RULES
Make sure to read the main
RULES PAGE before starting a thread in this forum.
GUIDELINES
Since the main objective of this competition is to create an amazing sculpture to be printed from our great sponsors over at Moddler.com, you will need to make sure that your model is suitable for printing.
NOTE: If your model is selected as a winner you will be assisted by the talented team over at Moddler.com in order to get your model professionally prepared for printing. However, make sure to keep the following guidelines in mind when designing and constructing your "Creature or Critter"
- Don't be afraid to use too much geometry. Most models that Moddler.com receive usually need some smoothing after they receive them.
- When your model is near completion, make sure to view your model with flat or faceted shading, not smooth shading. This will ensure that you are looking at the model the same way Moddler.com will be printing it.
- 4-5 million polygons is a reasonable number for a nicely detailed print. Moddler.com has however printed models as high as 10 million.
- The model should not be one giant booleaned object. The model should be many separate parts, just as long as each piece is watertight. That is, each part should consist of closed geometry only. No open geo.
- Very fine, long or thin parts will most likely be too fragile to survive the printing/cleaning process. Long hairs or antennae will probably not survive the printing process. That being said, most of the time Moddler.com can print these parts separately and even include spares in case something breaks. But a creature with shaggy hair just won't work.
- Make sure to think about how the creature will support itself. Since it will be printed in the real-world it will need to be balanced in it's pose. A base or plinth can always be added to help this and add to the overall design.
- Just as with a steel beam, the longer it spans, the thicker it must be. Printed models follow the same rule. The longer unsupported spans become, the thicker the piece must be to support itself across the span. Otherwise it will warp or break.
During the competition there will also be Coaches monitoring the forum so they will be able to offer suggestions and support during your sculpting process.
Most importantly, have fun and get creative!
cheers
Andrew
