AoI Crash Course - Intro to 3D Modeling

AoI Crash Course - Intro to 3D Modeling


I've had several people PM me and request help for getting started with AoI, so I decided to make some tutorials (by the way, you can request tutorials in my graphic emporium). More are coming, so check back soon.

You need to install the mentioned plugin and script to complete the tutorials. I detail how to do so below.



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FAQ

What is AoI? Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling, rendering, and animation program.

Where do I download it? Here: Downloads - Art of Illusion . Select your operating system near the top of page and download and install the package.

What kinds of things can be created in AoI? You can view the AoI online gallery showcase here: Art Gallery - Art of Illusion . Things that I have created can be found in my gallery on dA: SugaSuga42 on deviantART .

How long have you been using AoI? Not that long, to be honest - probably a few months. However, I'm experienced with other 3D programs. Previously, I had been using Studio Max for about three years. The great thing about 3D programs is that there isn't a huge learning curve when you switch between them. Any information learned in one program can be transferred to another - because they all work in the same way.

Where can I find other tutorials? Official AoI tutorials can be found here: Documentation - Art of Illusion . The official AoI manual can be found here: Documentation - Art of Illusion . Download it!

I need help! I'm always willing to give help/advice - just ask in this thread or PM me.

Other questions? The AoI official FAQ can be found here: FAQ - Art of Illusion .

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Installing Scripts and Plugins

Scripts and Plugins are an essential part of AoI - a couple of them are nothing less than mandatory if you want to model complex objects. So head on over to the AoI Scripts and Plugins Repository - AoI scripts and plugins . Select 'Browse Repository' in the left side navigation bar, then select 'Plugins' on the next page. We are going to install the following plugin (you need the polymesh plugin for my tutorials, and many AoI tutorials on the web):

- Polymesh

The plugins aren't in any particular order, but Polymesh is the 15th up from the bottom. Click on the Polymesh link. You want to download the most recent file, which is PolyMesh_2.6.jar, and the date last modified is 01-Mar-2008. After the download is finished, extract the contents of the .zip file, and locate the executable Jar file. Simply drag this file to Program Files > Art of Illusion > Plugins. The plugin will load in AoI's interface the next time you start the program.

Now we need to install the following Script:

- Text

Go back to the first Repository page, click on 'Scripts', then 'Tools'. These are in alphabetical order, so locate Text near the bottom. Download 'Text_2.5.bsh'. Simply drag this file into Program Files > Art of Ilusion > Scripts. You can find the script under Tools > Scripts in AoI the next time you start it.

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Tutorials
I strongly suggest doing the Mario Coin tutorial first.



1. Modeling a Mario Coin



--> Click for Tutorial.

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2. Modeling a Triforce on a Pedestal



-->Click for Tutorial.

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3. Modeling an Abstract Mesh

This is a video tutorial. There are audio instructions, but they stop synching with the video after like 30 seconds (facepalm). Just mute it the first time you watch it, then just listen to the audio, then watch with them both together. You really should be able to follow along with just the video, though.

It is an .avi file (15.39 MB), and encoded with DivX. If you can't play it, you'll need to download the DivX codec.

--> Click here to download the tutorial.

This looks like a very cool program, thanks very much for the link. I also really liked your Zelda medallions that you made using it Once I get more time I will definitely be giving this a go for funsies lol

Thanks. I just added a new tutorial.

You use Studio Max, too? That's cool. I've been using it for maybe 3 or 4 years, but it's a large program. I even made my own signature with Max (well, not the border) in a few hours. I'm not so much for modeling; rather, I work animations and materials. But this should be very helpful. Thanks. And if you ever want to trade notes or something, just let me know.

I like this. The coin and the Triforce on a pedestal.

I'd like to see more work.

Originally Posted by Kouten

You use Studio Max, too? That's cool. I've been using it for maybe 3 or 4 years, but it's a large program. I even made my own signature with Max (well, not the border) in a few hours. I'm not so much for modeling; rather, I work animations and materials. But this should be very helpful. Thanks. And if you ever want to trade notes or something, just let me know.

Cool, will do.

Originally Posted by ZeldaMaster#1#1

I like this. The coin and the Triforce on a pedestal.

I'd like to see more work.

Thanks.

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P.S. You little bastards that talked me into making these tutorials had better be trying them.

I don't think I'd have time to put together tutorials, but I'm constantly designing. I was just wondering, where should I post those? In signature/showcase or graphics thread or where? I'm still somewhat new here.

Originally Posted by Kouten

I don't think I'd have time to put together tutorials, but I'm constantly designing. I was just wondering, where should I post those? In signature/showcase or graphics thread or where? I'm still somewhat new here.

Tutorials are posted on this board. All other graphics are posted in the Showcase if you want critique on them. You can also make a portfolio thread to show your art on the Synthesis of Imagery main board.

Welcome to ZU.

Ooooh I love the Triforce on a Pedestal I can't wait to have a go at these!

I had a neb at your tutorial for the Triforce and the program looks complicated but you seem to have done a really good job of breaking everything down and making it easy to follow for people like me who wouldn't have a clue what to do unless it was pointed out lol

I agree with ZeldaMaster#1#1, I'd like to see more of your work too please

*added

Nice tut.

Originally Posted by Kizah

Ooooh I love the Triforce on a Pedestal I can't wait to have a go at these!

I had a neb at your tutorial for the Triforce and the program looks complicated but you seem to have done a really good job of breaking everything down and making it easy to follow for people like me who wouldn't have a clue what to do unless it was pointed out lol

I agree with ZeldaMaster#1#1, I'd like to see more of your work too please

I'll make more after I start seeing some outcomes.

And thanks.

Originally Posted by Umi

*added

Nice tut.

Thanks, Umi.

oh god blue, marry me.

this is awesome.

'Bout time you found your way in here.

i didn't see it and then i was like O **** BLUE

Originally Posted by musical zombie.

i didn't see it and then i was like O **** BLUE

You maek something yet?

New tutorial added: modeling an abstract mesh.