Intro to Product Modeling with 3ds Max: pt 2
In this course, the second part of our product modeling series, we introduce the essentials of creating softer and more organic product models.
Building on the hard surface skills we learned in part 1, this course introduces the essentials of creating softer and more organic product models. We will start by exploring the differences between making hard surface and soft-edge product models and then enter into a discussion about manually moving vertices in the 3D world space. We will then launch into Project 3 of the series with our first set of exercises. In this project we cover how to use a combination of hard surface and soft-edge modeling to create all the components of a photo-realistc fabric sofa. Our assignment for project 3 will ask you to model a photo-realistic Lounge Chair from reference using all the new techniques you learned.
Our last exercise for our product modeling series, Project 4, with be a full production run through of how we model a product from start to finish. We'll work together modeling a Side Chair using all the techniques we learned in new and exciting ways as well as introducing some new essential tools.
In addition to all the engaging video content, you'll also have access to our private Discord to ask any questions about the course.
At the end of this course you'll be able to model almost any product using only 3ds Max and its powerful modifier stack!
| CPU | 64-bit Intel® or AMD® multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set |
| Graphics Hardware | Refer to 3ds Max Certified Hardware for a detailed list of recommended systems and graphics cards |
| RAM | 4 GB of RAM minimum (8 GB or more recommended) |
Pointing Device | Three-button mouse |
Course work
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Project 3: Sofa Exercise
In this exercise we will be covering the essentials of soft-edge modeling, showing you how to combine poly-modeling with individual vertex manipulation to create convincing looking soft forms. We will be going over how to create all parts of the sofa starting with the sofa base and ending with a brief assignment on modeling the back support cushion. In this exercise we will be covering the noise modifier, the FFD Modifer, instance modeling, re-purposing old geometry to make new forms and much more.
Videos in this section include:
- Moving into Soft-Edge Modeling with the Sofa Base
- More Work with Soft-Edge Modeling, Making the Base Cushions
- Instance Modeling and Noise Modifier Wrinkles
- Introduction to the FFD Modifier
- Back Support Cushion Assignment Introduction
- Back Support Cushion Assignment Answers
- Hard-Surface Review: Modeling Sofa Legs
- Re-purposing Old Geometry: Modeling the Two-Seater
![Sofa Exercise]()
Included here is an introductory video for the Support Cushion Assignment:
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Project 3: Lounge Chair Assignment
In this assignment you will be tasked with modeling a lounge chair using all of techniques you learned in the sofa modeling exercise. You'll be challenged to brush up on your hard surface modeling skills by modeling the frame and you'll also be able to put all your new soft edge modeling skills to the test - utilizing vertex manipulation, the noise modifier as well as instance modeling to accurately model the seat and cushion from reference.
Videos in this section include:- Lounge Chair Assignment Introduction
- Lounge Chair Assignment Soft-Edge Answers
- Lounge Chair Assignment Hard-Surface Answers
- Modeling Details: Making the Belt Buckle and Loop
- Modeling Details: Adding in Stitching
![Lounge Chair Exercise]()
Included here is an introductory video for the Lounge Chair Assignment:
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Project 4: Side Chair Exercise
In this final exercise of the course we will be modeling a production-ready side chair from start to finish. We'll start by modeling the chair seat, manipulating vertices individually on all three axes. We will then move into a series of demonstration on proper use of boolean modeling to create both the bottom of our seat as well as the legs of the chair. Then, after learning about the bend modifier to create the metal hardware at the top of the legs, we will finish the exercise by using our hard surface skills with the align tool and other tools to create the connecting bars and the remaining hardware.
Videos in this section include:
- Side Chair Introduction
- Moving vertices: Modeling the Seat
- Introduction to Boolean Modeling: Making the Seat Bottom
- More Boolean Work: Modeling the Legs
- Introduction to the Bend Modifier
- Modeling the Support Bars
- Modeling the Hardware
![Side Chair Exercise]()
Included here is an introductory video for the Side Chair Assignment:
this course
