Choosing 3D Rendering Software?

Choosing 3D Rendering Software?

Source:

your3dsource.com

Software	Level	OS	Price	Notes	Details
Maya	Pro.	PC	$3,495.00	Full Blown Production Film Quality	Alias's Maya 3D is extremely powerful.  Its node-based architecture enables complex animation and rendering linkages to be created and it offers a nonlinear modeling history, plus Mental Ray rendering.
Strata 3D	Mid.	MAC/PC	$700.00	Have experience building tradeshow Displays In this, Use it at work. Similar to Photoshop	Strata's Strata 3D has a long history and is available for Mac and PC.  It's a sturdy if slightly archaic 3D program, but it has found favor with many digital illustrators.  It has some good rendering features, including radiosity, which are rare at the price. www.strata3d.com
Bryce 3D	Mid.	MAC/PC	$99.95	For Landscapes and Environment	Corel's Bryce 3D is an interesting 3D program.  It's primarily a landscape rendering application, designed to produce skies, seas, and terrains in a very efficient way.  It can be pressed into service as a more general purpose 3D tool, but lacks any serious modeling tools.
Pixels	Mid.	MAC	$49.00	Great for animation and video games	Pixels is a Mac-only 3D program that offers advanced rendering and animation and robust modeling for a modest cost.  It also features a renderer based on the REYES algorithm-the same one used in Pixar's RenderMan software.
Blender	Mid.	MAC/PC	FREE	Considered one of the best with full 3D production packages.	One of the best free 3D applications available is Blender. This program is a full featured 3D production package featuring the kinds of tools you'd expect to see in a mid to high end application.
Lightwave 3D	Pro.	MAC/PC	$895.00	Great tools	Newtek's Lightwave 3D is a dual application featuring separate modeler/texturing and animation/lighting/rendering apps. Its quirky interface is deceptively powerful, and it offers one of the best quality renderers out there.
Cinema 4D	Pro.	MAC/PC	$2,771.00	Full Blown Production Film Quality	The full suite of plug-ins for Cinema 4D takes it into the high end.  With advanced radiosity rendering, sophisticated character tools, and a GUI based expression system, it's also one of the easiest high-end 3D apps to get to grips with.
Poser Pro	Beg.	MAC/PC	$499.99	Character Development	It's a 3D character renderer and animator that lets you pose and animate ready-made, high quality 3D figures.  It's very powerful, but it's not an all rounder- it does one thing only-but does it very well.

3D Rendering Software

1. Which applications animators use to render 3D images?
   
   Maya, Strata 3D, Bryce 3D, Pixels Pro, Blender, Lightwave 3D, Cinema 4D, Poser Pro, Houdini, Softimage XSI.
   
   
2. How do 3D applications apply to still graphics as well as animation? 
   
   3D applications use still graphics at sources to composite and develop complex 3D imagery.
   
   
3. Uses of 3D animations—do they enhance Web sites? Inform an audience? Sell a product? Entertain?
   
   3D animations are used in a wide variety of forms. Many think that 3D animation only is really used in the entertainment industry in video games and movies. The truth is that 3D animations are use everywhere in our society. From simple small apps and functions on a cell phone, to complex technical animations for demonstrations and instructional purposes 3D animation has become a part of everyday life.
    
4. Why animators choose to render 3D animations rather than 2D animations?
   
   3D animation creates and the ability to reveal more dimension and detail in an image. Moving an image from a flat surface to revealing more volume allows the viewer to see and understand more data and detail than compared to what a 2D image introduces. For example in a 3D environment the viewer has a better sense of scale, proximity, and in many instances can view the impossible like in wire frame or cutaways.
   
   
5. Which individuals and industries are using 3D graphics—either still images or animations? What are the characteristics of those 3D graphics currently in use by these individuals/industries?
   
   The entertainment industry is all about using advanced technology to push the industry further into reality. With 3D graphics and animation both the film industry and gaming industry have exploded with realistic detail. Video games are no longer just for the kids, but remain a high point in the day for many adults. I have even heard of elderly people in their 80’s getting in on the action. One couple I heard about uses a Wii system to play golf every night after dinner. They are too old to go out to the course, but love the game. They tee off every night at 7pm are able to play on courses around the world.
   
   Beyond entertainment, the medical field is able to explain and show so much more to students and patients about what is happening in the body with both 3d graphics and animation.
   
   Actually, as technology has greatly advanced and software is more available we see it popping up all over. From cell phones to flight simulators 3D graphics and animation are becoming away of life.
   
   

Sources:

"Google Images." Google. Web. 15 June 2011. .

Mac 3D : PiXELS3D for OSX. Web. 14 June 2011. .

"MAXON SHOP - Home Page - North and South America." Www.maxonshop.com. Web. 14 June 2011. .

"Maya - 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Compositing Software - Autodesk." Autodesk - 3D Design & Engineering Software for Architecture, Manufacturing, and Entertainment. Web. 14 June 2011. .

"Which 3D Animation Software Should I Use?" Animated Gifs | Build A Website | Animation Schools | Animation Software. Web. 14 June 2011. .

Marketing Campaign Sample For ACOHS

ACOHS promotional marketing campaign for the 9th Street Dental Center, created to reinforce the current second grade Sealant program.

