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Sounds like both of you have a month or two to wait, hope that helps your portfolio development 
I have a question concerning ZBrush in portfolio. Where i'm doing the workshop they've asigned us a project which consists in modeling an existing character, i.e Super mario bross or whatever. Would it be fine to include that in the portfolio? Not in character design but just to show you can use the software?
Thanks
Thanks
If that's addressed to me, then the answer would be yes as long as there's only one example like that - we would prefer to see original design work. If you want to continue digital sculpting after that course but you can't afford ZBrush, you can download Mudbox for free from Autodesk.
If using ZBrush the default red wax shader is not the best for showing your work off - something pale grey with a slight specular or matte quality work well - that sort of shader can't hide errors in the mesh, whereas a lot of the fancy looking metallic / wax shaders make it hard to see what has been modelled. Also are you working from a supplied base mesh. or is this being sculpted out of Zspheres, or are you modelling the base mesh yourself? If you make the base mesh yourself, you could show a screengrab of that next to the smoothed high poly version in Zbrush so we can see your edge topology / basic form. Assuming the character design is not Super Mario etc, you can put in the concept design with your work, but label it as someone else's work clearly - the reason for showing this is we can then see how well you were able to match the concept.
If using ZBrush the default red wax shader is not the best for showing your work off - something pale grey with a slight specular or matte quality work well - that sort of shader can't hide errors in the mesh, whereas a lot of the fancy looking metallic / wax shaders make it hard to see what has been modelled. Also are you working from a supplied base mesh. or is this being sculpted out of Zspheres, or are you modelling the base mesh yourself? If you make the base mesh yourself, you could show a screengrab of that next to the smoothed high poly version in Zbrush so we can see your edge topology / basic form. Assuming the character design is not Super Mario etc, you can put in the concept design with your work, but label it as someone else's work clearly - the reason for showing this is we can then see how well you were able to match the concept.
Hey, I'm an amateur 3D artist looking to take my what has previously been my hobby further, however I have not studied art at any formal level, and I studied Biology, Chemistry, Media and Maths at Sixth Form.
Is it possible to work beyond the requirements for a background in fine art, which exists in nearly all 3D animations/visualization courses, with a strong portfolio? Assuming I have the UCAS points?
It's a touch late now as this is a direction and course I want to try for, but just to entertain my curiosity and understand my chances of success.
edit: Should I be considering foundations degrees to plug the gap in my education?
Is it possible to work beyond the requirements for a background in fine art, which exists in nearly all 3D animations/visualization courses, with a strong portfolio? Assuming I have the UCAS points?
It's a touch late now as this is a direction and course I want to try for, but just to entertain my curiosity and understand my chances of success.
edit: Should I be considering foundations degrees to plug the gap in my education?
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by moid
If that's addressed to me, then the answer would be yes as long as there's only one example like that - we would prefer to see original design work. If you want to continue digital sculpting after that course but you can't afford ZBrush, you can download Mudbox for free from Autodesk.
If using ZBrush the default red wax shader is not the best for showing your work off - something pale grey with a slight specular or matte quality work well - that sort of shader can't hide errors in the mesh, whereas a lot of the fancy looking metallic / wax shaders make it hard to see what has been modelled. Also are you working from a supplied base mesh. or is this being sculpted out of Zspheres, or are you modelling the base mesh yourself? If you make the base mesh yourself, you could show a screengrab of that next to the smoothed high poly version in Zbrush so we can see your edge topology / basic form. Assuming the character design is not Super Mario etc, you can put in the concept design with your work, but label it as someone else's work clearly - the reason for showing this is we can then see how well you were able to match the concept.
