Palmer Johnson 3D Yacht App

I am happy to introduce the interactive 3D Yacht App created for Palmer Johnson. Available on the Apple App Store and free to download to Ipad and Iphone devices.

The SuperSport series is so unique that in our minds it definitely warranted the production of an app to show what makes these new yachts so special. The application contains exclusive content and is the perfect way to enjoy the many features the SuperSport has to offer and understand the design and build philosophy behind the series.

Next generation design and fresh experiential yachting lifestyle are experienced through the rotating exteriors and the 360 interior views.

The app includes handy marketing information. Ideal for brokers to present the yacht to their clients in a truly unique way, sure to produce maximum impact.

 There is a gallery of images for each of  these stunning carbon fibre yachts as well as layouts and brief specifications.

The App allows you to understand and view the fundamental principals that make this yacht series unique.

You can get the Interactive Palmer Johnson app on the Apple App Store. Download now

3Ds Max Vespa Making of

I originally created the Vespa model back in 2008 as part of a 'mods vs rockers' video game project based in 1960's Brighton. I was highly influenced by the 1979  film Quadrophenia. When I moved down to Brighton in 2011 I was inspired to revisit the project. The model I originally created was for a video game a few years previous so it was quite low poly. This time round I wanted to push the realism of the model. Before this project I had not used the Mental Ray render engine very much so it was good to take the opportunity to develop my knowledge of the engine. I wanted to push the engine and show you could create a good amount of realism with Mental Ray. There were a lot of 'firsts' for me in this project, the use of mental ray, a HDR image for lighting and the use of Ambient Occlusion.

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The reference was originally taken from a book on Vespas. I also watched the film quadrophenia a few times. It was great to have a low poly base mesh already modelled so I could start work on the fun stuff I really enjoy, adding details to the model. There was not many special modelling techniques used. The flag was made using the cloth modifier, which was pinned to the pole. The mirrors were made using splines and the headlight were made like this.

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For the paint material I really wanted to get a nice reflective coat on top of the paint layer itself. I really like the amount of reflections I could get from the vehicle because of all the chrome and mirrors. Most of the materials are very basic and looking back now I maybe could have added some bumps and reflection maps to add to the realism but I do like the clean, crisp effect I got from not adding imperfections. I used  10 materials show below.

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To light the scene I used an interior HDR image from the Introduction to mental-ray-in 3ds-Max course from digital tutors. I put the HDR in the self illumination slot in the of a Standard Material and applied it to a inverted sphere and rotated it until I achieved a result I was happy with. There is a short post about that here HDRI lighting in 3ds Max and Mental Ray.

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Setting the camera is an important part of the image, I tried very much to abide by the basic photography rule of thirds. I tried many angles with various paint colours, some I was more satisfied with than others. I ended up with three shots that I wanted to develop.

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I then set the render engine to Mental Ray and began testing some settings. See below for the final render settings. I would recommend watching Rendering and Texturing in 3ds Max with Ramy Hanna.

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I put a ground plan down to get a shadow pass for the floor using a dark blue colour. I rendered an image without this plane and then render the floor using a region selection. I also created an ambient occlusion pass. More information on Ambient Occlusion How To: 3ds Max, Mental Ray and Photoshop.

Although when I created this image I did not use a Wire Colour Render Mask I recommend it to be able to control each material in post production. To create this pass I recommend Render Mask by Ivan Tepavicharov a excellent free script that has been develop to do a lot more than just wire colors including Z-Depth, AO, Reflections and many more. For other handy scripts and plugins check out the Top Five Free Scripts and Plugins.

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This is also a part I really enjoy, post production. Most of the work was done by Mental Ray so the post production was minimal. I began by bringing the passes into Photoshop, I overlayed the floor/shadow pass and put the AO on top using a multiply layer. I then painted in a gradient in the background matching the floor colour, this can also be changed in post. I then also put some gradients of colour to add some variation to the light and to set the mood of the image. Below shows the layers in Photoshop.

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I was happy with the result of the image and very proud that it was features on the front page of Autodesk's Area and to see it in 3D World Magazine. I hope that this Making Of has been helpful and if you enjoyed it or have any questions please leave a comment. I like to think that this site will speed up your development as a 3D Artist by trying to explain things that took me so time to learn.

