Question for modelers

[Gleemonex]

This is more a question for "skinners" or artists, rather than modelers. Modeling generally implies the creation of a 3D wire mesh model, which is purely geometrical in nature. JFYI

There are some good recommendations posted here, but first let me touch on the basics (as you say you're new to this).

Raster vs vector

These are the two basic types of computer-created 2D image.

Raster_graphics (a.k.a. bitmap) are defined in pixels. Most typical images found on the web (notably GIF and JPEG file types) are raster images. If you zoom in on a raster image, you'll see the pixels become larger, and the image will look blocky.

Vector_graphics images are defined by (surprise!) vectors. The most common file type associated with vector images is SVG. Flash also uses vector elements. As you zoom in on a vector image, it retains smooth contours -- but every element of a vector image has to be defined.

Here's a visual comparison:

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Computer Graphics Tasks

* Modifying a photo with a raster graphics program
* Painting an artistic image with a tablet
* Creating a poster, diagram or something that has to be large and/or print quality
* Outlining a vector image, and touching up lighting/textures with a raster graphics program

There are others, of course, but these are some of the major ones. This should be kept in mind when you decide what/how to approach your task.

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Alright, here's the meat. In order of workflow and preference:

VECTOR GRAPHICS PROGRAMS


Inkscape (Windows, Mac and Linux)

Open-source/free, very stable for the last year or so. It's fast and straightforward (for a graphics program), but it can only export bitmaps to PNG, and has no raster editing capabilities.

http://www.inkscape.org/

Xara (Windows and Linux)

The established veteran of vector illustration. Newer versions are very well-packaged, and include some raster editing abilities and publishing to HTML.

http://www.xara.com/

Adobe Photoshop (Windows, Mac and Linux + WINE)

I don't have any experience with PS's vector abilities, but it's not their primary focus, and the other two are free, so...

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/

RASTER GRAPHICS PROGRAMS


The GIMP (The Gnu Image Manipulation Program) (Windows, Mac and Linux)

Yes, dumb name. But it does 99% of everything Photoshop does (see below) while being smaller/faster and free of charge, as well as having a tighter focus (raster only). The only area Photoshop has a clear advantage is in CMYK pre-print work, and only for professional printing at that.

http://www.gimp.org/

Adobe Photoshop (Windows, Mac and Linux + WINE)

The grand-daddy of photo editing programs. Its primary focus is still photo editing, but it's gradually grown in scope to include painting, and even some vector work. Many professionals swear by it.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/

Corel PaintShop Pro (Windows)

This is the other grand-daddy -- this one of paint programs. It's made by a small shop and has a tight focus that has slowly expanded.

http://www.jasc.com/

HTH

-Glee

[Gleemonex]

Nobody? Nothing?

Was my post that bad, or was my post that good?

-Glee

[Ibrahim]

Nobody? Nothing?

Was my post that bad, or was my post that good?

-Glee

that good

very informative-many poeple can use this to learn the fundamentals of skinning.
perhaps ye can put it in a modding guide thread

[Celtic_Punk]

indeed, this thread is subscribed for future use. :P

[Andronikos]

Yes, your post was very informative. If you know something about 3D modeling programs, you could add. I know only Molden and similar, but that ones are specialised only for one thing.

[Gleemonex]

Glad to help! I'll post about 3D software later this week, but I have two quick additions to make concerning 2D image creation:

VECTOR GRAPHICS

Adobe Illustrator (Windows, Mac)

I don't personally have experience with this program, but I can't imagine an Adobe program being all that terrible. The PS+Illustrator tool-set is popular among graphic artists.

http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/

PAINT PROGRAM

ArtRage (Windows, Mac and Linux + WINE)

Literally a paint program -- it simulates painting or drawing in various media (conte/pencil/oil/acrylic/etc etc). I've yet to get it working under WINE (I'm a Ubuntu user) but I've heard some very positive first-hand accounts. And it has a free version.

http://www.ambientdesign.com/

-Glee