Optimization of CG Models - An Introduction to Computer Graphics for Artists - page 112

The backgrounds drawn in the illustrations provided in this topic are complex.
They have many pieces and are organic. The waterfall in the prison drawing may
appear to be a simple particle system, but to build it properly will take effort.
The waterfall can also be modeled, and that will require an excellent eye for
optimization. The meteor platform's background is full of rolling hills, trees,
and open fi elds. How will you simplify these complex backgrounds and make
them a stylistically consistent part of the rest of the fi le?
You could make a single image as a backdrop, or use several fl at panels that
overlap each other to achieve a greater illusion of depth. You could model every-
thing in full detail or low detail. These decisions are yours to make, but keep in mind
that the end goal is to have an attractive render.
For added diffi culty, design your background so that it can accommodate a
moving camera (Fig. 8.11 ).
Reference
Kanyuk, P., & Emms, L. (2012). Taming render times at Pixar: CPU & GPU, brave and beyond.
In ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2012 . Singapore: ACM.