45 Useful 3DS Max Tutorials For Reference

  3DS Max is widely used to produce cool 3D models or animations. 3DS Max is mainly used by visual effects artists, visualization specialists to design and game developers. Creativity with good texture and appropriate materials should be used to obtain a realistic effect. After obtaining a realistic effect, light effect should be placed in a natural position to witness proper effects. Multiple lights could also be used to enhance and stimulate the objects that surround the model. Thus, with appropriate approaches, you can achieve great 3DS Max models.

Nowadays, many 3DS Max tutorials are available for creating 3D models and visualization effects to allow artists and designers to rise faster for production. In this post I will share with you an overview of 3DS Max Tutorial that will surely inspire you. Have fun!

This tutorial will covers the major points of producing this image, starting with the planning and covering the modeling, texturing, rendering, lighting and compositing.

This overview is software-specific as I have used 3DsMAX and Rhinoceros for making a picture and Adobe Photoshop for postproduction but there are no limitations for other software users due to most of principals of production are the same.

In this quick and easy tutorial, we will use 3ds Max, VRay, and a free plugin called GW:Ivy to create a highly detailed ivy covered tree stump scene. For those of you who are beginners out there…don’t be intimidated! When you are finished you will say “I can’t believe how easy that was!”.

This tutorial will teach you how to create a Windows like logo as shown in the image below.

As this is a making of article, I’m not gona cover every step of the creation process of this image. I assume you have some  basic knowledge in 3D in general, and basic to intermediate level for all the 3ds max users.

In this tutorial i will show you how to create an Android phone, the HTC Tattoo model, in 3ds Max and VRay. We will cover both parts, modeling and rendering. If you follow this tutorial well you should achieve an image like the one above. At bottom of tutorial you will find link to download sample of this tutorial in .max, .3ds, .obj formats.

This tutorial will have 2 more chapters about texturing using Unwrap uvw modifier and another chapter about rigging this character. To follow this tutorial you need to be a little bit familiar with the interface of 3DS Max.

In this tutorial I’ll show you how to model a chess set.This is the first chapter and the second chapter will be made by C. Andrei. Like all of our tutorials this is very detailed and I am sure that anyone will understand it.

In this tutorial I will show you how to create a tire. Its a very simple tutorial which can be followed by any beginner in 3ds max.So, below you have the blueprint.

In this 3ds Max tutorial we’re going to create a simple 3d mountain. The mountain geometry will be created from a simple plane with the displace modifier and it will be textured with a combination of procedural maps.

In this 3ds Max tutorial we’re going to create a 3d snow scene. The focus will be the snowy hills, snow on the branches of the tree, and snow flakes flowing in the air.

In this tutorial, you’re going to learn how to create a vintage, retro-modernist poster in Photoshop. You’ll also learn some vintage coloring techniques, retro photo effects, and some cool 3d typographic effects.

In this tutorial i will show you how to create a Chinese Table Set with 3ds Max and Vray. I will model the, the chopsticks holder, a bowl, a plate, a plateau and a table rug.

In this tutorial we will model a 3D skateboard, then we will texture it in Photoshop CS3. Let’s start it because I don’t like to make introductions.

This is project that I have made in September 2010. Its a personal project and I will share you with the steps that you need to do to make a similar project. In this tutorial I will also tell you how to use hdri to make your light in your renders, and what settings you need to do.

Finally, this is the last part for our Mp3 Player Tutorial. Part 4. In the first 3d Modeling tutorial we’ve created the Mp3 Player, in the second 3d modeling tutorial we’ve created the Earphone, in the third 3d modeling tutorial we’ve arranged the scene.

In this tutorial we are going to create a serene Japanese style 3d image in 3ds Max. We’re going to model a shiny dark pebble stones and create a balanced pile out of them. This is a simple tutorial where emphasis is on the lighting and materials.

This Tutorial is a modeling tutorial of how to model a realistic flammable barrel. Like one you might see on First Person Shooter computer games.

