Matt's Workshop
13th May 2007, 11:06 PM
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/mattsworkshop/HowToMeshAVase.png
For a while, I have been wanting to write a tutorial that is for beginners. I remember how daunting it felt when I first started to learn how to mesh. My daughter and I used the brilliant, and fantastically written, easy to follow, Start to Finish Object Tutorial that JWoods kindly took the time to write for everyone. That was a good day! :D Following his tutorial, and seeing my first object ingame, was like a dream come true! Without his tutorial, I would still be trying to learn how to mesh! This is my way of giving something back to the Sims community. Thank you JWoods! :D
There are so many great free resources out there that you can paint with, mesh with, map with, the list is endless! That's when I decided to write a tutorial that only uses free resources. The object we will be making, is a vase. Start small, think big! It will teach you the basics of each program, which will gradually start to give you more confidence in making a bit more complicated objects.
The free programs I have used are:
SimPE
Wings 3D
UVMapper Classic
Gimp 2
I have written it specifically with beginners in mind, as if you were opening each program for the very first time, so that you can get used to each program's environment. It is a complete step-by-step guide that has 642 steps. Every step has it's own full-size screenshot and instructions. I have split it up into 6 stages, because as a whole tutorial, it was SO BIG! This way, it is much easier to download as the file sizes are much smaller. Take your time with each stage. Really to get to know the feel of each program. Three different texture samples have been provided within the tutorial, but feel free to use your own samples. :up:
It was written on laptops and PCs that had programs running on Windows XP Home Edition, on a screensize of 1024 x 768. For best results, if you could change your screen setting to these temporarily, that would be great.
Each stage is provided in PDF and Word Document format. In the PDF versions, you will have to zoom in to see the pictures more clearly. With the Word Document versions, they come out perfectly clear.
If you need any help with anything with regards this tutorial, anything whatsoever, then please feel free to send me a message or you're more than welcome to ask a question in this thread. I'll help you as much as I can.
As the files are so big, I have hosted them from my free esnips account. Each link below, takes you straight to the file at esnips.
There are two additional stages that replace 'Stage 4' in the free tut. These optional stages use Paint Shop Pro X and Photoshop CS2. I made these extra stages for those of you that only wish to use Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. But, these two programs, you have to purchase after the 30 day free trial.
Link details: Stage - Program - Info - Screenshots - File Size
Right then! Here we go!
PDF FILES (Main tutorial)
Stage 1 - SimPE - Cloning Our Base Object, Preparing Our Package File - 36 - 3.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/7d996e76-3353-43b1-95ca-fbe3447ba823/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-1---SimPE---Cloning-Our-Base-Object,-Preparing-Our-Package-File-(PDF))
Stage 2 - Wings 3D - Making The New Mesh Using Wings 3D - 210 - 10.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/591c2f4d-183b-4ca5-8a43-e73a94bfa1bf/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-2---Wings-3D---Making-The-New-Mesh-Using-Wings-3D-(PDF))
Stage 3 - UVMapper Classic - Making Our Texture Map Within UVMapper Classic - 148 - 10.7MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/bcc0cd1d-66c5-4dc2-800c-47f5984c8a76/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-3---UVMapper-Classic---Making-Our-Texture-Map-Within-UVMapper-Classic-(PDF))
Stage 4 - Gimp 2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Gimp 2 - 176 - 19.5MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/5c589373-8890-4396-87c4-7500ed8abfae/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-4---Gimp-2---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Gimp-2-(PDF))
Stage 5 - SimPE - Importing Our Files Into SimPE - 55 - 6.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/fce0f157-caa5-42d9-bee2-87d4876b513b/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-5---SimPE---Importing-Our-Files-Into-SimPE-(PDF))
Stage 6 - Sims 2 Game - Previewing Our New Object In Game - 17 - 2.2MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/50c85dc5-5488-4b2f-8ec9-b56f38006a35/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-6---Sims-2-Game---Previewing-Our-New-Object-In-Game-(PDF))
WORD DOCUMENT FILES (Main tutorial)
Stage 1 - SimPE - Cloning Our Base Object, Preparing Our Package File - 36 -3.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/10a842b3-d1ad-43d0-8945-5a6bacc2b275/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-1---SimPE---Cloning-Our-Base-Object,-Preparing-Our-Package-File-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 2 - Wings 3D - Making The New Mesh Using Wings 3D - 210 - 8.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/0ba98ed2-f9d6-4bc0-baed-bc74b9647320/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-2---Wings-3D---Making-The-New-Mesh-Using-Wings-3D-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 3 - UVMapper Classic - Making Our Texture Map Within UVMapper Classic - 148 - 8.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8751a939-10f9-467e-9154-7feae3f2bbbd/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-3---UVMapper-Classic---Making-Our-Texture-Map-Within-UVMapper-Classic-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 4 - Gimp 2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Gimp 2 - 176 - 16.