If using ZBrush the default red wax shader is not the best for showing your work off - something pale grey with a slight specular or matte quality work well - that sort of shader can't hide errors in the mesh, whereas a lot of the fancy looking metallic / wax shaders make it hard to see what has been modelled. Also are you working from a supplied base mesh. or is this being sculpted out of Zspheres, or are you modelling the base mesh yourself? If you make the base mesh yourself, you could show a screengrab of that next to the smoothed high poly version in Zbrush so we can see your edge topology / basic form. Assuming the character design is not Super Mario etc, you can put in the concept design with your work, but label it as someone else's work clearly - the reason for showing this is we can then see how well you were able to match the concept.
Well since you are the most active teacher in this forum i guess the question was intended for you, as you are the voice of herts haha. I see what you mean. I guess i will do a model of an existing character first to practice and then i'll do my on design and model it with Zbrush.
Is Mudbox similar to ZBrush? I know it's the same kind of software but does it work similarly to Zbrush?
I won't use the default redish wax, i don't actually like it at all.
At the moment i haven't started the project and i've just assisted to 4 days of the workshop and what we have done is use a PolySphere tool and then use all the brushes to model.
What the current knowledge i have what i've planned is to make a ver basic polygonal figure in my 3D package, then export it to ZBrush, divide it and start Zbrushing. Do you think that process is the ideal one? I haven't learnt how to model from Zsphere's yet... Any sugestions?
Regarding my character, i think i'll be modeling Illidan Stormrage from the Warcraft series, due to the fact that he's very muscular, has wings and nice blades. I see the point of including the concept art and i will say who drew it.
Thanks Moid! As always very helpfull!
I decided to withdraw my application from Hertfordshire. I've been thinking about it for ages, so I just did it. Therefore I have accepted my place at Teesside as my firm and Newport as my insurance. I hope so much that I get the grades for Teesside, I am just so excited to go now!! 
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by Unlimitedsoph
I decided to withdraw my application from Hertfordshire. I've been thinking about it for ages, so I just did it. Therefore I have accepted my place at Teesside as my firm and Newport as my insurance. I hope so much that I get the grades for Teesside, I am just so excited to go now!!
Howcome you chose to do that, out of interest?
Original post by ColonelMoore
How come you chose to do that, out of interest?
Lots of reasons really. Umm...
1. I don't think I am ready to specify myself to one area of animation, 3D/2D/VFX/Games, just yet. Which you have to do at Herts after the first year.
2. Compared to Teesside, Herts facilities were really not great.
3. The acommodation is cheaper for a lot more (like ensuite) at Teesside than at Herts.
4. Herts offer (if I had got one) would have been no less than 280 ucas points, which is the same as my offer for Teesside, so it's not like I could have one of each as my firm and insurance, so I had to choose between the two. Which one would have to be my firm.
5. When looking over graduate work, I found the work produced at Teesside, the sort of style that I would be interested in creating myself. I guess I found that the Herts work seemed more umm, boy oriented? That isn't exactly the best explanation of how I feel. But it is the best word I can come up with so far.
6. I think I would have found the course difficult if I had got in having no prior experience of 3D software.
7. Also I doubt I would have got in anyway, because I have no prior experience to 3D software, even though I have been attempting 3DSMax lately.
8. On the open day at Teesside, I really felt that I could picture myself there, and I was enable to engage with other applicants and people on the course currently, everyone was so lovely. Where as at Hertfordshire, I found the students to be very "party" oriented, which isn't really me.
9. I found the Teesside course to be more suited to my own interests, first addressing 2D and 3D, along with Life Drawing, studio and sound modules and having motion capture equipment. Also their history module really appeals to me.
10. I've had my heart set on Teesside for a while now, and as I had 4/5 offers from Uni's come in before xmas, I found myself waiting for Herts, and therefore putting myself at risk of not getting the accommodation I desired at Teesside.
I'm sure there were a few more reasons as well, however I have just woken up and can't remember a lot of them at this precise moment. I hope this helps you understand.
Don't get the impression that I am against Hertfordshire. By all means I am not, I think it is a great uni, and can get you to great places if you work hard. However I really just felt that Teesside was for me.
