TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #004 - Maya 7 Converting Selections Part 2

May 4th, 2006

TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #004 (m4v - 14MB - 6.25 minutes)

In this episode, I continue discussing more of the valuable selection conversion tools within Maya 7. I also touch a bit on UVs and their purpose, but I don’t get too in depth with them as I wish to leave that for a later episode.

The tools discussed include:

- Convert Selection to Edges
- Convert Selection to Contained Edges
- Convert selection to Vertices
- Convert Selection to UVs
- Convert Selection to Vertex Faces

Next episode I’ll be talking about a few neat tips to aid selecting components.

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TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #003 - Maya 7 Converting Selections Part 1

May 3rd, 2006

TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #003 (MP4 - 30.1MB - 6.75 minutes)

DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOCAST HERE

Converting selections is a fairly overlooked set of tools in Maya 7, yet they can be an immensely powerful toolset when it comes to enhancing your workflow. In this episode, we go into part 1 of our 2 part series on demonstrating these tools and how they can help when selection components on polygon objects.

Tools covered in this part include:

- Convert Selection to Edge Loop
- Convert Selection to Edge Ring
- Convert selection to face path
- Convert Selection to Faces
- Convert Selection to Contained Faces

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Slowing Down For A Bit

April 25th, 2006

Hey guys. It’s that time of year for me. NHL playoffs. I’ll be slowing down a bit on blogs, podcasts and videocasts a bit for the next little while. Well, at least until the first round of the playoffs are over. So given my little obsession with hockey, most of my evenings now are generally filled with keeping an eye on what is going on throughout the playoff race in both the eastern and western conference.

Once round 2 of the playoffs hit, there shouldn’t be as many games, so I’ll try and get back to posting on here more often. Until then, if you like hockey, enjoy the playoffs. If not, then send me hate mail… :D

Go Flames Go

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TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #002 - Maya 7 Selection Tools Part 2

April 22nd, 2006

TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #002 (MP4 - 28.9MB - 6.5 minutes)

DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOCAST HERE

In this show I demonstrate some of the basic techniques used in Mayas standard toolset of selection tools. We cover the following topics:

- Select Tool marquee selections
- Lasso Tool and tool options
- Problem and solution to selecting unseen vertices on an object

Next episode for sure I will be covering converting selections.

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TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #001 - Maya 7 Selection Tools

April 21st, 2006

TheB1T CG Tips Videocast #001 (MP4 - 32.6MB - 7 minutes)

DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOCAST HERE

Today I’ve decided to kick off our first videocast. I think this may be a first for The Podcast Network as well. I want to try and incorporate tips in computer graphics to help you on your way.

Today we look at various selection tools in Maya 7 to help getting the things you need selected faster. The tools discussed include:

- Standard selection tool
- Select Edge Loop tool
- Select Edge Ring tool
- Paint Selection tool
- Select Border Edges tool

Next episode I will focus a bit on converting your selections on your model and how this might be useful for you, especially in texturing.

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CG Quick Tips

April 20th, 2006

Hey guys, just finished doing a little reading up and research. Just gotta get a bit brushed up on my skills. Coming up soon, I’m hoping to bring you guys interested in computer graphics a videocast. This videocast will consist of quick tips for learning about the neat little bits here and there with the Maya interface. I’ll be starting off simple and moving on throughout the weeks.

The podcast will be called TheB1T CG Tips Videocast. They will be short episodes that will mainly discuss the operations of various tools within Maya. I mean, how can you really become creative if you don’t know how to drive the app? I left the name specifically to do with CG rather than just Maya because I hope to get little tips in regarding working with other applications in your pipeline.

Anyways, I’ll try and get the first episode recorded tomorrow and I’ll see what happens. No promises on it being released tomorrow though. Gotta figure out the tools to put it all together. Anyways, look forward to starting this new endeavor, and I hope they will be informative and educational for you.

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Plug For Local CG Operations In Calgary

April 19th, 2006

As some of you listeners may know, I am from Calgary. Of course, being a Calgarian, like most people in their own local cities, I generally would like to know what studios and facilities are available in the Calgary area that deal with computer graphics. When you are looking into the field of CG, most of the times, you will find that most of the industry tends to be situated in eastern Canadian metropolitain areas such as Toronto and Montreal. Stateside, you will find studios all over California and New York.

Since I am a Calgarian, I am going to take this time to plug some of the studios and schools in Calgary that I have come across. This is a short list at the moment, but feel free to add your comments to this article to grow the list.

Ambient Media

Ambient Media Inc. is a digital communications firm with services ranging from web design and development, to 3D animation and motion graphics / title design, to interactive CD and DVD production.

We design and develop digital marketing and communications solutions which provide our clients with measurable investment returns. Our solutions span many mediums including the internet, CD, DVD, and television.

