almost 7 years ago from Yitong Zhang, Designer at Coinbase
Hey DN, I've been meaning to get a good 3D modeling tool to make some hard geometric shapes in my illustration work. Any recommendations on a small app that fits the bill?
I've used sketchup years ago. Has the scene changed? Is there a sketch for 3D modeling?
Do you want flattened vector output? If so, I’m not sure what does that. Illustrator has some very basic extruding and revolving that can product 2D vectors, but I typically use Cheetah 3D for illustrations that need realistic form and shading.
Here’s how I’ve been using it: https://bjango.com/articles/macappiconworkflow/
I was hoping flattened vector, but I guess I'd be ok with a png too. Gonna look into Cheetah 3D. Thanks!
Two recent apps that might work:
http://www.adobe.com/products/project-felix.html
Blender is a great tool, but requires some time to get used to the ui.
Cinema 4d is really nice and relatively easy to learn. Here is nice tutorial on making an App icon from Greyscale Gorilla:
https://greyscalegorilla.com/tutorials/model-and-render-the-bananacam-app-icon-with-cinema-4d/
Also look into Blender which is free
I may be completely wrong here, but I believe the topic author wasn't looking for a 3,500 dollars software.
Also, Blender is very, very, very complex for his needs.
He wants something Sketch-like but for 3D modeling.
Hey Bruno, yes I was hoping for something small. Any recommendations?
You get cinema 4d with After effects , so is just part of the cost of a creative cloud subscription
Wow, I never knew that! Seems to be a „Lite“-version but that's pretty cool, thanks!
OMG. I have it installed in my Mac and didn't know. I'll give it a try. Thanks!
Woah that is really cool. Cinema 4D is dope, but looks like a bit much for me right now. I'll give blender a shot. Thanks! How do you think it compares to sketchup?
Blender is a bit more complex but allows you to do amazing things once you learn. I don't have experience with blender, but a coworker recommended Blender Guru. It looks like he has a beginner course to introduce Blender and 3D modeling in addition to his advanced rendering techniques.
https://www.blenderguru.com/tutorials/blender-beginner-tutorial-series/
If you want to get nice clean vector line output, I'd recommend Rhinoceros. They have a command called "make2d" which does as it sounds, turns a 3d object into a flattened 2D vector. My favorite part of that feature is it also creates "hidden lines" and puts them on a separate layer so when you import into illustrator you can dash them or color them differently.
Also as an example I used Rhino to create these isometric illustrations: https://dribbble.com/shots/3242570-Isometric-Diagrams-WIP
Finally, if you're just looking for more precision and want vector output (and don't want to spend much cash), I'd say stick with Sketchup. You can export as a .dxf file and import into Illustrator with no problems.
Hey Moe, thanks! I didn't know Sketchup could do that. Neat! I think I'll just stick with sketchup then.
Make2d sounds cool, but I don't think I'll be doing enough 3D to warrant spending money :P
Non-3D graphic designers tend to prefer Cinema4D. Blender is also a good option because it's free, but has a steeper learning curve.
This really depends on what you intend on using it for specifically. Strata Design 3D is a accessible 3D modeled/animator used by many illustrators. Form Z is a good option if you like Sketchup's approach to 3D modeling but want more power and control of your 3D models and rendering. Cinema 4D is an excellent option (albeit expensive) that is used primarily by motion graphics users but can be used by illustrators as well. What it ultimately comes down to is your comfort level working with 3D models. Some tools make it easier (Form Z and Sketchup) to model to exact sizes and proportions while others make it easier to simply create 3D geometry for general purpose use (Strata 3D and Cinema 4D).
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