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    👋 Introduction (Start here) 📃 Guidelines ✨ What's new at CG Boost? 📚 Resources ⭐ Inspiration 💬 General Discussion 🤔 Feedback 🏁 Finished Projects 🎁 Wishlist
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    📚 Resources

    Topics 16 Members 905
    Latest
     

    Resources to level up your game as CG artist

    Here you can share useful resources for CG artists.

    A very shiney Texel Density Checker :O)

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    gumroad.com/l/CEIOR

    with Texel Density Checker you can: 

    • Calculate Texel Density for model for different texture size (512px - 4096px) or with custom size and aspect ratio
    • Rescale UV for getting texel density what you want
    • Use Interactive Checker Material
    • Copy TD from Active to Selected objects
    • Visualize Texel Density with Vertex Colors
    • Visualize UV Islands with Random Vertex Colors
    • and more..

    Texel Density Checker simple for use. You need select your mesh and texture size and just click button.

    Huge files after baking fluid

    Guillaume PMH
    Hi,

    I filled up 500Gb after baking fluid simulation of 250 frames. Any idea how to keep the simulation, in the blend file for render with ... Smaller files and clean my flash hard disk that is now full !
    Zacharias Reinhardt
    admin
    Founder and Lead Instructor @ CG Boost
    Hey Guillaume, I haven't baked fluids for a long time, but I think they can't be packed into the blend file and the higher the resolution is, the bigger the files are. So I'm afraid this is how it is.

    Read here: https://blender.stackexchange.com/questions/6472/is-it-possible-to-bake-fluid-simulation-into-blend-file
    Reply

    Conference Call on the usability of materials

    Ivan Gruniaux
    3D Generalist
    Hey everyone,

    It's a bit advanced but for those interested this is a conference for next week about the use of materials in a effective real use, instead of just good looking materials.

    https://www.viewconference.it/article/312/understanding-the-weak-points-of-substance-designer?fbclid=IwAR1XKjI5J8b24h8aswvhCrFmeqB-JMQMxEGY5eUP-AJwsGZO1JxiBJdDlXE
    Like Comment

    GPU, CPU, sorting, batching, rendering meshes in an artist friendly way

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    Render Hell – Book I
    simonschreibt.de/gat/renderhell-book1/
    an overview about asset data during rendering, draw calls, render states and the communication between CPU and GPU
    Like Comment
    Ivan Gruniaux
    3D Generalist
    That's really a magnificent nugget of wisdom Natalie. Thanks. I just spent my morning reading left and right this blog. Not only it's interesting to know what the heck happens in my gpu, for knowledge sake. But there is a section of video games tricks that analysis and tries to explains bits of genius on thinks done in games. Great recommendation. 
    Reply
    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    Aww thanks Ivan, Yes I found it interesting to learn about how this affects UVs 
    less seams and islands == less draw calls - and nice to be able to see it all visually 
    it's otherwise hard to imagine how it all works. 
    Although I think it will still take me some time to absorb it all - it makes it easier for sure!

    Glad it was useful for you too! :O)
    Yes his talks on shaders are amaaaaazing too! 
    like the windows lighting trick from assassin's creed XD 
    or the tech talk about water shaders 45 mins of insane node goodness!
    https://simonschreibt.de/gat/stylized-vfx-in-rime-water-edition/

    Too much fun stuff! and a window into a different way of thinking about textures and shaders.

    Reply

    Sheepit is a free lightweight render farm available for all Blender users :)

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    Which makes rendering complex projects possible for more people :)
    https://www.sheepit-renderfarm.com/index.php

    Sheepit being a free render farm, a community render farm means it is less acceptable for commercial products, specifically freelancers working for other companies. Because when a user render a project for you, your project (blend file and everything else) will be downloaded and saved on to that person’s computer. I do believe the project will be delete on his/her computer after a certain time, but nevertheless, a commercial product can not be distributed in such a way. Therefor, Sheepit is more suitable for non-profitable projects. For others, it’s a better choice to go with paid render farms with securities measures, like http:render.st 

    https://billnguyencg.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/sheepit-render-farm-the-best-thing-since-sliced-bread/
    Like Comment

    Pricing, copyright and all useful resources for graphic designers, Know your rights!

