Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9
High-Poly Modeling
High-Poly Modeling
Basics
Understanding the Concept of Subdivisional
Modeling
So, what is this subdivisional, or “sub-d,” modeling you may
have heard about? It's a method of modeling that allows you to
create a lower polygon model with edge loops that control
smoothing over edges. To be more specific, take a look at a
movie like
Monsters, Inc.
or
Ratatouille
— these movies have
characters with millions of polygons making them up. How-
ever, the artists didn't work on these characters point by
painstaking point of the final on-screen render. They used
sub-d modeling. Don't get me wrong, though — these artists
are extremely talented, and smart because they used the tools
presented to them in the best ways possible. You may have to
handcraft a 50,000-polygon model, but then you'll use some
sort of smoothing to give you that nice high-polygon look.
This method of subdivisional modeling allows you to
create high-poly models very quickly. Not only is the model
easier to edit, it also allows 3ds Max to run at a reasonable
rate without making you want to pull your hair out.
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