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I work just like everyone else on this forum. Perhaps more than 12 hours a day, at least 5 days a week earning my bread as an author. The bottom has fallen out of the application book market, so I've taken on writing web chapters for Pearson, and writing school textbooks to make up the difference.
And yet I'm here on the forum every day, and if I hadn't promised everyone that I's stay out of the creative and modeling process, *I* would have half the collaboration image done by now.
What's going on, folks? Out of all the TalkGraphics forums, ours is the most in-depth. The others feature "hit and run" graphics advice...but not a lot of background, meaty material like we do.
Has interest waned so badly for whatever reasons that we, as a group, don't have the energy to devote a little "ooomph" to the collaboration?
Are we a bunch of tired, old, easily distracted, has-beens before we've begun?
I'm pissed, because I thought a collaboration would help bind us as a forum. But the most active thread right now is a word game (admittedly, one in which I participate).
Shall we go back to posting pictures of,"Golly, look what I did today.?", and referrals to upgrades? Hey, there's nothing wrong with that...it's just that I think...no, I KNOW, we can do better than that. I mean, shit--Stu is desperately ill and yet he emailed me a bunch of crayons to use in the background of the collaboration. Do any of us have as critical excuses for setting back?
So do we, as Wayne intimated, pull the plug on the patient?
Really confused with this group as a whole,
Gary David Bouton
Gary@GaryDavidBouton.com
Free education! The Writings Web site
and the updated GaryWorld Gallery is pretty okay, too.
[This message was edited by Gary David Bouton on October 15, 2001 at 11:38.]
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I work just like everyone else on this forum. Perhaps more than 12 hours a day, at least 5 days a week earning my bread as an author. The bottom has fallen out of the application book market, so I've taken on writing web chapters for Pearson, and writing school textbooks to make up the difference.
And yet I'm here on the forum every day, and if I hadn't promised everyone that I's stay out of the creative and modeling process, *I* would have half the collaboration image done by now.
What's going on, folks? Out of all the TalkGraphics forums, ours is the most in-depth. The others feature "hit and run" graphics advice...but not a lot of background, meaty material like we do.
Has interest waned so badly for whatever reasons that we, as a group, don't have the energy to devote a little "ooomph" to the collaboration?
Are we a bunch of tired, old, easily distracted, has-beens before we've begun?
I'm pissed, because I thought a collaboration would help bind us as a forum. But the most active thread right now is a word game (admittedly, one in which I participate).
Shall we go back to posting pictures of,"Golly, look what I did today.?", and referrals to upgrades? Hey, there's nothing wrong with that...it's just that I think...no, I KNOW, we can do better than that. I mean, shit--Stu is desperately ill and yet he emailed me a bunch of crayons to use in the background of the collaboration. Do any of us have as critical excuses for setting back?
So do we, as Wayne intimated, pull the plug on the patient?
Really confused with this group as a whole,
Gary David Bouton
Gary@GaryDavidBouton.com
Free education! The Writings Web site
and the updated GaryWorld Gallery is pretty okay, too.
[This message was edited by Gary David Bouton on October 15, 2001 at 11:38.]
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Based on the above, I take it that I send "you" the model(s) i've done for the TC? I'll gladly do it. Please keep in mind that they (the mesh) might need a bit of editing. I'm a newbie.
Let me know if you want them.
Jack in the box / Toy train
Regards, Wayne
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I think this project has real potential. I think “W” and I Were the last one’s to post anything on the thread. I will be glad to keep banging out models, but I don’t want to
Step on anybody’s toes and do something that someone else has done.
We need some feedback from the other members. I am aware we all get caught up in our “real” lives but just a simple post that says “Hey I am working on that great toy model will post when finished”.
Still think a new thread for our toys is a good idea, but nobody but “W” responded one way or another.
Come on folks lets hear from you! At least post and let Gary and the rest of us know if we want to keep this thing going!
I for one vote keep it going! Just let me know what more you want me to do.
