Custom 3D Modeling: Know Its Past

Considering the history of 3D modeling, it is truly amazing that it is the way it is today. This is because in the past, there were no computer software packages made just for this purpose, which meant that anyone interested in this endeavor had to spend hours inputting data by hand. Finding out a bit more about the history of this task may allow you to have more appreciation for custom 3D design.

In the 1980s and before, many people working with models had to use graph paper to sketch, inputting the correct numbers on a text editor to create the look they wanted. Clearly, this took a lot of time, and it was difficult to make changes. Thus, it is no small feat that some movie makers began taking advantage of this skill, filming 3D models to the delight of most audiences. This practice may have gained a bit in popularity every year, but it was still tedious since there were no programs created for this purpose yet. Direct modeling was a common approach at the time, in which just the model was stored, rather than its history of instructions.

By contrast, during the 1980s, history-based software was created, allowing designers to change their solid models frequently since the instructions were stored on the computer. Of course, they had to be trained on this type of software, as it required expertise in order for anyone to create effective models. Additionally, compared to today's programs, changing models could be quite time consuming, though of course it was an improvement from the previous custom 3D tactics. To edit a model, it was necessary to put in the dimension values and new placement constraints, and then wait for the result to generate. It should be noted that inputting even a few values incorrectly, or changing earlier instructions even a little, could cause issues in the final result.

Since that time period, some history-based software has become more interactive, allowing artists to see the changes they make as they go without having to wait for the entire model to show up on the screen. Furthermore, many artists have reverted back to the direct modeling approach, though of course it is considered new and improved. In fact, like any field involving technology, the custom 3D design industry is still changing, though its pace speeds up and slows down from time to time. Paying attention to its past can help you predict what its future will be like.