Ever wondered how people created these 3D images and movies, such as “Ratatouille”, and some of the nice desktop wallpapers?
It’s really not as hard and expensive as it actually looks, well maybe if you want to be a pro and work for “Pixar Animation Studios”.
I’m talking about, eh, home entertainment? More basic 
A few years ago I tried 3D art for the first time. Back then I used a program called “Bryce” and “Poser” and both were difficult to use in my opinion. Especially if you wanted to insert a 3D model from Poser in Bryce. There were so many options and selections and none of them really visualized their function.
Nowadays if you are planning to be a 3D artist, or just want to have a hobby on the side, there are plenty of different programs to choose from, and the good news is that it’s pretty easy and cheap too!
There are a couple of 3D rendering software programs that really stand out in their category, Bryce 6.1, Vue d’Esprit, 3D Studio, Carrara 5, and Poser 7.
All these programs basically enable you to create pretty much anything you want in a virtual 3D environment. And Bryce, shown below, is available for $99.95.
a visual interface shows you exactly what you are working on!
The image above was made with Bryce 3D! Some images are so realistic it’s hard to see if it’s a photograph or made with 3D software.
With Poser, adjust anything, from positioning the hands to facial features!
This image above was made with Poser and 3D Studio. Click for a bigger version! You’ll be amazed how much detail you’ll see.
a Carrara example
A great website that has many programs for sale is Daz3D! They pretty much have everything to get you started in your new hobby/career
Models, samples and software. And once in awhile they have a good sale going on too!
However there are many other 3D websites out there as well, such as 3D cafe and alot more. Do a Google search on 3D art and you’ll be amazed how many results will come up.
Finally, what are you able to do with your creations once it’s finished? Well, there are several things you can do. You can show them off on you website (wallpapers for desktop?) or even print them in poster format and hang them above your bed 
I enjoyed making some of my own art although it is still very basic compared to some of the masterpieces out there. Working with some of these programs is a lot of fun. Experiment with features, if it doesn’t look right just undo and give it the look and feel you were aiming for. I’m sure once you start working with some of these applications within no time you have created a true work of art!
here are some links to get you going:
- Daz3D “Discover the 3D artist within you”
- E-on software “Solutions for Natural 3D environments”
- Fantasy Art Design (for some examples and maybe inspiration)
- Visual Paradox (this site has been around forever and host great wallpapers for your desktop.
at least it’s a start…
Posted by JohnnyC 
