%110 agreed.
The value of 2d-skills for a 3d-artist
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.
- I can work to hone my 2d skills, which will improve my models and make me a better, more desireable artist all around…
or
- 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.
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 
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, 
~Rebeccak
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. 
BEGINNERS’ Drawing Workshop - Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - With Margie
Always happy to have new folks on board. 
Cheers,
~Rebeccak
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 =).
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.
Marzocchi,
Hey no worries, if you get a chance, post your 2D work in the forum. 
jmB’s doing a great job, I might add, with 'them 2D studies. :wavey:
Cheers, 
~Rebeccak
This sounds good, but at the moment, I’m a bit tight on time :S
I’ll try to get better though, but I always get these huge ambitions after a while drawing which isn’t too good.
Old people have a funny tendency to know stuff, some people call it “experience”- maybe you should try listening to her instead of focusing on her age?
The people I’ve learned anything really worthwhile from tended to be 20 or 30 years older than me (and some of them were complete loons).
Don’t dismiss knowledge because it didn’t come from someone young or “cool”.
this is what i am finding…that i had some basic 2d skills…could sketch an apple or tree or an artistic and painterly building…but as i have gone more into the exploration of 3d…i find that i need to enhance my skills into thinking in terms of fantasy and so i have a new sketch book dedicated to that…i think the world of 3d requires me to stretch in all directions…art, math, writing…
Yeah I think you are right, 3d is more than what it looks like.
By the way, Rebecca, the tutorials are great! 
I´m currently at the point where I´ve seen that my models are much better when I have a concept artist by my side. Modeling stuff makes much more sense if you have some sketches near you. After my current project I will quit 3d for at least one year, and study drawing and painting, oh yes, and especially anatomy :banghead:
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