Well if that's what you want and what you feel is right for you, then that's the best decision to make. I wish you good luck with covering the entry requirements
Moid, Hertfordshire's interviews do not require confirmation, right?
Original post by Jirai
Is Mudbox similar to ZBrush? I know it's the same kind of software but does it work similarly to Zbrush?
I won't use the default redish wax, i don't actually like it at all.
At the moment i haven't started the project and i've just assisted to 4 days of the workshop and what we have done is use a PolySphere tool and then use all the brushes to model.
What the current knowledge i have what i've planned is to make a ver basic polygonal figure in my 3D package, then export it to ZBrush, divide it and start Zbrushing. Do you think that process is the ideal one? I haven't learnt how to model from Zsphere's yet... Any sugestions?
Is Mudbox similar to ZBrush? I know it's the same kind of software but does it work similarly to Zbrush?
I won't use the default redish wax, i don't actually like it at all.
At the moment i haven't started the project and i've just assisted to 4 days of the workshop and what we have done is use a PolySphere tool and then use all the brushes to model.
What the current knowledge i have what i've planned is to make a ver basic polygonal figure in my 3D package, then export it to ZBrush, divide it and start Zbrushing. Do you think that process is the ideal one? I haven't learnt how to model from Zsphere's yet... Any sugestions?
Mudbox is a more dedicated sculpting/texturing application. Zbrush is really its own animal.
As far as base mesh/zspheres go it's really up to you.
Modelling a base mesh gives you more control over the early stages but depending on your skill can take a while. Zspheres are incredibly fast and allow you to be really creative and change things up on the fly but you will at some point need to retopologise the model when you're set on what you want to do.
I personally jump back and forth quite a bit. I start with Zspheres and export the mesh out to maya for tweaking and doing the more fiddly parts like hands then kick it back into zbrush. When I get something I like I export it out to topogun to redo the topology (and the UV's) then back into zbrush for the details export all my maps and then back into maya for 'whatever'.
There really are no "rules" for this stuff, there's technical crap you need to be mindful of like trying to keep your mesh quads but there's far less of it than there used to be.
Just use what you have to do the best you can and have fun.
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by Unlimitedsoph
Lots of reasons really. Umm...
1. I don't think I am ready to specify myself to one area of animation, 3D/2D/VFX/Games, just yet. Which you have to do at Herts after the first year.
2. Compared to Teesside, Herts facilities were really not great.
3. The acommodation is cheaper for a lot more (like ensuite) at Teesside than at Herts.
4. Herts offer (if I had got one) would have been no less than 280 ucas points, which is the same as my offer for Teesside, so it's not like I could have one of each as my firm and insurance, so I had to choose between the two. Which one would have to be my firm.
5. When looking over graduate work, I found the work produced at Teesside, the sort of style that I would be interested in creating myself. I guess I found that the Herts work seemed more umm, boy oriented? That isn't exactly the best explanation of how I feel. But it is the best word I can come up with so far.
6. I think I would have found the course difficult if I had got in having no prior experience of 3D software.
7. Also I doubt I would have got in anyway, because I have no prior experience to 3D software, even though I have been attempting 3DSMax lately.
8. On the open day at Teesside, I really felt that I could picture myself there, and I was enable to engage with other applicants and people on the course currently, everyone was so lovely. Where as at Hertfordshire, I found the students to be very "party" oriented, which isn't really me.
9. I found the Teesside course to be more suited to my own interests, first addressing 2D and 3D, along with Life Drawing, studio and sound modules and having motion capture equipment. Also their history module really appeals to me.
10. I've had my heart set on Teesside for a while now, and as I had 4/5 offers from Uni's come in before xmas, I found myself waiting for Herts, and therefore putting myself at risk of not getting the accommodation I desired at Teesside.
I'm sure there were a few more reasons as well, however I have just woken up and can't remember a lot of them at this precise moment. I hope this helps you understand.
Don't get the impression that I am against Hertfordshire. By all means I am not, I think it is a great uni, and can get you to great places if you work hard. However I really just felt that Teesside was for me.