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/ec6c6a22-6728-4636-ac50-ea96582237b6/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-4---Gimp-2---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Gimp-2-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 5 - SimPE - Importing Our Files Into SimPE - 55 - 5.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/e5c2c490-47f5-4fd0-ba73-00b504cb2129/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-5---SimPE---Importing-Our-Files-Into-SimPE-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 6 - Sims 2 Game - Previewing Our New Object In Game - 17 - 2.1MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/b7993489-7192-46f2-b83b-3f0bd091a4fc/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-6---Sims-2-Game---Previewing-Our-New-Object-In-Game-(WORD-DOC))
Alternatives to Stage 4 (PDF FILES)
Stage 4 - Photoshop CS2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Photoshop CS2 - 151 - 19.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/c49ab8a3-46c1-4e2e-80ee-455f9db721c2/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Photoshop-CS2-(PDF))
Stage 4 - Paint Shop Pro X - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Paint Shop Pro X - 206 - 29.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8397b767-499b-4b18-a845-27a8250791ac/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4--Alternative----Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Paint-Shop-Pro-X-(PDF))
Alternatives to Stage 4 (WORD DOCUMENT FILES)
Stage 4 - Photoshop CS2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Photoshop CS2 - 151 - 16.5MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/5ed26005-28af-4e5c-adab-6fea5e6d3ad6/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Photoshop-CS2-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 4 - Paint Shop Pro X - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Paint Shop Pro X - 206 - 24.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/9b96ce4c-9b91-4eb7-9a1b-ebd810e47e4c/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Paint-Shop-Pro-X-(WORD-DOC))
With the alternative stages, I only have those versions of each program. If you are using earlier versions or the most recent versions, the commands and actions should be similar to what I use in the screenshots.
If anyone would like to translate this tutorial into other languages, you're more than welcome to do that. If you can send them to me upon completion, then I'll add them into this thread for you, and any details that you would like to add to them. Please note, that this tutorial is also available on Insimenator.net. (http://www.insimenator.net/)
I hope that you will have as much fun trying out this tutorial, as I had in writing it. What a marvellous hobby we all share! :D
Take care, Matt.
For a while, I have been wanting to write a tutorial that is for beginners. I remember how daunting it felt when I first started to learn how to mesh. My daughter and I used the brilliant, and fantastically written, easy to follow, Start to Finish Object Tutorial that JWoods kindly took the time to write for everyone. That was a good day! :D Following his tutorial, and seeing my first object ingame, was like a dream come true! Without his tutorial, I would still be trying to learn how to mesh! This is my way of giving something back to the Sims community. Thank you JWoods! :D
There are so many great free resources out there that you can paint with, mesh with, map with, the list is endless! That's when I decided to write a tutorial that only uses free resources. The object we will be making, is a vase. Start small, think big! It will teach you the basics of each program, which will gradually start to give you more confidence in making a bit more complicated objects.
The free programs I have used are:
SimPE
Wings 3D
UVMapper Classic
Gimp 2
I have written it specifically with beginners in mind, as if you were opening each program for the very first time, so that you can get used to each program's environment. It is a complete step-by-step guide that has 642 steps. Every step has it's own full-size screenshot and instructions. I have split it up into 6 stages, because as a whole tutorial, it was SO BIG! This way, it is much easier to download as the file sizes are much smaller. Take your time with each stage. Really to get to know the feel of each program. Three different texture samples have been provided within the tutorial, but feel free to use your own samples. :up:
It was written on laptops and PCs that had programs running on Windows XP Home Edition, on a screensize of 1024 x 768. For best results, if you could change your screen setting to these temporarily, that would be great.
Each stage is provided in PDF and Word Document format. In the PDF versions, you will have to zoom in to see the pictures more clearly. With the Word Document versions, they come out perfectly clear.
If you need any help with anything with regards this tutorial, anything whatsoever, then please feel free to send me a message or you're more than welcome to ask a question in this thread. I'll help you as much as I can.
As the files are so big, I have hosted them from my free esnips account. Each link below, takes you straight to the file at esnips.
There are two additional stages that replace 'Stage 4' in the free tut. These optional stages use Paint Shop Pro X and Photoshop CS2. I made these extra stages for those of you that only wish to use Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. But, these two programs, you have to purchase after the 30 day free trial.
Link details: Stage - Program - Info - Screenshots - File Size
Right then! Here we go!