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A 10 step guide on how to add a pop up notes in 3ds Max with pictures

A 10 step guide on how to add a pop up notes in 3ds Max with pictures. This guide will take you through every step in this simple process.

If you have downloaded one of the 3ds Max scenes from the downloads page you would have noticed a pop up note when you open it in 3ds Max. These can be useful for adding notes about the file for future reference or for a college who is going to use the scene or 3D model. To add pop up notes in 3ds Max  is very simple just follow the steps below.

1. Right Click on the Main Toolbar in 3ds Max and select Customize from the drop down list.

2. Click on the Menu tab at the top of the new window.

3. Now you can choose where you want to add the button to Add a Pop Up Note. I recommend Tools. So click the + next to the word Tools.

4. Now drag and drop a Separator bar across from the left side to the bottom of the new list.

5. In the Action list in the top left of the Customize User Interface window Drag and Drop Add a Pop up Note underneath the new Separator you just added.

6. Close the Customize window.

7. Now when you click on Tools in you should see Add a Pop up Note at the bottom of the list.

8. Click Add a Pop up Note.

9. In the Pop Up Note window make sure that Show Note on File Open is checked. Here is also where you can add the Authors Name, Date and Description. Click Add Note.

10. Now save. Now when you open the file the Pop Up Note will appear.

And there you have it you can now add pop ups note in 3ds Max. If you found this post useful or informative please help me by commenting and sharing. Thank you.

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Hyperlapse Tutorial - How To

What is a Hyperlapse? A good Hyperlapse Tutorial and applying it to 3D.

Hyperlapse photography is very similar to timelapse photography. To create both timelapse and hyperlapse photography you take still shots at regular intervals. Where it differs is time-lapse shows the passing of time from a fixed point. Where as with a Hyperlapse the camera is moving. These images are then combined in a movie editing software to create a video.

Here is a video tutorial on how to create hyperlapse photography.  Griffin from the Indy Mogul, a  DIY movie making channel, talks to film makers  Chris and Oliver. They explain the techniques they use to capture shots with just a tripod and camera. This particular hyperlapse technique requires a lot of trial and error, but the outcome can be stunning.

For 3D Artists timelapse video is much easy to capture. In many 3D applications you can select a camera, click key frame and move your camera. Render out your frames. Then using a zdepth pass you can change the focus on your shots in adobe after effects or similar program.

Z Depth Pass for Hyperlapse Photography and Rendering

The hyperlapse video is used regularly in 3D architectural visualisation. One of the best architectural visualisations to date is Alex Roman's The Third and The Seventh. Watch the full length video below in full screen. The Third and The Seventh Book will be arriving soon so keep an eye on  http://www.thirdseventh-book.com/

The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.

Hyperlapses take a lot of time for a small amount of output. It has been compared to stop-motion meeting time-lapse photography. The results can be incredible for those who have the time and patience. Any other good hyperlapse or timelapse photography examples or tutorials drop them in the comments below.

Expose 11 - Finest Digital Art in the Known Universe

I am extremely proud to say I am in this years Expose from Ballistic Publishing. I am very happy to be featured next to the best artists in the world. This year had over 8000 images submitted from 58 countries. My image the Red VW Camper can be seen in the Transport section of the book. You can see more of my publications here. The Red VW Camper is available for download over on Turbosquid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVpWOGRGRFk

Aston Martin Rendered with Keyshot and Mental Ray

Here are the first few images of an Aston Martin rendered with Keyshot and Mental Ray . The first two images of the Aston Martin Vantage are rendered in 3ds Max with Mental Ray and a HDRI environment, later on in the post the Aston Martin is rendered with Keyshot. The feedback on the studio shots are that as the car is in a studio the reflections should be of lights and not of an environment.

Below is the next stage of the Aston Martin rendered with Keyshot. In this render I used Keyshot rather than Vray or Mental Ray and 3ds Max. It has proved to be a great learning experience, proving to me that Keyshot is an extremely quick and powerful tool. I also used HDR studio which I highly recommend. The next step for this project will be trying out Vray, 3ds Max and HDR Studio with higher resolution HDR images and backplates. As well as using the problems I encountered during this stage to improve the workflow in future. I hope to revisit this project when I can find time.