--Randy
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Guys and gals--
I'm just losing it for the collaboration, because everyone has seemingly lost interest in it. Ya want to keep going, fine. I will not say yes or no to it (by the way, I have absolutely not power to shut down a collaboration, nor would I. I still believe in this as a good and valid exercise as a precursor for the Real World).
It's just that manpower looks like it's at an all-time low, and YES, posting a picture is a WONDERFUL method of restoring confidence in general that we are not collectively chasing a dangled carrot before us called progress.
LOVE IT. DO IT. POST IT. Get others excited about the possibilities.
THEN, you got me hanging in here, heart and soul, folks.
My Best (hopefully),
Gary David Bouton
Gary@GaryDavidBouton.com
Free education! The Writings Web site
and the updated GaryWorld Gallery is pretty okay, too.
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Gary & the rest of the gang,
did you miss my message that I've uploaded the model already 14 days = 2 weeks ago for you in two different formats? I told you 'feel free to use and abuse it', to enhance it etc. It's a rock solid model incl. textures.
http://jens.highspeedweb.net/samples/toybot05-3ds.exe
http://jens.highspeedweb.net/samples/toybot05-obj.exe
both have been compressed with winRAR and the files are virus free. All joints are in place, you can move the legs, arms, head, body, cap. Come on, grab it and play with it.
jens
jens g.r. benthien
designer
http://jens.highspeedweb.net
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Ya! And i said i would be posting my models asap.
I've completed these toys thus far:
- ball'n'jacks
- skate board
- paddle board
Images are below.
No textures for these of course... that's up to those in charge of that area.
But as for posting the meshes, shouldn't we setup one specific thread for that to make things simpler?
Let me know?! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
PS: my apologies for any delays from me folks. I've been having to learn some new software in the last week or so. That, on top of my regular schedule, has sucked up my leisure time.
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da skate board.
hmmm... wierd angle on this pic. The rubber shocks that are mounted betwix the "truck" and the board are not really visible. It's just the bg colour doing that though. The rubber shocks are there though, no worries. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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Where or to whom should we send/post our models? We need some organization, mom-de-bomb says she is too busy to head this up (if I remember correctly). We need someone to assign projects and set dates, and for all of us to report back to. In another words a project leader. I know it is Ross's design, but we need someone to be the central hub.
May I suggest that everyone that wants to see this through post a message saying so, and their email address so they can be contacted, assignments given etc.
I will be glad to attempt to head this up. If we have enough intrest.
Thanks,
Randy
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Calm down Gary! I can garuntee you that all those who said they'd work on a model are in the process. We are not professional modelers and it will take time! Without them, we can't do anything else with this project. I believe the plan was to take it slow. We'd get all the models in andd work on a scene plan with what we have. Once we have the layout, we'll render the scene with all the models and everything without textures. once that's done, we'll have an idea for the atmosphere and mood of the scene. That's where the texture people come in (Ross & I) and so on and so forth! So just give it time!! Do you think the people at pixar/dreamworks were mad because Toy Story wasn't released 2 months after it started?! Good things never come without hard (And most of the time LOONG) work!
So if you havn't started your model yet,GET MOVIN!! Otherwise, lets not rush it!!
Steve Newport
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Sorry, all.
This collaboration is INDEED in need of organization. And I do not want to be responsible for it, because I'm a "senior", I've worked with production groups for more than a decade...so what would be the point in putting a "ringer" in charge? Note: A ringer is someone who enters a game pretending to know nothing, but in fact is quite experienced at the game.
The point of this game is to cooperate with one another...which we are sort of doing, to bring together the best-matching talents to make a kick-ass composition.
Randy, if you wouldn't mind, can you get out a pencil, or Visio, and flow this thing from talent, to procedure, to completion, and post it? In the meanwhile, will everyone involved please write a short email to me (Gary@TheBoutons.com) with name (your own name), models you think you are responsible for (unless you're doing textures or something else, in which case, tell me...and you get more of a vacation than the modelers), what program you are using and the file extension (ex: dxf, obj, and so on), and I will collate and post in the next few days the list of who's on first.