This tutorial is intended for those artists who are going to place a planet on the foreground of their new artwork.

In this tutorial we are going to model a 20th century design legend, the Eames Lounge Chair. The reason I chose this particular object are its different shapes and forms. It has both soft, organic pillows and a hard, defined structure that holds it all together, making it an excellent way to learn how to model both soft and hard structures.

In this tutorial Ben Tate will demonstrate his approach to modeling a modern style spiral staircase in 3d Studio Max. The main focus will be spline modeling, although Ben will reiterate some of the more common poly modeling techniques too.

In this intermediate level modeling tutorial, you will follow Ben Tate as he demonstrates how to create a detailed domed structure and water fountain in 3ds Max.

You will learn to use many of 3ds Max’s poly and spline modeling tools, while keeping the model as light weight and simplified as possible, and only using subdivision in the areas that require it.

This was the official ball for the World Cup 1982. In the next few days i will create other 3d modeling tutorials that will show you how to model other types of sport balls. That being said let’s start this 3d modeling tutorial.

In this tutorial you will learn how to model Bathroom furniture. You will also learn how to create a basic room with illumination.  At bottom of tutorial you will find link to download sample of this tutorial in .max, .3ds, .obj formats. Let’s move on.

In this tutorial “Andrzej Marszalek” shows you step by step process of modeling a Hell Sword inspired by the Chaos Eater from Darksiders using 3ds Max and ZBrush.

Today we will learn how to model Living Room furniture. You will also learn how to create a basic room with illumination.  At bottom of tutorial you will find link to download sample of this tutorial in .max, .3ds, .obj formats.

Mini Semi Truck tutorial series (high five!) In the final day, we’ll complete the truck by modeling the detailed rims and tires. Once we have a single tire complete, we’ll clone it and make some modifications to create a second less detailed rim for the truck’s duel tire setup.

I wanted to create an interior scene of the world famous Getty Center. The straight architecture of that center fascinated me, so I started with the simple modeling of the room. It had to be a tall room with a lot of space. I also wanted to have no direct sun light, so I ending up using the VRay Sky for the lightning and some IES lights for the spots and VRay mesh lights for the wire lamp,

In this making of I’ll try to show you the process of making the “Tree Room” image. First of all I started to look for some references on Japanese rooms and trees because that was the style I wanted to reproduce. In this stage I also look for light and texture references.

In this tutorial, Pratik Gulati walks us through how he created his stunning image, ‘The Church of Light’, using 3Ds Max. He covering all of the modeling, material creation, lighting, render passes and the post-production techniques used.

n this intermediate level tutorial, we follow CG artist Cristian Pop through the process of creating an abstract paint leaking scene using 3Ds Max 2010 and Pwrapper, a great plug-in from 3D Aliens. After completing the 3D work, Cristian switches to 2D to perform some final color corrections in Photoshop.

In this tutorial I will show ho w to model Normandy Space ship from mass effect.

Here I want to explain how I made the interior shot of this beautiful Iranian mosque. Please remember this is not the best or the fastest way to make It, It’s just the way I made It!

This is not a modeling or texturing tutorial. In order to complete it you must already have a finished piece of game art, complete with current industry standard texture maps.

The image was a personal challenge through which I wanted to learn everything relating to interiors. I used 3ds Max for the main development of the image and VRay as the renderer. I also used Adobe Photoshop for creating the textures and adding the final touches at the end.

This Making Of is mainly going to focus on my lighting, rendering and textures.

Discover the secrets behind properly lighting and rendering interior scenes with 3ds Max and Vray in this easy to follow, step by step walkthrough. Scene setup, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering for realistic output will all be discussed, so there is literally something in here for everyone!

This is a follow-up of the Night Exterior Rendering Tutorial that I have written a while ago, so if you haven’t checked that one already, I advice you to read it before this one.

Hope the overview of 3DS Max Tutorial inspire you and made you entertained!