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    I brought this book years ago, I thought i'd add to the resource list since its an amazing asset for figuring out pricing etc. It's also available on amazon and worth its weight in gold.

    https://graphicartistsguild.org/product/the-graphic-artists-guild-handbook-pricing-ethical-guidelines

    Also Im a big believer in No spec, 

    Just say NO! to spec work 
    Don't work for free - here's why!


    https://www.nospec.com/
    https://twitter.com/nospec?lang=en




    Like Comment
    Zacharias Reinhardt
    admin
    Founder and Lead Instructor @ CG Boost
    Important topic, thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    Ivan Gruniaux
    3D Generalist
    Love the video. 'Who would ever agree to that?' ...
    Reply
    Natalie V replied
      ·  1 reply

    Usefull plugins - For Maya users (mostly, but not only)))

    Albert
    3d/cg
    Hey, everyone. Here some very usefull add-on`s that will help you:
    1) Pivot transform (quick changing the position of the pivot point): blendermarket.com/products/pivot-tran...
    2) Maya config add-on (Maya transformin QWER, Maya Marking Menu, Quad View menu pie and more features....): https://gumroad.com/formaffinity?recommended_by=library

    Sculpting on the go

    Sebastian Beltramini
    3D Hobbyist
    https://nomadsculpt.com/

    The best mobile sculpting app I've seen so far.
    Like Comment
    Mixed8anana
    I just learn CGI and drawing
    I'm gonna check it out. It's nice that they have also a version for android
    Reply

    My bookmarked list of fun stuff :)

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    A consolidated list of useful resources of mostly free stuff I've found in my adventures i'll add to it from time to time.

    Organize your inspiration
    https://www.pureref.com/

    RENDERFARM
    SheepIt is a free distributed renderfarm for Blender. Try it now! · Collaborative · Free · User-friendly · GPU supported - there is a limit to total number of frames taken
    https://www.sheepit-renderfarm.com/

    BRUSHES
    One way to categorize your brushes,  (if you're like me and can never find them) Store them with previews is the BlenderKit library! Has a shared library, and you can even receive payment for people using your brushes/models ect!
    https://www.blenderkit.com/get-blenderkit/

    Zbrush Orb Brushes pack for Blender 3D
    PART 1
    NormalMap theory
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyOWzpKPDjQ

    TEXTURES
    https://www.textures.com/freeTextures
    https://3dtextures.me
    https://texturehaven.com/
    https://gametextures.com/freebies
    https://cc0textures.com/
    https://quixel.com/mixer
    https://www.onlygfx.com/

    ORM - GLTF
    This looks quite cool for making orm maps
    https://makitsune.github.io/orm/
    https://www.soft8soft.com/docs/manual/en/blender/GLTF-Materials.html
    http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/ChannelPacking

    BRUSH TEXTURES
    https://www.textures.com/browse/overlays/114557#bitmap-overlays
    https://www.blendernation.com/2015/02/17/free-blender-brushes/
    https://www.deviantart.com/soulsplosion/art/A-Bunch-of-Free-Brushes-Bitmaps-50-623451532

    STOCK PHOTOS
    https://unsplash.com/s/photos/textures

    Blender Assets and Plugins
    blendswap.com

    ANATOMY
    https://www.deviantart.com/search/deviations?q=human%20anatomy
    I didn't choose the name but an awesome resource none the less...
    https://fucktonofanatomyreferencesreborn.tumblr.com/

    BoolTools 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNcTaG_sz7c&feature=emb_logo

    MATCAPS
    https://github.com/nidorx/matcaps
    How to make a matcap tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=eKpDEwy2eLk&feature=emb_logo

    GREASE PENCIL
    2D animation yaaay :D
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pywbPQD9vYU

    NODES

    All 80+ Blender material nodes explained in under 30 minutes

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ0qtcSymDI

    20 fully procedural materials/shaders made entirely from nodes in Blender.
    https://gumroad.com/l/procedural


    HDRI
    Free HDRI's https://hdrihaven.com/
    https://www.3dart.it/en/hdri-night-city-download/

    3D SCANNING
    https://www.3dflow.net/3df-zephyr-free/

    TEXTURING
    Creating combined texturesheets
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9airvjDaVh4

    CREATING TRIM SHEETS
    UV Squares - Alt-E 
    https://github.com/Radivarig/UvSquares

    GAME MODELS
    A nice way to see how they are put together - ripped versions
    Gumroad also has free rigs and models to experiment with.
    https://www.models-resource.com/

    ARRAYS AND COLLECTION INSTANCES
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id9IzLV7IDg
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM9wty__kyY

    MODULAR BUILDINGS
    useful in games
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La_SITByzxQ

    CLOTH FOLDS THEORY
    Cloth, Folds, Junctions, and Armor
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1eR1rcPlHc
    MOVEMENT IN FABRIC
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz7SdRoMhT4

