeworks at the moment. Gotta study hard these last 6 months =).

#20

The value of 2d skills imo is so high to me I’ve paused my 3d endeavours to better learn 2D imagery. It helps on all area’s regarding imagery.