Lief is a front end developer and one of the creative designers at Design Article Writers, who love to share useful articles across the design community.

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26 Resources for WordPress Tutorials Themes and Plugins

Freelancing seems like one of the most lucrative job titles. And it’s true that setting your own hours and working on interesting projects can be a lot of fun. But there is also the matter of looming deadlines and touchy clients you need to keep satiated.

One of the most important tools for a freelancer is their work station. You can’t get anything done if your work area is poorly setup, cluttered, or too small to fit inside. In the gallery below I have put together 40 brilliant examples of freelance offices, both home & industrial. Your creative space is truly a sacred realm where you must remain focused and motivated. I hope some of these photos can enliven your spirit to continue designing and freelancing.

Jake is a digital researcher and writer on many popular design magazines. He frequently writes on topics including web design, efficient user experience, mobile apps, and project management. You can find him all throughout Google and tweeting @jakerocheleau.

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What You Need to Know About Freelancing Before You Start

Over a fourth of all workers are self-employed according to some studies, and now you want to join them. You’ve decided to become a freelance designer or other freelancer.

You’re especially looking forward to:

Not having a bossPicking your own projectsSetting your own hoursWorking from home

But, hold on a minute. You can have all that…maybe. However, if you’re thinking about freelancing design there are some things that you really need to know before you start.

In this post, I’ll list some freelancing details that many bloggers and gurus “forget” to mention. By considering these details up front, you’ll avoid disappointment later on and get more from your freelancing design career.

If you enjoy this post, you may also like 12 Reasons You Shouldn’t Freelance.

To be able to freelance, you need to have a marketable skill or a product or service to sell. Some careers just don’t lend themselves well to freelancing and some people are not well suited to freelancing.

If you’re thinking of becoming a freelancer, spend a lot of time thinking about the product or service you will sell. Ask yourself why an individual or company would need that service (and be honest). Remember, competition is fierce.

It’s not enough to like what you intend to do as a freelancer–somebody also has to need it and be willing to pay money for it.

Freelancing design also takes a lot of patience and perseverance. It’s a fact that some people do better (and are happier) when they work for someone else.

Many freelancers are drawn to freelancing because they think that they will only have to work on those projects that interest them. The boring projects, the unchallenging projects…they’ll turn those down (or at least they think they will).

The truth is that sometimes the boring, unchallenging design projects are the ones that actually make you money. If you always turn them down, you may wind up short of cash.

Also, there are a lot of aspects to freelancing–marketing, accounting, paying taxes…that new freelancers usually don’t think about. In fact, if you’re used to working in a corporation, these roles were taken care of by someone else. As a freelancer, you’ll find that you have to do a little bit of everything because there is no one else.

If you’re leaving traditional employment because you don’t want to answer to someone else, think again.

Unless you can create and market a product, you will still have to answer to someone. It’s just that instead of answering to a “boss,” you’ll answer to your client (and in most cases, there will be more than one). You will need good people skills because some clients are very difficult to work with.

Even if you do create a product, you will still have to answer to your customers. You’ll become the customer satisfaction department and the customer fulfillment department all rolled into one.

Many freelancers earn more money as a freelance designer than they did in traditional employment. Would-be freelancers hear this and look at freelancing design as a way to get instantly rich.

The fact is, however, that you may make less money as a freelance designer–at least at first. There are several reasons for this:

Many new freelancers fail to take into account that most freelancers don’t bill for 40 hours a week. Therefore, they undercharge for their services.Many new freelancers also forget to count the value of their employer-paid benefits when setting their rates. Once they add those benefits back in, they actually wind up with less income.In the U.S. employers pay a payroll tax that self-employed individuals must pick up (the so-called “self-employment tax”).The famous “feast or famine” cycle can be very real, especially for new freelancers who haven’t mastered marketing skills yet.

While experienced and successful freelancers figure out ways to overcome loneliness, it is still a factor for many new freelancers. Even if you don’t consider yourself a social person, it can be disconcerting when days go by without you seeing anyone else face to face.