My request to post images is to keep the momentum, so please do not be afraid to post WIPs and stuff, okay?
My Head Hurts,
Gary David Bouton
Gary@GaryDavidBouton.com
Free education! The Writings Web site
and the updated GaryWorld Gallery is pretty okay, too.
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Jens:
Sorry, I forgot about the link to your toy-bot. Thanks again for it.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> So do we, as Wayne intimated, pull the plug on the patient? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Aux contraire ...
Randy - Yes, let's start a strictly inventory/staus report thread for what we have so far from those involved.
Steve - I agree... don't feel rushed, enjoy the process. Nevermind the old man [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img], He's just drinking too much coffee.
W
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Glad to see everyone's comin' together again! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
Some more models from me:
- bike helmet
- hoola-hoop
- lego blocks
Before i export the lego blocks, i need to know how many we'll be using...?
Or... i can just export the ones seen in the image below, and the compositor can just duplicate as many as they feel suits the scene; once they have all/most of the other models in place.
Which way do you think this should be done?... Anyone?!
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Mark - can you make those lego blocks thicker? They look good except most people's collections have dozens of standard blocks for every flat piece like you've developed. I wonder if someone who feels uncomfortable modelling their own toy might enjoy trying to build something with Mark's modeled lego pieces??? If there are no takers Mark, any chance you can assemble a bunch into some sort of construction? I'm sure even a rather hap-hazard assembly of blocks will look great in the context of the final image.
Also Mark - I attach a texture for possible consideration on your bike helmet.
Regards, Ross
PS - Don't fret Gary - I'm sure you'll be proud of what gets achieved. It may take longer than you ever expected but it will get done. Definitely.
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Ok, I will try to flow chart the process with the people invovled along the way. I will try to finish this tommorrow sometime.
I still have one question. When a model is finished, should we just post a picture here, and hold the model untill we are ready to send to the people who will texture it. Or should we send a model to whoever is going to texture it (via email).
I think we should send models to the texture people so they can get started. I am willing to host files so that the texture people can download them as they get ready for them.
--Randy
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Guys & girls,
if you need a place for storage which can be accessed via ftp and http to up- & download files pls let me know. I can setup a dir on my server - size doesn't matter (as a partner of a tier 2 provider I can supply whatever you'll need). However, pls give me 24 hours to set it up - I'm kind of tied up at this moment, and I want a secure setup there ;-}
In addition I might offer a http fetcher page for those of you who don't know how to use ftp, that means you can up- & download files with your browser.
This could serve as a 'central archive'.
In addition I've set up a chat room at
http://jens.highspeedweb.net/xartist-chat
no membership required ;-} (but pls don't abuse it)
my suggestion for schedules to meet there:
9:00am EST thru 3:00pm EST
this time frame is perfect for all of us: you guys in the US can use it without sweat, and if the Europeans will join in the afternoon there should be several people in there. Our Oceanian friends can join late night... sounds like a plan? Of course the chat room will be open 24/7, so feel free to use it.
We can set up certain days/times for general meetings there as well. BTW, it won't work if you are located behind a firewall because of the java sandbox security features...
Let me know what you think.
jens
jens g.r. benthien
designer
http://jens.highspeedweb.net
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That would be great Jens. I think a central place where we got store things and the people needed the models can get them would be the way to go.
--Randy
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Ok,
I have attempted to Flowchart what needs to be done and who is going to do it.
We have Four basic areas (departments).
1) Modeling: Randy, Mark, Stu, Wayne and jens.
2) Textures: Ross, Steve and Paul.
3) Final scene render: Earl
4) Touch-up and post effects: Sharon and Gary
If I have missed anybody let me know and I will update this message.
I am a computer programmer and have no experience in the art world. So if this is not what we need let me know and I will redo.
--Randy
--Green on the flow chart means the section has been completed.
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Jens, this is very generous and helpful of you. I was going to ask you or someone else if they could provide something like this. FTP is great for me (28.8) connection... as opposed to emailing 3-4 megs of models to Gary or someone else. Thank you.
