Arcane University: 3D Art
This is the main page of the Beyond Skyrim Arcane University 3D Art tutorials.
Contents
Expectation
A 3D artist can create shapes based on Concept Art, writing and discussions as well as what is required by the Animation and Implementation teams. For example, if a certain object must have moving parts, detailed information on this is critical for the 3D artist to do their work effectively. For the Gamebryo Engine and the context of Skyrim, a 3D artist should take into account standard polycounts for their 3D models.
General Workflow
Generally, the artwork is taken and then, a Blockout modeling starts. For the high-poly work flow, a high-poly Sculpting is being done. The height information is being merged into the asset-specific normal map (Baking). On Mesh Export to NIF, the asset obtains its physical properties such as Mesh Collisions and being rigged/skinned to bones during Animation. It is important to understand the Nif-specific rendering properties, shaders and texture set structure.
Basics - The Data Formats Nif (Meshes) and DDS (Textures)
- To review the specifics of the NIF data format used for meshes, check Nif Data Format.
- To review the specifics of the DDS data format used for textures, check DDS Data Format.
Asset-specific Tutorials
Weapons
- Nifskope Weapons Setup
- File:Tutorial skyrim bows from 3ds.pdf (Bows with 3ds and Nifskope)
DungeonKits & Architecture Kits
Armor
Misc Items
Statics
Trees
Harvestables
LOD Objects
Tool-specific Guidelines and Links
Resource Tools
- BSAopt to unpack Skyrim data files
Modeling Tools (most include sculpting and rigging features)
Sculpting Tools
Rigging Tools/Animation
- Havoc for Skyrim
- Outfit Studio for Skyrim
- Rigging with Blender 2.79
- Rigging Jewelry with Blender 2.79
Texturing Tools
- Gimp for Skyrim
- Photoshop for Skyrim
- Paint.Net for Skyrim
- Bodypaint in Creation Kit
- Material Editor for Skyrim