Ethereal 3D

Ethereal 3D is a graphic and animation studio in Calgary, Alberta offering a range of 3D graphics and animation services for film, television, video and multimedia production. We provide exceptional value for 3D visualizations, industrial simulations, architectural renders and all other types of custom 3D animation. Serveral 3D products are also currently available through our secure online ordering system.

Firetoad Software

Firetoad Software was incorporated in April 2000. Previously the company went under the name NSD Entertainment which did Web Design and Software creation. The work done at NSD touched areas of technology that were leading edge, but were applied in a generic way (our published screen saver called Ectosaver, etc). NSD was a stepping stone to what Firetoad is today. Without the beginning efforts and perseverence of Nathan and Chad, there wouldn’t have been a Firetoad Software. Selling their bodies on the cold streets of Calgary showed the dedication these brave lads put into Firetoad.

New Machine Studios

We can provide key design and inspired creative and animation services to your television, feature film or indipendant game development effort including:

- Traditional Art and Design
- Script-to-screen Animation Production for Hire
- Pre-visualization, animatics for CGI & live-action
- Engine-ready character animation cycles and particle effects

White Iron Inc.

In a world of converging media, White Iron converges talent. We are directors, editors, designers, producers and programmers. We are renaissance artists and artisans. We see no boundaries between media or between disciplines. We are a collaborative culture, united by experience, skill and a proven track record of world-class quality.

Since established in 1990, we have worked with many North American networks such as CTV, CBC, ABC, NBC, ESPN and many major specialty channels. White Iron works with numerous regional and multinational agencies such as O&M and DDB, and with a long list of major corporations. But not all of our clients are corporate giants. We are also favoured by independent filmmakers and by small companies with big ideas.

Over the past decade, White Iron has evolved from a local production company to one of Canada’s largest production entities specializing in commercial and corporate videos, documentary and television programming, digital broadcasting, television series development, animation and fee for service editing with an impressive list of international credits.

Alberta College of Art and Design - Media Arts & Digital Technologies

Media Arts & Digital Technologies (MADT) offers a BFA degree in a user-centered, open learning environment. It offers students the opportunity to explore the creative use of emerging electronic, digital, interactive, immersive, and motion media.

The MADT curriculum is carefully designed to accommodate an individual student’s interests and needs. At the upper levels students, working closely with MADT supervisors, are able to specialize in areas of personal interest and develop skills and knowledge directly related to their intended career path. While students can acquire a wide range of advanced technical skills, MADT is not a technical training program. Upon graduation students are equipped to take their first steps in pursuit of a career in the emergent digital cultures and industries and to contribute to the humanizing of technoculture in the 21st Century

DeVry University - Game & Simulation Programming

Let DeVry’s Game and Simulation Programming professionals prepare you for an exciting career in the computer and video game industry. The U.S. Army alone plans to invest close to $100 million in training games and simulations over the next two to three years. Conservative predictions anticipate astounding growth in serious game and simulation markets, including crime scene reconstruction and corporate training software. These predictions signal continued demand for specialized programming professionals.

Sprott Shaw Community College - Digital Art and Animation

Exclusive to Calgary Campus
Digital Animation - The field of Multimedia is expanding rapidly with diverse career opportunities in film, video, and computer graphics. The Digital Media Arts diploma programs are designed for those who love to draw, create, and explore the world of multimedia design.

Digital Media Arts - Getting started on the career of your dreams is easier than you think. Our advisors have helped thousands of people find the right fit. Get the skills and experience you need to compete in today’s multimedia job market.

University of Calgary - Visual and Interactive Computing

Research in the Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) group spans computer graphics, visualization and human computer interaction. The research interests of its members range from the modeling, simulation and visualization of the development of plants, through computer animation, non-photorealistic rendering, information visualization and computer supported collaborative work to phidgets and tangible user interfaces that broaden the interactive relationship between physical objects and digital information.

The VIC group has two major laboratories: one, composed of three linked labs - called R, G, and B after the primary colours red, green and blue - focuses on the graphics aspects such as geometric modeling, non-photorealistic rendering, and modeling, simulation, and visualization of biological structures, the other, composed of a large open area and newly equipped with several large screens and interactive tabletop displays - focuses on the interactive aspects such as collaboration, interaction design, ubiquitous and tangible computing, and information visualization.

VIC research is naturally collaborative in nature and includes many combined projects within the group and external collaborations with other disciplines such as biology, mathematics, physiology, communications, design, and fine arts. VIC members include seven professors, six post doctorate fellows, over forty graduate students.

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TheB1T #003 - Across The Board

April 17th, 2006

TheB1T Radio Podcast #003 (MP3 - 8.2MB - 24 minutes)

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE

or stream it here:

You are listening to episode 3 for the week of April 15th to the 21st.

This week, I touch a bit on translating a clients request to a CG artist. I also give you an update on what’s up with OpenGL graphics on Mac OS X, and how some applications are starting to really catch wind on better performance.

Athlon64 X2 or dual core Opteron for your single processor workstation. Why are Opterons more expensive than the equivalent Athlon64 X2 and what other hidden qualities do the Opteron posses.

