Category: Graphic and Design

In this page, I will show you how it is possible to start a 3D graphic design studio using only free software.

People usually have the impression that creating 3D Graphics is an expensive recreation. In the past it is. But this is no longer true. Why is that so? This is because they are now many competent yet free softwares that can easily fulfill the functions of commercial programs. With the relevant passion and skill, a designer or artist can produce works (using these free tools) that rivals to what the professional tools can do.

To produce decent 3D works, the tools must be able to perform the various functions namely:

1. 3D Modelling- The creation of 3D objects within a computer environment
2. Rendering- The realistic representation of the 3D scene within a virtual environment
3. Animation- the creation of the illusion of motion within a virtual 3D environment
4. Image retouching and editing- creation and modification of image maps or renderings
5. Texture map making- creating of image and texture maps for 3D objects or environment

The list of discriptions below are an introduction to some of the best FREE 3D and graphics related tools that can are available on the internet for free downloads.

To go to the respective free software sites to download, simply click on their names.

3D Software

>>>>>Pure modelling program

>>>>>Full fledged modelling, rendering and animation suite

Blender - An incredible piece of software engineering. It is a very capable modelling and animation program with functionalities that are closing in towards the performance of high-end commercial programs. The kind of things that Blender can do is mind-boggling. They include the following:

Sophisticated material creation NURBS Modelling Subdivision modelling UV mapping Volumetric lighting Lens flare Environmental mapping Ray Tracing Radiosity Keyframe animation Inverse Kinetics Bones Animation Particle animation Built-in post production suite Python scripting 3D Game Creation

On a less positive note, Blender's interface is quite difficult to comprehend without documentation. However, its manuals and guide books can be purchased online, in additions to lots of tutorial online. Despite the learning curve, the program is logically designed and well thought out. Python Scripts greatly extend the capabilities of Blender. There are literally tons of plugins (all free) & free scripts out there. Existing Python scripts include the following:

Plant generator Head Designer Geodome generator Shell generator Torus designer Hair generator UV unwrap

Cloth simulation POVray export BMRT export LightFlow export IPO recorder Flock behavior designer & the list goes on...

Click on links to see images created using Blender 3D: Tribesman, Fantasy and Fishes rendering

The current version of Blender3D also supports Yafray, a free opensource ray-tracer with global illumination and photon-mapping capability. Yafray can be activited within the Blender environment.



Click here to Blender Website
Click here to Blender Online manual

2D Software

>>>>>Bitmap Image editor

GIMP - This program is probably the 2nd most popular open source program after Open Office. Gimp can do much of what Photoshop can do. Gimp include many filters abd scripts for creating tileable textures. This is suitable for making maps. Unfortunately, unlike PhotoShop, it does not support CMYK, thus making it unsuitable for final output to print.

This website's graphics and layout is built mainly using Gimp. Click on links to see images created using Gimp: Gimp art

Click here to Gimp Website





Pixia - is similar in job scope to Painter. Like GIMP, it it does not support CMYK. However, nothing in the freeware world comes close to its ability to create illustrations that look like traditional media. Pixia can work with PhotoShop plugin filters, which are plentiful on the internet.



Click here to PIXIA English Edition Website

>>>>>Vector Drawing Program

Inkscape - Inkscape is similar to Freehand, Illustrator and Coreldraw.

Click here to Inkscape Website