3D Computer Modeling - ART 4833 - Spring 2008
David Stoddard - Instructor

The course
The focus of this course is learning the fundementals of computer-based 3D modeling to create convincing stylized or realistic texturing, lighting, environments, and objects using Lightwave 3D and other tools. Some animation techniques will be explored as well..

In the beginning of the course, you will follow demonstrations in class to learn the techniques needed to develop your projects. There will be specific guideline and requirements. As you learn the basics of Lightwave and other tools, you will have more freedom to develop projects to your own level of creativity. There will be a main focus on each project to insure that you have a well rounded understanding and practical knowledge of the tools and techniques involved with computer-based 3D modeling.

It's important to have fun! Explore and experiment with Lightwve. Push yourself and be creative.

Projects
The projects for this course are designed to help you explore and understand the following techniques, ideas and fundementals of 3D modeling:
Coordinates and spatial orientation systems
Modeling geometry for both geometric and organic forms
Fundemental Modeling tools and terminology
Fundemental surfaceing and texturing techniques, and terminology
Fundementals of light in virtual space
Keyframe animation techniques and terminology
Very basic r igging for character animation
Compositing effects
and if time permits, partical effects

We will start off with simple modeling and textureing methods. The techniques and tools will become more sophisticated and demanding as we go. We will add new tools and techniques over the course of the first couple of projects. After this, you will develop your own projects based on loosely fashioned guideline that I will provide later in the semester. So, you should be developing ideas for your own use of these tools. There is a reality of time. This stuff requires quite a lot of it to do it well. Keep this reality in mind as you propose your individual projects.

Guidelines, materials and links for projects are at this link:
http://art.hsu.edu/dad/4833/art4833projects.html

Grading
Every project should beging with your sketchbook to develop ideas. Therefore your sketchbook is a large percentage of your overall grade in this course -- 20%. Not fleshing ideas out in your sketchbook first will be a problem with your grade. Even if your drawing skills are not the strongest, you must start by sketching, finding images that help describe your intent, and writing about your ideas before you begin creating the work for your projects. The other 80% of you grade will be based on four or more project. The number of projects will be determined by the efficiency of the class. If, as a group, you work quickly and with passion we will be able to cover more material and develop more projects.

Attendance and deadlines
I will be presenting demonstrations of techniques for a good portion of the classes in this course. It is up to you to acquire any missed information. Classmates, books and the web are good sources for this information. You are responsible for the any techniques and information covered in class.

Course Materials
• LightWave requires the use of a hardware key to operate. These are expensive to replace and in fact we can not afford to replace them at this time. So, we must keep very tight control of their use. You are responsible for the key assigned to you. You will be charged for it if it goes missing. DON'T LOOSE the KEY!!!
• A Sketchbook
• Media to back up your work such as DVD-R or CDs
• Any materials you might need to produce the final product for you projects. This could include a camera for capturing images for textures, or other things such as modeling clay to create actual (as opposed to virtual) 3D models from which to work.

Digital Studio Hours
The Digital Studio will be open during regular business hours (8AM to 5PM) or on evenings when the lab managers are working. We will have a schedule outside the door of the Studio soon. We will have a new card lock on the door soon. When it is installed, you will have access to the Studio with your ID card from 7AM to 11PM weekdays and 9AMto 9PM on weekends.

Contact
Office: RFA 243. Phone: 230-5020. If I don’t answer, leave a message. E-mail: stoddad@hsu.edu
My office hours will be posted outside my office soon.