I suggest we make use of his chat applet as well. I've seen it and it's just fine for a couple of quick "meetings" if required [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
Randy, don't forget Steve Newport!
W
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Steve is there under the texture people. If I have him in the wrong dept. let me know. That is what he stated in the sign-up thread. (unless I mis-read it)
--Randy
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That looks very organized Randy, nice job.
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Hi guys I am feeling quite a bit better [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Now I have a mural to paint,but If I make anything in between ie toys etc can I please have your mail address Ross,if that isnt cool I can give you mine not a problem.
Also how big is this room that the scene is set in?
As far as formats go is it alright if I pass on Cinema files or will dxf or wavefront be more helpful.
Cheers [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Stu.
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Stu - You'll find my email address in my profile and at the little icon at the bottom right of this post.
With regards to 'texturizing' I'm only capable of producing textures others can apply. I have no 3d software to use - and if I did I wouldn't know how to use it. (I'm 3d challenged [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] ).
Regards, Ross
<a href=http://www.designstop.com/>DesignStop.Com</a>
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Aaa THERE everyone is?!!! Why we using this thread??! I find it kinda full of 'bad vibes'. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Anywho...
Ok Ross!
Great texture for the helmet, i love it!
It can be applied just to the top purple section - the bottom section is an ash-grey hard foam material. Oh poop! I just remembered i forgot to add the chin strap! aaagh! i'll do that before uploading the mesh; no worries! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Also Ross, about the Lego blocks... ok ya, i'm not real up on their respective size proportions. I understand what you mean by thicker blocks though. But should i keep those thinner sized ones too? Or are those wrong?
Let me know please!
And Jens... great stuff on the file transferring page and chat, thanks for doing that. That'll help things flow. Cool!
Ok so... there it is then!
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Ross...
Is this lego building ok?
Let me know plz.
And here's a version of the bike helmet *with* a strap.
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Ah ok thanks Ross [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Excellent lego Mark,very nice,and the helmet [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I dont know what the proper name is for these things,but I used to play with one as a kid...ya that was last week [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Just one more question what age is the child who plays with these toys meant be?,I know that there isnt going to be a kid in the scene,but if we have an age range then it will make it more easy to pick age related toys to model and should add to the realism overall in the scene.For instance is a toddler that plays with lego and crayons and robots etc going to be old enough to own a skateboard etc,I know why not make it two kids who live in the house one a toddler and one older and just add that too the plotline beginning.......does any of this make sense or am I just displaying that I am neuronally challenged [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Stu.
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I guess the image would help eh.
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I has picturing a kid of about 9-12 years old. That would cover alot of toys. Young enough to play legos and things like that and yet old enough for more complicated toys.
--Randy
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THANK YOU for the org chart, Randy. If ya can visualize something in Visio, everyone, than this makes total sense.
What we need is an inventory (and yes, I know thi will take time) of the toys. We cannot have too many of them, but a nice mix I think can be arrived at here. I would prefer to see a Lego creation instead of loose Legos:
1.)They're teeny and will get lost in the sauce, as it were.
2.)They are easily identifiable as a trademark item, but less so as a construction of say, a dumptruck or a dinosaur.
Personal opinion: I like the idea of the robot begging to be played with so much, I sort of want it to be a "place out of time". Jack-Inna-Boxes, spinning tops, teddy bears, construction toys...they might not have been part of my 9 year old, male experience...but I wish they were, and the picture then becomes attractive and wish-fulfillment to me. The bike helmet strikes me as too new...when I was a kid, we never wore helmets (and that's why so many of my friends and I have brain damage!)...but seriously, child safety then becomes a political issue (like not running with the scissors, so kids get blunt-edge plastic scissors to play with) in the image. I cringe that it might detract from the foreground action (P.S., please create Scrabble board from memory and do not duplicate it...again, copyright issue).
