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Thinking about learning how to make props. What do I need in 2022?

virtualreality42virtualreality42 Posts: 51
in Daz Studio Discussion

I took a break from daz awhile ago, came back again and I have gotten pretty into it and have spent alot of $$$. However, I have been thinking about just starting out making some simple props. I have done this within Daz with primitives though tedious its really not that bad. So I would like to ask if I decide to learn Hexagon what else would I need as far as software and anything else I would need to make props like furniture,weapons,vehicles,buildings etc.I would like to sart out with these things as I am not quite sure I could jump into hair or clothing. I am looking for the most econimical if not free way to go about this but will spend alittle if needed. I am considering Hexagon as I do have Blender downloaded but it confuses my old brain. I think I may need something a little more basic before I sit down and really get serious with Blender. Also I will take any advice, tips or anything that has to do with this. I would also like to know any updated tutorials I can get that are related to this. Thank you.

Comments

  • 31415926543141592654 Posts: 975

    For a free program, Hexagon is actually a pretty good program. It is quite useful for modeling. However, the texture mapping is not so good, actually, a bit painful ... I would look for another program to do texture mapping [sorry, I am not sure what is a good free or cheap one, I managed to get 3DCoat awhile back and it does mapping and texturing nicely but it costs a few hundred.]

    There are numerous videos on youtube for starting out [perhaps I can reccommmmend some specifically when I get to the other computer], but if you are familiar with the terminology and the tools of modeling, then I would strongly reccommend the Submerged In Hexagon series or bundle ... obviously when it is discounted.

    Basically, though, practice. Make rowboat, make a castle tower, make something you will find fun and useful. Learn along the way. Ask questions in the Hexagon forums.

    You will probably find that the bulk of your work is done with just a few tools such as tesselation and extrusion ... learn those well.

  • nicsttnicstt Posts: 11,715

    I use Blender, and have since 2.49 (which I loathed).

    It was amazing back then, but it is something very special now. Yes, those that prefer keyboard shortcuts will have an easier time, but it has be re-designed so those who don't like using 'em can get by.

    I tried Hexagon because of it's bridge, and it wasn't for me; not terrible, just imo poor.

    But, any 3D package can 'make props' if you have the skills, or can develop the skills, to make em.

    Find one that suits you. It doesn't really matter what the rest of us think if you achieve your goal.

  • virtualreality42virtualreality42 Posts: 51

    Thank you all for the replies they have been very helpful and will look into those things mentioned:)

  • marblemarble Posts: 7,500
    edited May 2022

    I'd love to get into making my own props too - I have some ideas that I'm itching to manifest into 3D (if only in a virtual world). I've followed tutorials for Hexagon and Blender and, TBH, I don't see why Hexagon is even a consideration now that Blender is so advanced, more user-friendly and always free. Hexagon also crashes for me at crucial moments so I abandoned it early on. Blender is still daunting though - mainly because it attempts to be all things to all people so the only way to approach it is to learn it bit by bit. I've just downloaded Bforartists which is even more user-friendly than the official Blender. A DAZ to Blender bridge just for export/import for these purposes (like the Hexagon bridge or GoZ for ZBrush) would be ideal.

    However, what continues to discourage me from prop building is not the actual modelling but the texturing. I can't get my head around UV mapping. I'd love to make my own human figures but UV mapping, UDIMs and seam matching is an occult art that seems to be beyond my ken. I have the utmost respect for the artists who texture the characters we buy from the DAZ Store.

    Post edited by marble on
  • virtualreality42virtualreality42 Posts: 51

    I just looked up Bforartists I like what I read. Is it really easier then blender?. I have blender but when I looked at it for awhile it just boggled my mind. I actually wanted to learn it because I wanted to design some of my own stuff and dabble in some sculting and art but my mind is rather to tired for that lol at least right now. I have the same question about texturing and uv mapping if it is the same or different and if I need other programs to do that as well?. I am pretty sure I probably do lol.

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