Although freelance designers interact with people through email, social media, and telephone calls–those aren’t the same thing as having someone right there with you. Plus, not having someone else there means that you don’t have anyone to run ideas by or to ask questions of.

To overcome the loneliness of not having colleagues nearby, I suggest:

Cultivating local friendshipsFinding a mentorParticipating in social media groups and forums geared towards your specialty

Back when you were working for someone else, you had to ask permission to get a few days off–remember how it was? What a hassle, you thought.

You may think that planning a vacation will be easier once you are a freelancer, but for freelancers planning a vacation can be complicated.

For one thing, for freelancers there’s no such thing as a paid vacation. So, it will be up to you to save enough money to make sure that you cover any loss of income during the days that you don’t work.

Also, in my experience at least, some clients seem to have an almost eerie radar about when I plan a vacation. No sooner do I get one planned than they contact me with one of the biggest projects that I’ve had all year. This has happened more than once.

For these reasons and others, many freelancers find themselves hauling their work along with them on their vacation. But that really isn’t very restful, is it?

The point of this post is not to talk you out of freelancing design, but rather to give you a heads up on some common problems freelancers face so that you can think about them before hand.

If you’re an experienced freelancer, feel free to add any other factors that you think a new freelancer or someone considering freelance design (or other freelancing) needs to know.

Image by z2amiller

Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 20 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts. Laura is also on Google+.

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Five Sloppy Habits that Can Hurt Your Design Business

 

Did you know that bad business habits can hurt your freelance design business?

It’s true, bad habits can keep you from earning to your full potential. They can also cost you money if they cause client dissatisfaction.

In this post, we’ll take a look at sloppy business habits you need to break. If you liked this post, you may also like 3 Freelancing “Bad Habits” That Cost You Money.

You finished the project and the client is thrilled. They’ve written you a nice thank-you letter for your work.

You probably think it’s time to move on, but you’re wrong! Now is the time, while the project is still fresh on your client’s mind, to ask for testimonials about your work.

Too many freelance web designers are hesitant to ask for testimonials. They may be too modest or they may simply forget. However, this is a mistake.

Good client testimonials can mean the difference between winning and losing a project.

Quick quiz–when was the last time you contacted your first client?

If they are still in business, you should be in regular contact with them as well as with all of your former clients. There are several reasons for this:

If they needed your web design skills once, they may need them again.They may change positions and move to a new company that needs your skills.They may learn of someone who could use your skills.

It’s easy to lose touch with people, but if you’re in business (and freelancing web design is a business) it’s not a good idea to lose touch with your clients.

Of course, you don’t want to harass them with daily emails, but there is usually no harm in checking in every month or so just to see how things are going. If you’re not doing this, you’re probably not getting all the business that you could be getting.

As a freelance web designer, you have no boss. There’s no time clock to punch when you start or finish work.

Sadly, some freelancers get into the bad habit of starting late and finishing early. Of course, this is fine if you are getting all of your work done and you are satisfied with your income.

Too often, however, freelancers procrastinate and don’t really allow themselves enough time to get the job done properly. This can lead to missed deadlines and/or sloppy work. All of which leads to unhappy clients in the end.

If this is you, quit it right now. Learn to manage your time well and make sure to allow enough time to do a good job on each project.

You’re rushing around–meeting deadlines and marketing your design business. It’s oh-so-easy to let housekeeping slip.

After all, your office is at home. It’s not like anyone ever sees where you work, right?

Well, there are at least three reasons why you should keep your home office neat:

Things get lost in a messy office. Where is that design book you bought, but never read? If your office is messy, it could be under any of those stacks of junk. Even worse, you might lose records you need for your business. Where are your copies of last year’s receipts? You need them for your taxes.Someone may stop by. Just because you don’t usually have clients over to your office doesn’t mean that you can count on them never stopping by. What would your clients think if they saw your office right now? And don’t forget Google+ Hangouts and online conferences, where your messy office might be seen in the background.A mess can be disheartening. If you look around and see nothing but piles of paper, you may become discouraged. You may work at less than your peak efficiency. Never mind that the piles are months (or maybe years) old. Having stacks of paper around will make you feel overwhelmed.

