Modelling Tutorials?

jackpot

L1: Registered
Feb 23, 2011
6
0
I wasn't too sure where to put this and I can never find much about it online. I've found the odd tutorial which has been helpful and I know this is a mapping community but I was hoping to create custom content for my map and tf2 in general.

Does anyone know where I can get a good 3DS Max dvd which would be a solid reusable reference? I liked the look of the 1 in the valve store but its:

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I'm hoping to go on reference as this does seem to be the place for top notch tf2 content. I've never been taught how to use any of the modelling programs and while I've come to grips with hammer, all the decompiling, compiling, different file types, UV wrapping, blah blah blah, etc, etc, etc has completely lost me.

I'm not going to lie... It's nowhere near as friendly as map making, so I ask you kindly...

Can you help me? :love:
 
Feb 18, 2009
640
629
Dunno where you are lookin' 'cause there are loads of 3ds max tutorials out there. If you mean 3ds -> TF2, then there isn't much that's specific to 3ds max, and it certainly wouldn't satisfy putting to DVD (alone).

I personally don't see the need for DVDs or paying anything to learn 3d modelling. It is a method of art. I mean sure, some artistic techniques can be taught (via DVD), and the interface is a specific tool that must be learned, but most if not all artistic techniques don't really apply in 3D space and you learn how to use the tool as you find the need for it (or rather the elements of it). How I learned (and I'm still learning) was just by messing around with the software (Blender in my case, with 3ds max only recently).
As for getting models into TF2, I believe the VDC is pretty comprehensive on the subject.
List of VDC Pages about modelling for the Source Engine
You may have to seek other more detailed tutorials on compiling a model, but I think there's at least 1 good one lurking in these forums...

My advice: Get used to modelling and the software, then get creative with it, then put it into TF2. It WILL take time. A lot longer than Hammer. Hammer is easy to use at the start, then to get REALLY good maps is a bit of a grind (depending on your natural ability) but 3D modelling can be slow for a while at the start when you are learning the interface, then eventually you can get really creative. That's not to say that you can't make stuff that looks nice once you have the basics, but it'll usually be an inorganic object, with relatively little geometric detail.
That sounded a little depressing... It isn't meant to be, sorry :p
 

jackpot

L1: Registered
Feb 23, 2011
6
0
Haha, that pretty much confirms my fears!!

I have a background in "art" so being creative isn't my problem it's having the time to tinker, research and having the inspiration to create anything! But anyway, I'll just keep cracking on!

Thanks very much for the help, all points taken on board :)