I have been writing a campaign setting book for a futuristic rpg. I have come to the point where I need some artwork to show the power armor, weapons, military and civilian vehicles. I have no ability to draw by hand. I was thinking that perhaps a vector graphics program would help with my lack of artistic ability. What are your suggestions for a program and training book or website to help with the learning skills? Any advice or help is welcome.
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Need advice on some computer art
- Thread starter strahd99
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Meloncov
First Post
If you just want to do vehicles, use DOGA. It's a japanese 3D modeling program. Easy to learn, cheap, and it'll get pretty respectable looking results (follow the link in my sig for some examples). The manual is pretty straitforward (though badly translated). Still, like any other art program, it doesn't do the work for you. It takes time and some degree of talent to get good at.
Vector art, BTW, really isn't any easier than drawing. If your not good at one, your unlikely to be good at the other. 3D modeling is a very different skill, so it seems like a better bet.
Vector art, BTW, really isn't any easier than drawing. If your not good at one, your unlikely to be good at the other. 3D modeling is a very different skill, so it seems like a better bet.
I think the problem you have is that Computer medium is no different than physical medium. 3D modelling packages and 2D paint packages are just tools in the same way that paint, clay and pencils are. You need to know how to use them and you need some sort of artistic bent to begin with.
That said, there is no reason not to learn. There are several free 3D modelling packages online. Meloncov already mentioned DOGA. L1 is free though you have to pay for L2 and L3 which has extra features.
I also recommend Sketchup. Like DoGA There is a free version and a payed version which has extra features. Both free versions of these packages are excellent for total beginners as they are very simple and intuitive - expecially if you want to do non-organic modelling such as weapons and spaceships.
Having used both of them, I'd personally recommend Sketchup but try both and see how you feel.
As for 2D, I don't know of a free Vector drawing program - maybe someone can recommend one. The only free 2D package I know of is OpenCanvas - which isn't strictly free, it's shareware. I'm not sure what the restrictions are on it, but It has a lot of groovy features usually found on expensive professional packages.
All these packages have extensive online communities who are only too happy to help out beginners with advice and tutorials.
Have fun,
Crow
That said, there is no reason not to learn. There are several free 3D modelling packages online. Meloncov already mentioned DOGA. L1 is free though you have to pay for L2 and L3 which has extra features.
I also recommend Sketchup. Like DoGA There is a free version and a payed version which has extra features. Both free versions of these packages are excellent for total beginners as they are very simple and intuitive - expecially if you want to do non-organic modelling such as weapons and spaceships.
Having used both of them, I'd personally recommend Sketchup but try both and see how you feel.
As for 2D, I don't know of a free Vector drawing program - maybe someone can recommend one. The only free 2D package I know of is OpenCanvas - which isn't strictly free, it's shareware. I'm not sure what the restrictions are on it, but It has a lot of groovy features usually found on expensive professional packages.
All these packages have extensive online communities who are only too happy to help out beginners with advice and tutorials.
Have fun,
Crow
Thanks for the imput on the programs. I just have never been able to draw well. Mostly just a lack of hand eye coordination. I have used vector graphics before and found it workable although I do not remember the prog we used when I was in school. Ten years can make you forget alot.
Actually, as Meloncov mentions it, there is also the virtual LEGO building tool!
Which, even if it's too simple for your needs is still fantastic fun to play with!
Crow
Which, even if it's too simple for your needs is still fantastic fun to play with!
Crow
I have been enjoying playing with the lego prog and my goddaughter has as well. I am experimenting with both other progs and having some sucess. I am using the Doga to get general idea of items and sketchup to draw the detailed versions. I think sketchup is going to work best for me at this time. I will place a link in my sig to the page where my items are viewable if you wish.
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