You never know who is looking at your social media profile. That’s why it is really important to watch what you say or do. Something that is funny to you and your close friends may be misunderstood by others.

Remember that what you share online can be shared and reshared. You won’t always be able to control who sees it. The final recipients may not be those you originally had in mind.

Your social media profile is part of your online reputation. For a freelance designer, reputation is everything. So, be extra careful about yours.

I’ve listed some sloppy habits that can hurt your web design business. Nearly all freelancers struggle with these habits every once in a while. But, be careful if you find yourself falling into one of these habits on a regular basis.

Did I miss any sloppy freelance habits? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Image by amishsteve

Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 20 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts. Laura is also on Google+.

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How to Code a jQuery Rolodex-Style Countdown Ticker

I’m sure many of you are familiar with how an office rolodex works. You have a series of cards with contact information which you can flip over to sort through alphabetically. These are most common in the office settings because businesses must to keep in touch with so many different people. Although the value is in translation into a web interface, we can still use this idea to create a really neat timer effect.

More specifically I have seen a couple countdown widgets on landing pages. These are numbering systems for websites which count down to a specific launch date. You could alternatively use this code to create a live clock on your website – there are so many uses available! Check out my simple tutorial below and see if you can implement a similar ticker into any future web projects.

Live Demo – Download Source Code

I am admittedly not an amazing Photoshop design guru. I can put together some unique web layouts and magazine themes – but I can’t create a whole rolodex stack from scratch. This is where the large network of PSD freebies comes in handy.

I really love this flip-clock countdown for both the gradients and textures. This was created by Orman Clark who also built the website Premium Pixels. Just download the PSD and extract a single card stack background. We will use this same background for each of the time slots – days, hours, minutes, and seconds.

However I want to use dynamic HTML inside each div to update the counter. So when you extract these blocks make sure you hide all the text layers, including the bottom labels. Or even easier just download my tutorial source code above and use the included images.

For this example we don’t need a whole bunch of confusing HTML markup. I’m using a containing div #clock-ticker set with a clearfix class, and inside we have 4 different floating divs. These are set to the class .block and each contains a single column of the countdown clock.

8

Days

14

Hours

34

Mins

Inside a single block area we have three core sections. The top two span elements contain the top and bottom portion of each rolodex card. By splitting up the card we could use some further jQuery UI animation effects. But this goes much further than I’d like to cover here – although it is possible to build off this preset code.

#clock-ticker { display: block; margin-bottom: 15px;}#clock-ticker .block { position: relative; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; float: left; margin-right: 22px; }#clock-ticker .block .flip-top { width: 88px; height: 39px; line-height: 75px; font-size: 55px; background: url('img/flip-top.png') no-repeat; text-align: center; }#clock-ticker .block .flip-btm { width: 88px; height: 40px; background: url('img/flip-btm.png') no-repeat; text-align: center; }#clock-ticker .block .label { color: #fbfbfb; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; width: 88px; line-height: 35px; text-align: center; font-family: "Calibri", Arial, sans-serif; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #333; }

The last area contains the label text for each card. This is held inside an HTML5 footer element and styled with a bit of CSS. I should point out how many of these elements are set to a fixed height. This means we can ensure the layout won’t break even if our numbers were “too big” and pushed outside the box model.

Inside the top span area of each column I’ve appended some default numeric values. You can change these to whatever you’d like and the script should still count down directly to 0. But just remember you don’t need anything in the bottom section, and actually I built it this way to keep the code cleaner.

Our goal would be to then check each of these numerical values on pageload and set them to static variables. You can see I have done this within the first few lines of JavaScript. The jQuery library is included in the doc header, but all our JS codes are actually inside a script tag towards the bottom of the page.