    SCULPTING CLOTHING
    Video tutorial on sculpting clothes/designing props

    Part 1

    Part 2

    Part 3


    PHYSICS BASED CLOTH BRUSH
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE8gW0jl8VU

    INSPIRATION MASHUP
    Well its just fun so why not Now kitten videos have competition  ;P
    https://artbreeder.com/


    TUTORIALS OF CURRENT INTEREST

    Nodes


    ANIMATION AND RIGGING
    Full animated character course for Free :
    THE GAMEBOY PROJECT PART 01
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mapuLpQNSAw

    HARD SURFACE
    BLENDER Hard surface modeling with clean topology - GAMEBOY PROJECT PART 02
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoBAHB4NgnI
    addons
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgB2E7AmaNo

    RUN CYCLE
    human based
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmGCBA4yLvY
    insect walk
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99sjz0-GWKU

    BODY SCULPTING
    https://80.lv/articles/female-character-production-guide/

    RETOPOLOGY
    Some nice tips on how to plan out your models edgeflow.
    Danny Mac 3d
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L8eZAwmG2E

    BODY RETOPOLOGY

    Stylized 3D Production Guide

    https://stylized3d.80.lv/

    TEXTURING
    *Painting only selected faces
    EditMode>Paint selected faces Face select
    Texture paintmode> FaceSelection masking

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLY4MkmIEKU


    WORKFLOWS

    GAME CHARACTER CREATION
    even if in zbrush workflow is comparable
    1 SCULPT

    Displacement & Uvs Sculpting - Create an Alien Spaceship
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY9vHdwUo98

    INSPIRATIONAL TALKS AND RESOURCES
    The founder of blender and probably my personal hero
    Ton Roosendaal  :) How Blender came to be, what makes it different, exciting and a little bit magical?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJEWOTZnFeg

    The Making of Horizon Zero Dawn Doco

    The  GDC vault
    Notes and talks on design from the influencers of the game development industry
    https://www.gdcvault.com/
    https://www.gdcvault.com/free
    https://conceptartempire.com
    https://code.blender.org/2020/02/sculpt-mode-features-update/
    GDC youtube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyMsF31NdNc

    VFX
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FIDBeF_4SI&list=PLhGjbRtY7XLf4mmkF6lnCGGdTnpqqtQT6&index=13
    https://simonschreibt.de/game-art-tricks/
    http://www.kalmiya.com

    Converters

    https://anyconv.com/max-to-obj-converter/

    GDC 2013: Julian Love - "Technical Artist Bootcamp: The VFX of Diablo"

    https://archive.org/details/GDC2013Love

    TEXTURE ARTISTS
    Fanny Vergne
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2VpinHj6-8
    https://gumroad.com/fannyvergne
    Yekaterina Bourykina
    https://www.artstation.com/learning/courses/Ggz/baking-maps-and-blocking-in-key-elements/chapters/MVY/intro

    PORTFOLIO ADVISE
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF0bVWcyDFs
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt280N2heKY

    SUGGESTED LEARNING PATH
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHJzvQzU8Aw

    SETTING UP AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
    https://chemistry.osu.edu/sites/chemistry.osu.edu/files/OSHA%20Working%20Safely%20With%20Video%20Display%20Terminals.pdf?fbclid=IwAR03QLqaJuY1csl4D_ve50vK4jjEk74OX7gOrOcP0-h0Bi7TTjeqsq0HLm8

    Unity
    https://starmanta.gitbooks.io/unitytipsredux/content/standard-practices-in-coding.html

    Advanced Animation Workflows with Mark Pullyblank
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=G8wURLCCdag&feature=emb_logo

    GDC Animation Bootcamp: Intro & Achieving a Believable Performance"
    https://archive.org/details/GDC2014Borrelli



    Hope its helpful
    Have fun :)
    <3
    Amol K
    This is fantastic! Thanks!!
    Reply
    Albert
    3d/cg
    Great stuff!!! 
    Reply
    Larry Fuhrmann
    3d Artist, Software Engineer
    Love this list. Can I add one?

    ZBrush Orb brushes that someone made for Blender.

    https://www.blendswap.com/blend/18735
    Reply
    Natalie V replied
      ·  1 reply

    Cool little plugin for instancing scene objects in particle system,

    Natalie V
    Application architect 3d designer
    Just click and draw where you want your particles to go.

    more fun tips here
    Blender Secrets

    Pinned topics