1. I don't think I am ready to specify myself to one area of animation, 3D/2D/VFX/Games, just yet. Which you have to do at Herts after the first year.
2. Compared to Teesside, Herts facilities were really not great.
3. The acommodation is cheaper for a lot more (like ensuite) at Teesside than at Herts.
4. Herts offer (if I had got one) would have been no less than 280 ucas points, which is the same as my offer for Teesside, so it's not like I could have one of each as my firm and insurance, so I had to choose between the two. Which one would have to be my firm.
5. When looking over graduate work, I found the work produced at Teesside, the sort of style that I would be interested in creating myself. I guess I found that the Herts work seemed more umm, boy oriented? That isn't exactly the best explanation of how I feel. But it is the best word I can come up with so far.
6. I think I would have found the course difficult if I had got in having no prior experience of 3D software.
7. Also I doubt I would have got in anyway, because I have no prior experience to 3D software, even though I have been attempting 3DSMax lately.
8. On the open day at Teesside, I really felt that I could picture myself there, and I was enable to engage with other applicants and people on the course currently, everyone was so lovely. Where as at Hertfordshire, I found the students to be very "party" oriented, which isn't really me.
9. I found the Teesside course to be more suited to my own interests, first addressing 2D and 3D, along with Life Drawing, studio and sound modules and having motion capture equipment. Also their history module really appeals to me.
10. I've had my heart set on Teesside for a while now, and as I had 4/5 offers from Uni's come in before xmas, I found myself waiting for Herts, and therefore putting myself at risk of not getting the accommodation I desired at Teesside.
I'm sure there were a few more reasons as well, however I have just woken up and can't remember a lot of them at this precise moment. I hope this helps you understand.
Don't get the impression that I am against Hertfordshire. By all means I am not, I think it is a great uni, and can get you to great places if you work hard. However I really just felt that Teesside was for me.
Well it seems like you've really thought it through, so i wish you the best of luck
Sophie i was just wondering how long you had to wait untill you received your offer from Teesside? Thanks very much.
Original post by ColonelMoore
Well it seems like you've really thought it through, so i wish you the best of luck
Thanks, yeah I definetly feel as if I have made the right decision at the moment. Although we will see how I feel about Teesside if I make it there.
Original post by Jirai
Sophie i was just wondering how long you had to wait untill you received your offer from Teesside? Thanks very much.
How long did I have to wait? Ohh I dunno.
I had my interview on the 15th December, and I got my offer through before Christmas, on the 22nd of December. So not long!
However they told us at the interview we would have to wait until after xmas. But my friend and I both got offers before.
I sent my UCAS application off on the 10th November.
Original post by Unlimitedsoph
How long did I have to wait? Ohh I dunno.
I had my interview on the 15th December, and I got my offer through before Christmas, on the 22nd of December. So not long!
However they told us at the interview we would have to wait until after xmas. But my friend and I both got offers before.
I sent my UCAS application off on the 10th November.
I had my interview on the 15th December, and I got my offer through before Christmas, on the 22nd of December. So not long!
However they told us at the interview we would have to wait until after xmas. But my friend and I both got offers before.
I sent my UCAS application off on the 10th November.
Ok i see, thanks very much! I'm anxious
Original post by thenoodlepirate
Moid, Hertfordshire's interviews do not require confirmation, right?
If you've been offered an interview it would be a good idea to say you can make it or the admissions people might not send us your paperwork for that day because they don't think you're coming - unless they've changed their policy from last year or the email they sent you said something like you do not need to reply etc of course. If you're unsure PM me the text of the email they sent you and I'll try to find out.
Oh sorry, I'm such an idiot
I couldn't figure out how to reply to invitations on UCAS until now
I confirmed it
Thanks anyway
I couldn't figure out how to reply to invitations on UCAS until now
I confirmed it
Thanks anyway
Hi all
Didn't find an existing thread for this question, so thought someone here might be able to give some advice, maybe the professors who frequent here?
