3D-Coat and Video Tutorials
3D Coat is a voxel-based modeling program that has the potential to revolutionize modeling. Voxel based modeling uses a digital clay metaphor that uses additive methods as opposed to displacing polygons like ZBrush or Mudbox. It is fast and efficient. Most importantly, it represents a paradigm shift in the way one thinks about modeling.
Most modelers start with topological awareness; that is, they think about the arrangement of polygons (generally quads) from the first shape. This can limit creativity by placing craft above the free-form placing of volume to create models. Many modelers will disagree with me about this.
In 3D-Coat, one builds the model using the digital clay tools in the program’s voxel “room”. This requires the user to add voxel geometry volumetrically and then scrape, shape and smooth the voxels to get the form they want. Then the modeler retopologizes the model by wrapping polygons around the voxel mode. This process requires the modeler to thoughtfully place polygons using edge flow and quad-based topology. UV mapping is a dream; 3D Coat allows the modeler to quickly specify seams and relax the UV shells. Models that would normally take me hours to UV map I can complete in literally minutes.
In response to the very generous academic discounts that Pilgway makes available to schools, faculty and students, I have begun a series of video tutorial posted to Vimeo online service. The first video in the series of twenty may be found at:
These tutorials cover the voxel modeling process in detail as well as the retopologizing and UV mapping of the Jedidiah Wilkins depicted below. I will proceed to painting in future videos.
