3D sculpting programs?

[Conium Maculatum]

Hi All,

2013 has started off with a bit of a downer for me. I have managed to injure my shoulder to the extent that I can't paint my minis without rather intense pain.

Surprisingly, this has left me intensly bored and I thought it would be a good idea to spend my time trying to learn how to sculpt minis digitally. The question for the assembled community is this:

What would be the best 3D sculpting program to go for?

I am a total beginner at this so simplicity would be a virtue and if it didn't cost the earth, that would be great too!

Many Thanks
David

 

[Matt Cexwish]

Hi David,

It really depends on what exactly you are looking forward to sculpt... If you are looking for a cheap (in fact free...^-^...) and simple 3D Modelling Program, I strongly recommend Google SketchUp... It is very intuitive and you can pull some decent plans and even renderings out of it... If you are looking for a Sculpting Program to sculpt organic things, zBrush is the non plus ultra... I don´t think that the Educational / Student Version costs more then 200 Dollar and a lot of people use it to sculpt 3d Models that can then be printed out with a 3d Printer (http://shapeways.com... I have not found a better service til now...)... However, many suggest to use a Wacom or a similar pen operated surface device if you decide to sculpt Organic things and I rather doubt that you will have to move less then when you paint Miniatures...

Maybe getting your shoulder checked and "fixed" by a physician is a better option...?... However, best of luck to you! If you need some more advice, feel free to ask me via Private Message...^-^... I am currently working on a series of "traditional" sculpting Tutorials on massivevoodoo.com... Maybe it will be helpful to you too?

 

[QuietiManes]

Just a word of warning.

I hurt my shoulder pretty bad about 2 years ago. I was also really bored out of my mind, after I got past the point of being in too much pain to even watch TV. I made the mistake of getting a laptop to pass the time, my desktop PC had recently died.

Anyway...getting to my point...

Like Matt Cexwish said, using the computer might aggravate your shoulder more than you think. So test it out first, if you haven't already. I ended up with a laptop that I couldn't play any of the games I bought for a couple months. I tried and tried but using the hand on the hurt arm just wasn't possible. Most graphics people use both hands, like most gamers, I'd imagine you might get really frustrated trying to one hand it, like I did with games.

Anyway, g'luck. Also, ZBrush has a 30 day trial you can download for free before buying. I'd imagine you'll love it to bits.

 

[vasilistoxo]

I am no expert but I've been trying blender and it looks good thus far.It is free too

 

[Conium Maculatum]

Thanks for the replies guy(?)!

Believe me, making my shoulder better is the number 1 priority at the moment! If it turns out that continue use of the laptop is causing more trouble, then I shall stop. However much I would like to be able to sculpt digitally, it isn't worth screwing the shoulder anymore. Having said that, there's only so much Jeremy Kyle you can watch before your brain turns to mush so I will mention the possibilities/problems to the physio when I see him later in the week. hopefully he'll let me do it!

I will certainly have a look at the various programs you have suggested. In terms of what I wanted to sculpt, I thought I might go for simpler items first, like shoulder pads, with a veiw towards helmet swaps. I have been known to bit off more than I can chew on occasion and would not be surprised if this is another one. Please tell me if these are not beginner level things and I will try something else!

Many thanks

 

[pariahrob]

Im a 3D artist as my day job so maybe have some insight. 3D modelling basic objects is reasonably simple and there are loads of free tutorials to get you going. Sculpting is a bit different. You need the foundation of the modelling first and then sculpt the detail on to the base geometry. There are certain things to watch out for particularly if you want to print and the actual sculpting is a fine art.
That said give it a go. You have to start somewhere, so grab a trial of zbrush, or there's it's free cousin sculptris. Blender is great for the base mesh and is free, as mentioned before.

Id be more worried about your movement too. Using a 3d application means lots of movement and definitely with both hands. It is incredibly slow going to use one hand and you may find it frustrating.

If you decide to go for it check 3D world magazines. I'm the technical editor and we have loads of free training videos, models and all kinds of goodies.

Good luck!
RR