Here is a quick update image using Vray in a full 3D environment. That is three render engines and counting! :)

Camera Focus Studies

I am happy to present a some new renders from a Vray Physical Camera study. In this study I wanted to looking deeper into the Vray Camera focus and motion blur settings. The table and chairs scene was very basic using three Vray Lights. For the paper clips I used a studio with a HDRI and  Rayfire to animate.

Photoshop Brush Smoothness

I always had a problem when painting with a hard brush in Photoshop. I found that the default would leave spaces. I never looked into fixing this until today, I used to go over the same area a few times. Not very productive I know.

In Photoshop open the Brush Tab by selecting Window - Brush or pressing F5. In there with the Hard Brush selected change the spacing to 1% rather than 25%. And there you are, a nice smooth brush.

To save the new brush hit New Brush Preset and OK.

Then hit Brush Preset (top left of the pop-out) Preset Manage and move the new brush to where you want.

 

Then you can save the new set.

Norfolk, UK Texture Pack is Free

I have released a new Texture Pack of Norfolk, UK. This pack is mainly old farm houses and walls. Enjoy.

Roquebrune Cap-Martin Texture Pack for Free

I am happy to let you know the the Roquebrune Cap-Martin Texture Pack is now available for free at in Downloads

As always your feedback and requests are welcome.

How To Record Actions in 3ds Max like in Photoshop

I was looking for a way to repeat some of the most common tasks I perform in 3ds max. It turns out that using MAXScript is the way to do it. Don't let the word 'script' scare you, it is pretty easy. The task I wanted to create an 'action' button for was. -Apply UVW Map -with Box Mapping and Real-World Scale

To create the Script we need an object to record the action from. So just create a box.

Click on MAXScript (next to Help) on the top menu. Select MAX Script Listener

This Box will pop up, Click MacroRecorder and Enable from the dropdown.  Now what ever you do will be recorded, like in Photoshop actions.

Apply a UVW Map > Mapping to Box > tick Real-World Map Size Turn off the MacroRecorder by hitting enable again.

This is what you have. modPanel.addModToSelection (Uvwmap ()) ui:on $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].maptype = 4 $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].realWorldMapSize = on $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].utile = 1 $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].vtile = 1 $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].length = 1 $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].width = 1 $.modifiers[#UVW_Map].height = 1 Select all the text and copy it.

At the top of Max go to MAXScript again and New Script. Paste in the code.

At the top copy and paste this... macroScript UVWmap category:"Jaked3d" buttonText:"UVWmapRWS"

You can change the name of the Script (UVWmap) category:"(Jaked3d)" and buttonText:"(UVWmapRWS)"

Add brackets to the top and bottom of the code like below

Now in MAXScript > File > Save where you like In MAXScript > Tools > Evaluate All

Now in the top menu in 3ds Max Select Customize > Customize User Interface In the Toolbars tab in Category you should find what you called your category you can now drag it 'Uvwmap' onto the Main Toolbar.

You can now select any object in your scene and apply your script. You can download this one here. Jaked3d UVWmapRWS

You can then combine your 'actions' with other scripts. For example I recorded the same action in the above example with the Centre and Reset script from Frodos Magic Bag to centre the pivot of an object > reset xform > apply uvw map with box mapping and real world scale, in one hit of a button.

Search Macro Scripts in 3ds Max Help for lots more info.

Cambridge Texture Pack Now Available

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The Cambridge Texture Pack Now Available with a special Bonus.

Top of Mount Bego French Alps

I have just updated the Photos section of my Portfolio with this panorama from my trip up Mount Bego.

Exterior Yacht Render

I am happy to present an image that is on the inside cover of three magazines, Yachts International, Showboats and Boat International. The representation of the 48 metre SuperSport Yacht was created using 3ds Max, Vray and Photoshop.

CG Health and Well Being

With January coming to a close and New Year resolutions starting to lose momentum it can be hard to continue with the well intentioned goals you set yourself at the beginning of the year. This is a bit off the normal topics of the site, but I think it is important for industry we are in

Apps I have found apps a great incentive. I am currently using the free version of Map Draw to track the runs I do, I then email the map to my friend to show off! For my never ending todo list I love using Epic Win. This app turns your todo list into a RPG game.