Finally, my thoughts on the Ultra-mobile PC form factor. Is this device worth while and could it be a useful tool for digital artists?

Some show notes:

Sorry for the crappy quality. I haven’t really prepared much for this episode, and I’m not at my studio. While I was recording this episode, I noticed that I tended to be all over the place, or “Across the Board” and couldn’t quite get myself straight in some cases. Either way, I hope you enjoy the musicless and unedited episode and I’ll try to bring some people onto the show for next week.

Here are a some notes straight from Autodesk regarding Maya 7 on OS X. I would probably look into using these instructions to help boost your viewport performance. I’ll try and get some results on my findings during the week.

The Quadro FX 4500 has been tested and qualified with CG enabled in Maya 7.0. The use of CG is not on by default and must be turned on using environment variables added to the Maya.env file. This file exists in your HOME/Library/Preferences/Alias/maya/7.0 directory. The environment variables are as follows:

MAYA_ENABLE_HWR_CG_PROGRAMS = 1
MAYA_HWR_CG_FRAGMENT_PROFILE = arbfp1

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Bring On The Ultra Mobile PC

April 16th, 2006

A few months ago, Microsoft had sort of come up with this new PC form factor. The project was code named Origami. They couldn’t keep it a secret very well since the public pretty much heard of it about a week or so before it was finally announced. Origami was basically a code name for a new PC form factor called Ultra Mobile PC, or UMPC.

Coming across a number of comments throught various places online, this device that was shown off in the Origami video was pretty much touted as the iPod killer. So now that the hype and fanfare has passed, what next? The iPod is still around, and we can’t buy that device yet.

Samsung however, has recently announced their Q1 which is expected to launch on May 1st. It is small, yet big. Too small to really be a laptop replacement, and too big to fit in your pocket. So what really is the fanfare over this new form factor?

UMPC is basically Microsoft’s shot at trying to fire their way into a new market. Then again, this is what Microsoft pretty much has been doing lately. They pushed into the HTPC market with Windows XP Media Center Edition, and of course, they tried to push towards the business market with the Tablet PC form factor and Windows XP Tablet PC edition. Ironically, the UMPC also happens to be powered by Windows XP Tablet PC edition as well, but what is the push for this device to break new ground?

UMPC it appears is aimed really, at everyone. Not necessarily everyone I guess, but they are trying to build a form factor that can be adaptable to as many types of people possible. Everywhere from that person looking for directions in their car, to that person sitting on the bus. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be where companies might see the biggest customer base.

The unit is just too big to fit many types of lifestyles. It is a neat concept at best. Personally, I could see this device as a major advantage over something like a laptop when I’m riding the bus to and from work. I may carry my laptop on the bus, but it is just too inconvenient to pull it out and start using it on the trip. A UMPC would have its advantage in this case, while it wouldn’t replace my iPod for portable music and video, it would have an advantage where I can get actual work done on the way to or from work easier. The size isn’t too big like most laptops, and it isn’t too small to be fumbling with like some PDAs.

Bottom line, I welcome this new form factor to the market with open arms. I see plenty of potential with it, however, it isn’t without its criticisms. Not being able to fit easily in a pocket can be a major problem. This may not be make or break for it, since many people carrying laptops will have laptops bags, maybe UMPC bags will be the next big accessory.

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Client to Artist Translations Dictionary

April 14th, 2006

I was inspired to create this post by this thread on CG Society. What freelancers apparently need to realize is that many clients you try and get work done for will most likely either try to hose you out of the money you are due, or make it hard for you to understand what they want. This list of definitions and translated phrases should get you onto the path of enlightenment when talking to your next client.

Drop comments here if you want to see more added to the list.

Definitions

Blank stare: The look a client gives you when you tell them the assets are not part of the contract

Budget: Nothing

Corrections: Heaps of extra stuff to upgrade the ridiculously inadequate briefing they are not going to pay for.

Deferred: imaginary

Duck Hunt: Chasing A Client for Payment

Eager Beavers: Sales Reps

Flat price: R&D that will go on forever

High Resolution: Anything at or below 800×600 and 72 DPI

Hourly rate: Sweat shop Hong Kong

Julius Caesar @ the Senate: A client will LIE and stab you in the back

Milk Carton Photo, The: Where clients go after you send them the bill

Milk run: When there is a plugin that does exactly what the client wants and they think you are a god

Minor changes: Major changes

Moving Target: A client who keeps changing the requirements
On spec: For free

Prospect for future work: see deferred

Quote: You wont get paid and they expect a to get Hollywood for 10 bucks they wont pay anyway
Rocket Scientist, The: The client who tells you that coding an app is like doing a spreadsheet

Unique: The same exact thing as something they’ve seen recently, in slightly different colors/with slightly different characters/with their name on it. Usually seen with cool and/or fresh, which are synonyms

Read the rest of this entry »

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