The enrgey's good here! Consider making the board part of the skateboard out of wood to make it a little more old-fashioned? Okay, okay, I'm out of here! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
BTW, this "old man" who has been drinking too much coffee, Wayne? I'm two years older than Jens, which puts me at 48 and two steps from the retirement home and dentures, eh? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
My Best,
Gary David Bouton
Gary@GaryDavidBouton.com
Free education! The Writings Web site
and the updated GaryWorld Gallery is pretty okay, too.
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I'm sorry I haven't been around for the past few days, guys. I totally screwed up my new computer.
First thing was, I got this new computer and none of my Corel works with it because it's too old of a version. dag nabbit
Then we got Morpheus. That was cool, but one day there were 30,000 new files in the shared folder. I didn't know where they came from.
I thought that one of us downloaded an entire website or something. Most of the new images were arrows and buttons and junk like that. I couldn't even navigate because there was so much stuff in there.
I started to throw it away, a screen at a time.
That's when I found out that someone (ie. one of my kids or me) had selected my entire hard drive to share!
I had been throwing away components from MY hard drive!
Now, not only do I not have Corel anymore but Illustrator won't work either, I had lost AOL and I'm not even sure what else yet. I am working on reinstalling things and making sure windows is ok.
Luckily I still have the use of my Mom's computer for work.
I think the chart is excellent Randy. If everyone wanted to e-mail me a little thumbnail (about 50-75 pixels wide) of their toys already completed I could post them all together as one. With that and the chart we could get a better picture of were we're at.
mom_de_bomb@yahoo.com
Sharon P.
www.fischerpassmoredesign.com
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Hi mom glad you're back!
I'll send you my thumbs asap.
Ooo Gary!... good call on the bike helmet i must agree! When i was a kid (i'm 39) "helmets for kids bikes" wasn't even a concept! hahaa
That reminds me of an experience i had when i was about 11-12...
Riding to our little-league game, my brother and i were screaming down this hill at about 30-40 mph. At the bottom of the hill we got back onto the sidewalk. Upon lifting my front wheel to clear the sidewalk lip, i saw my front tire start to fall off... and that's ALL i remember to this day!
Needless to say, i woke up in a hospital.
hahahaa DOH! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
I also would like to suggest, along Gary's line of thought, that we attach a nastalgic quality to this image, and perhaps we could/should even turn the final render into a photo??? An old photo that someone took...
This would also give the Photoshop compositors something more to do.
Yay? Nay?
The wood texture for the skateboard is also a good idea. But we DID have solid plastic ones when i was that age. Big, thick, indestructable plastic boards. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Anywho... i'm just mentioning that that will be up to the texture dudes to work on.
PS: Stu made a good toy too. But it might be too imature for a 9-12 yr old...?
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Mom Norton utilities has a function called unerase which lets you dig up and replace all your invisible files,it might be helpful in your situation.
I think the helmet could go with the skate board.And rather than using some toys and not others why not have a whiney little brother who is a toddler to our 9 - 12 year old and then we probably have enough toys already,and it also allows for extending of the plotline.for instance the toddler plays with the robot slobbers on the robot all the time and is forever throwing it around,and that is why the robot wants to be played with by the 9 -12 year old for a change,it also gives the robot motivation to be played with,and also explains why the robot is not played with very much by the older child.
Stu.
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Also what room is this scene set in ie bedroom,lounge,kitchen?
Stu.
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Mark,
I agree that the scene should be a blast from the past. Lets not forget that we will need some furniture also (desk, chest of drawers, boxes) also.
Stu,
I was thinking it was going to be in the child's bedroom. Is that right everybody?
--Randy
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Ya thats precisely why I asked Randy,I was thinking furniture as well,like drawers and a bed probably a lamp maybe posters etc.
For a time how about the 70s to fit in with the skate board?
I will make a bed [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Cheers
Stu.
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Ok... i can help with the furniture, that won't be a problem at all. We just need to decide what kind we'll use.
Once that's settled, i'll start helping Stu make some.
PS: if anyone else wants to model some furniture please just say so! I'm able to do it, but don't want to hog all the fun stuff! Speak up now please if ya wanna do this! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]