Seinfeld's Productivity Secret Credit has to go to Lifehacker for this great tip. Stick up as many calanders as you need and write the goal on top. Each day put a X if completed. The idea is not to brake the chain and it works! Here is the article How Seinfeld's Productivity Secret Fixed My Procrastination Problem

Get Up Having a few small breaks and walking around (not disturbing anybody) during the day is recommended by everybody but it is tough to do. I set reminders on the computer to pop up using great apps like Workrave and Coffee Break.

Lunch It is so easy to eat at your desk, but get out for at least half an hour. It is easy to get 'blinded' by what you are working. I am actually writing this post in a park near the office. Get some fresh air .

Posture I wanted to improve my posture at my desk and I also wondered why was I getting so tired from sitting at a desk. Some people suggested that getting tired is not always due to mental fatigue. If you sit awkwardly at your desk it can make your muscles tense. If you stay in the same position for a long time tensed all day this can make you tired. The solution sounds quite easy, just take a moment to notice how you are sitting and relax.

Getting Moving I was interested to see how much I was moving daily, the recommended amount per day is 10,000 steps. I bought a pedometer (I am sure there are apps) and I now aim to beat the previous days steps. This encourages me to jog in the mornings and take the steps instead of the evaluators. I am currently averaging 10,461 steps per day.

Join a Club I highly recommend joining a sports club, it is a great motivator to get moving and release some stress after work. I play Squash twice a week with a colleague, I have found it is great motivation to have somebody to go with and not to let them down. It always seems harder to let some body else down other than yourself.  Being in another country I thought it could be difficult to find and join a club but it was surprising easy and if I can do it here then so can you.

Move Your Bin This is a great one, move your bin away from your desk so you have to move. This also gets the steps on the pedometer up!

Water Bottles I have been doing for a while now, I have two 1 litre bottles. One in the fridge and one on the desk. The task is just to get through them in the day. If I have not finished one by lunch time it's time to speed up.

Take the Stairs Where I live there are a lot of steps to get to work. There are public lifts and escalators which I used for a long time. But since September I have been taking the stairs and I feel much fitter. It does get easier!

Park Further Away If you drive then you can park further away to get some more exercise and you may also save some money in parking costs.

For more health and fitness advice follow @_FitnessAcademy

Venice Texture Pack

Jaked3d-Venice-Texture-Pack

As promised here are 36 high resolution textures I took when I was in Venice. Feel free to use them as you like.

French Alps Hike

After the amount of time I have been stuck to a computer lately a friend of mine Kim and I went on an eventful 4 day hike through the French Alps. One of the highlights was reaching the top of Mount Bego at 9,423 ft and raising £330.00 for a children's hospice in Brighton. The views through out the trip were amazing and the pictures could never do it justice. But here are a view pictures from the hike. I have some HDRI's to put together when I get a minute. More pictures here.

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State of the Art Academy Day 3

I headed over to Venice for a few days to attend State of the Art Academy Day 3. There was great talks from speakers such as Peter Guthrie, Pixela, Ronen Bekerman, Adam Hotovy and Tomek Miksa. Lots of great subjects were brought up and I got to meet a lot of the 3d community. I particularly enjoyed Pixela showing how to create amazing pillows in Marvous Designer and Adam Hotovy giving a great insight into the importance colour theory and harmony. A couple of cool links to check out are Gobotree and Color Scheme Designer 3

I also got the chance to check out Venice and I am working on the texture pack which should be up here soon.

VW Camper Van

I have finally got around to uploading my Volkswagen Camper Van to Turbosquid.

It was originally created with 3ds Max 2011 using the Mental Ray renderer. (2010 and 2012 .max included)

Containing both a high and a low poly version.

High Poly- 436,176

Low Poly-17,509

This model is suitable for use in advertising, design visualisation, films and games.

The model can be switched from high poly to low poly by turning on and off the turbosmooth in the modifier stack.

www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/694913?referral=Jaked3d

Boat International Cover and Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco Yacht Show was on this week. In the build up to the event I have been extremely busy creating images for press and the exhibition. I am happy to say that a image made it as the cover image for Boat International for the October issue. There was also a six page spread in the magazine. You can see the article on the publication page. The show also marked the unveiling of three of the new yachts in the SuperSport series which receive a lot of attention.

I also took the opportunity to head up to the top of Monaco and get some HDRI Panorama shots. Although for the first attempt of the night shot I headed up without any battery. I have learnt my lesson to always check my equipment before I head off.