PDF FILES (Main tutorial)
Stage 1 - SimPE - Cloning Our Base Object, Preparing Our Package File - 36 - 3.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/7d996e76-3353-43b1-95ca-fbe3447ba823/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-1---SimPE---Cloning-Our-Base-Object,-Preparing-Our-Package-File-(PDF))
Stage 2 - Wings 3D - Making The New Mesh Using Wings 3D - 210 - 10.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/591c2f4d-183b-4ca5-8a43-e73a94bfa1bf/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-2---Wings-3D---Making-The-New-Mesh-Using-Wings-3D-(PDF))
Stage 3 - UVMapper Classic - Making Our Texture Map Within UVMapper Classic - 148 - 10.7MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/bcc0cd1d-66c5-4dc2-800c-47f5984c8a76/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-3---UVMapper-Classic---Making-Our-Texture-Map-Within-UVMapper-Classic-(PDF))
Stage 4 - Gimp 2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Gimp 2 - 176 - 19.5MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/5c589373-8890-4396-87c4-7500ed8abfae/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-4---Gimp-2---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Gimp-2-(PDF))
Stage 5 - SimPE - Importing Our Files Into SimPE - 55 - 6.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/fce0f157-caa5-42d9-bee2-87d4876b513b/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-5---SimPE---Importing-Our-Files-Into-SimPE-(PDF))
Stage 6 - Sims 2 Game - Previewing Our New Object In Game - 17 - 2.2MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/50c85dc5-5488-4b2f-8ec9-b56f38006a35/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-6---Sims-2-Game---Previewing-Our-New-Object-In-Game-(PDF))
WORD DOCUMENT FILES (Main tutorial)
Stage 1 - SimPE - Cloning Our Base Object, Preparing Our Package File - 36 -3.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/10a842b3-d1ad-43d0-8945-5a6bacc2b275/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-1---SimPE---Cloning-Our-Base-Object,-Preparing-Our-Package-File-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 2 - Wings 3D - Making The New Mesh Using Wings 3D - 210 - 8.9MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/0ba98ed2-f9d6-4bc0-baed-bc74b9647320/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-2---Wings-3D---Making-The-New-Mesh-Using-Wings-3D-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 3 - UVMapper Classic - Making Our Texture Map Within UVMapper Classic - 148 - 8.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8751a939-10f9-467e-9154-7feae3f2bbbd/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-3---UVMapper-Classic---Making-Our-Texture-Map-Within-UVMapper-Classic-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 4 - Gimp 2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Gimp 2 - 176 - 16.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/ec6c6a22-6728-4636-ac50-ea96582237b6/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-4---Gimp-2---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Gimp-2-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 5 - SimPE - Importing Our Files Into SimPE - 55 - 5.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/e5c2c490-47f5-4fd0-ba73-00b504cb2129/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-5---SimPE---Importing-Our-Files-Into-SimPE-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 6 - Sims 2 Game - Previewing Our New Object In Game - 17 - 2.1MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/b7993489-7192-46f2-b83b-3f0bd091a4fc/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish-For-Free---Stage-6---Sims-2-Game---Previewing-Our-New-Object-In-Game-(WORD-DOC))
Alternatives to Stage 4 (PDF FILES)
Stage 4 - Photoshop CS2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Photoshop CS2 - 151 - 19.8MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/c49ab8a3-46c1-4e2e-80ee-455f9db721c2/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Photoshop-CS2-(PDF))
Stage 4 - Paint Shop Pro X - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Paint Shop Pro X - 206 - 29.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8397b767-499b-4b18-a845-27a8250791ac/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4--Alternative----Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Paint-Shop-Pro-X-(PDF))
Alternatives to Stage 4 (WORD DOCUMENT FILES)
Stage 4 - Photoshop CS2 - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Photoshop CS2 - 151 - 16.5MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/5ed26005-28af-4e5c-adab-6fea5e6d3ad6/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Photoshop-CS2-(WORD-DOC))
Stage 4 - Paint Shop Pro X - Texturing Our Texture Map Within Paint Shop Pro X - 206 - 24.3MB (http://www.esnips.com/doc/9b96ce4c-9b91-4eb7-9a1b-ebd810e47e4c/How-To-Make-Your-Very-First-3D-Object-From-Start-To-Finish---Stage-4-(Alternative)---Texturing-Our-Texture-Map-Within-Paint-Shop-Pro-X-(WORD-DOC))
With the alternative stages, I only have those versions of each program. If you are using earlier versions or the most recent versions, the commands and actions should be similar to what I use in the screenshots.
If anyone would like to translate this tutorial into other languages, you're more than welcome to do that. If you can send them to me upon completion, then I'll add them into this thread for you, and any details that you would like to add to them. Please note, that this tutorial is also available on Insimenator.net. (http://www.insimenator.net/)
I hope that you will have as much fun trying out this tutorial, as I had in writing it. What a marvellous hobby we all share! :D
Take care, Matt.