Beginners Guide to Computer Graphics by PackRat Graphics

The following are a collection of programs that I have picked as the most useful if you are just beginning to explore the world of Computer Graphics, either 2D or 3D. Even if you are not new to computer graphics, some of capabilities of these programs might surprise you.

MakeHuman - A wonderful free little program when used in conjunction with Blender. Excellent for quickly modeling and posing human figures that can be imported into Blender, MH0.9.1 exports in collada or obj format. Still under development with improved rendering and surfaces in the future.

Bryce 5 - not really one of my favorites, but it does do an excellent job of landscape modeling and rendering. Owned by Daz Studios but its easier to download from Cnet (registration with Daz required to use). Retail version is Bryce 6.

I'm cheap by nature but there are two programs I would recommend if you are really interested in getting into Computer Graphics. The only reason I have these two programs is because they came with my Wacom tablet (a great peice of hardware to have to take your graphic skills to the next level).

PhotoShop Elements - everyone knows about PhotoShop, Elements is kind of like the "Light Version" and I routinely alternate back and forth between PS and GIMP.

Corel Painter Essentials - once you try this program with a pen and tablet you will wonder how you ever managed to paint textures with just a mouse.

For the beginner or entry level user of graphic programs, either 2D or 3D, freeware programs should be your first stop. I would highly suggest you test out the graphic field before you invest hundreds of U.S. dollars on commercial programs. Properly used, freeware can be equal to commercial programs. Even as an amateur, I was able to make the following using only free programs.

3D FireFox Logo Wallpaper


Star Wars Rebel Wallpaper


Star Wars Imperial Wallpaper


Rebel Star Wars Pistol

The ability to use and create 3D graphics can be very useful in a wide variety of job applications. The first thing that people think of when you mention 3D graphics is games, but 3D can be so much more! You can create interesting and unique alternatives for website graphics, custom desktop wallpapers, faked photos, or do an interesting twist on an otherwise common graphic design.

I personally have been using a Blender + GIMP combo for everything from creating a faerie pictures for a college art class to designing industrial graphics for my employer, used on everything from their website to their Technical Manuals and even their sales CDs, and it doesn't have to be fancy or complicated. The picture below is the one being used by my employer.

The following are just some of the basic concepts of 3D modeling, an understanding of these properties is essential for learning 3D graphics. I refer to these as the basics because I believe the concepts can be applied no matter which modeling program you are using.

Modeling is the creation of an object through mathematical means. A computer generated objects consists of points, lines, curves, and surfaces all derived from a 3D mathematical database and converted into a interconnected series of lines and curves called a mesh. Think of a mesh as the ultimate Connect-The-Dots exercise. Most objects can be traced back to a simple mathematical equation that provides a primitive, a basic shape that an object can be derived from.

Surfaces of a computer generated object help define the area occupied by the object. These surfaces of the mesh are usually represented by 3 sided or 4 sided polygons (triangles or rectangles). The surface properties represent how the model is portrayed in terms of color, specularity, gloss, diffusion, reflectivity, and transparency.

Colors are usually assigned through a RGB code (Red, Green, Blue) or Hex triplet code (#RRGGBB).

Specularity is how shiny or intense a highlight is on an object. Gloss refers to the size and color of the highlights.

Diffusion is the spread and amount of light reflected off the surface of the model.

Reflectivity describes the mirror-like ability of an object.

Transparency is how well an object can be seen through.

Rather than trying to model fine details (bumps, creases, folds, etc.) textures can be used to modify the base mesh of the model. By adding textures to a model you create a more complex object than a shape with a specific color. Textures can be produced through different kinds of maps (2D image).

A Image Map is simply applying a flt image like a photograph and mapping (UV) to an object to change its appearance. The U and V are the coordinates on a plane, similar to how X and Y are used in 3D space.

Bump maps modify the existing surface of the model without increasing the number of vertices's or polygons of the model. A bump map is usually a greyscale valued image that, when mapped to the model, gives the model the illusion of depth or texture.

Displacement maps are similar to bump maps but they actually modify the geometry of the model. Opacity maps simply control the opaque or transparency of a pixel or normal.

Transparency maps also control the transparency of all or parts of an model.

Reflection and Environmental maps can give the illusion of the model being surrounding by an environment that isn't actually there or modeled.

I hope I was able to provide enough information to get you interested in learning computer graphics. Like everything else, with enough work and determination it can be very rewarding. I wish you the best of luck!