My daughter will be doing Computer Animation either at Teesside, Portsmouth or perhaps somewhere else (still have a few more interviews to go, so not sure yet), and I would like to get her a high spec Mac for her eighteenth birthday, one appropriate for her course next year.
I assume she'll be using Maya? Photoshop?
I recall desktops at Teesside and Herts, ready for use. Do students bring in laptops, or would it be better to get her a desktop?
Here's a laptop we were considering:
* 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
* 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
* SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
* Backlit Keyboard (British) & User's Guide (English)
* Final Cut Express preinstalled
* Accessory kit
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks--
Mum of future Animator
Didn't find an existing thread for this question, so thought someone here might be able to give some advice, maybe the professors who frequent here?
My daughter will be doing Computer Animation either at Teesside, Portsmouth or perhaps somewhere else (still have a few more interviews to go, so not sure yet), and I would like to get her a high spec Mac for her eighteenth birthday, one appropriate for her course next year.
I assume she'll be using Maya? Photoshop?
I recall desktops at Teesside and Herts, ready for use. Do students bring in laptops, or would it be better to get her a desktop?
Here's a laptop we were considering:
* 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
* 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
* SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
* Backlit Keyboard (British) & User's Guide (English)
* Final Cut Express preinstalled
* Accessory kit
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks--
Mum of future Animator
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by alchemilla
Hi all
Didn't find an existing thread for this question, so thought someone here might be able to give some advice, maybe the professors who frequent here?
My daughter will be doing Computer Animation either at Teesside, Portsmouth or perhaps somewhere else (still have a few more interviews to go, so not sure yet), and I would like to get her a high spec Mac for her eighteenth birthday, one appropriate for her course next year.
I assume she'll be using Maya? Photoshop?
I recall desktops at Teesside and Herts, ready for use. Do students bring in laptops, or would it be better to get her a desktop?
Here's a laptop we were considering:
* 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
* 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
* SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
* Backlit Keyboard (British) & User's Guide (English)
* Final Cut Express preinstalled
* Accessory kit
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks--
Mum of future Animator
Didn't find an existing thread for this question, so thought someone here might be able to give some advice, maybe the professors who frequent here?
My daughter will be doing Computer Animation either at Teesside, Portsmouth or perhaps somewhere else (still have a few more interviews to go, so not sure yet), and I would like to get her a high spec Mac for her eighteenth birthday, one appropriate for her course next year.
I assume she'll be using Maya? Photoshop?
I recall desktops at Teesside and Herts, ready for use. Do students bring in laptops, or would it be better to get her a desktop?
Here's a laptop we were considering:
* 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
* 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
* SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
* Backlit Keyboard (British) & User's Guide (English)
* Final Cut Express preinstalled
* Accessory kit
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks--
Mum of future Animator
Hi,
I'm currently studying 3D Animation at Herts, so I'll offer you my personal opinion. You will always get more bang for your buck by getting a desktop; you'll get a more powerful machine for the same price; In addition, another advantage desktop PC's have at the moment is the ease with which they can be upgraded. If a part fails or becomes outdated in a desktop, it is far, far easier and cheaper to replace/upgrade than it would be for a laptop, where you would most likely have to buy a completely new machine.
One other thing that I notice (although this is very much a personal thing) is that desktops are often more comfortable when using them for long periods; I speak from experience, in that so far in my first year I've been exclusively using my laptop.
Also, at Herts, we use the desktops in the labs during lectures, so we dont generally have any need for a laptop's portability (therefore a lot of students I know have desktops in their rooms).
Another point to consider is, does your daughter want to work with game engines at all? Most current game engines, to my knowledge, are not compatible with the Mac operating system, so if she is interested in specialising in game development this is something to think about.
I hope this helps somewhat, if you have any further questions, ask away and I'm sure I or someone else will try and answer
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