The Campaign Includes Samples of the Following:
   Design Brief, Letterhead & Envelope, Direct Mailer, Website, SWAG, Black & White Newspaper Ad.

Client: Ashland County Oral Health Services (ACOHS)

Job Description: Design several pieces that reinforce the direct mailer for ACOHS. The campaign will target children and encourage them to establish good dental habits. The offers will encourages
parents to make a dental home for their child/family with regular check-ups and appointments.
 
Objective: The campaign is directed to children, but will have incentives for parents as well.

Target: The tone of the pieces needs to be fun and child like.

Intended Results: The design is to motivate children to establish healthy dental habits, and parents to
see the value of a dental home.

Content: The content needs to be appealing to children. A type of chart to track brushing and
flossing habits, A coupon offer. Some instruction. Contact information.

YES Campaign for CWC

DESIGN APPLICATION:
 YES Campaign
 Outdoor Advertising
 Adobe Illustrator
 2011 - Internship Project

Project included creating a grid for the design space and applying branding elements for large outdoor advertising. The design space suggested was 4x4 design panels. I chose to go slightly larger and make the graphic more dynamic. The final size of the piece is roughly 35’x16.5’. The piece was produced on a large format plotter on 50/50 adhesive paper with outdoor ink.

Childrens Story

The concept here is to create a short children's story to introduce yourself.

Managing Stress in the workplace

DISCUSS TOPIC:

Stress in the workplace is a major problem. What are some reasons why stress is increasing in the workplace?

Layoffs:

In today’s working class is struggling to find and keep work. With unemployment reaching 10% Americans need jobs. The tough economy is then in turn demands companies make cuts to stay in the black. This causes great stress on the work and their position is valued. It is their lively hood and how they provide for their family. Many positions are getting cut and employees are left jobless.

Managers might not have any choice in this season, as funds are limited. At the same time managers could, look into other areas that they could cut to keep employees in their positions. Consider how companies could cut a great bit of overhead by shifting many employees to work from off site locations. Years ago this option seemed a bit more difficult, but with high-speed Internet and computer technology working in a virtual environment is pretty seamless. Dollars saved in overhead could be applied to wages and give the company a new virtual edge.

Lack of Compensation:

Today’s employees are very frustrated with their wages. As the prices of goods and services have continued to rise, the wage of the worker has remained pretty much the same. Many employees today are not receiving the bonuses; health benefits, retirement plans and annual raises that were once considered common place in any position. In fact employees are seeing that their marginal raises barely cover inflation of goods from year to year.

The truth of the matter is that the rate of compensation is rising slower than the rate if inflation. Mangers may not have the funds to financially compensate their employees, but they can still compensate them. Insensitive programs, lottery pools, verbal affirmation, special recognition and contests are just a few things a manager could put into place to try to help employees feel valued, when the wage is not enough.

Raising Expectation: In an 8 hour workday, which is an hour longer than it was 50 years ago, the expectation of higher production is continually on the backs of employees. Technology has spoiled the work environment with instant results. An employee has the information at their fingertips. The expectation has followed technology as employers expect employees to produce significantly more with continual growth. Also, there is now the instant availability and employees can never get away from work. They are taking phone calls, emails, and working round the clock.

While pushing productivity is important to business growth it is important for managers to see their employees as humans, not machines. Setting goals is important, and pushes employees to work hard. At the same time to continually raise the bar will eventually burn out employees. Managers need to keep a healthy balance in mind and compensate long days and long hours. Some managers may even celebrate a the tough season in the slow season and take staff on trips, or have office parties. This is also a way to recognize the hard work and effort.

Resources:

AIO Classroom, Organizational Psychology | PS4010 XB. Week 6 Web. 21 September 2011.

Bunner, B. (n.d). Discussion about Modern Management. Warehouse Manager.
Interview. 22 September 2011.

Managment and Change

DISCUSS TOPIC:

Change is difficult for everyone because it is often seen as threatening. Give specific reasons why change and willingness to be flexible are important to modern management. Use outside references and the readings to support your argument.

Higher efficiency: New systems are continually being implement to streamline production and create greater efficiency. Many companies are learning the value of new management systems that help manage time, projects and people. Sigma 6 is one of the many that helped revolutionize GE and had become one of the major systems that larger companies implement. 

Competition: As businesses progress and companies move forward change is necessary to keep a competitive edge. If management is unmovable and set in their ways the company will miss the needs of their target market. Consider how landline companies had to switch their direction to stay in the market. ATT now offers Internet, cable, and wireless devices. Cable TV had to push their technologies forward as well too. And cell phones change almost on a weekly basis.

New information and technology: Every company is implementing new technology continually. One of the greatest new pieces many companies have added to there systems is the ipad. Implementing this new device has streamlined efficiently and communication greatly. Also considering how smart phones are essential to today’s businessperson. Their calendars, contacts, presentations and more are all so much easier to access with advancing devices.

Mergers and Takeover: Companies these days are merging and switching full management systems. If you were unable to flexible and move with the change you would be lost in the changes. From banks, grocery stores, automotive companies, and even advertising agencies all are experiencing mergers and takeovers. Managers must be willing to implement new systems and to meet the needs of the new and or adjusted department.

Resources:

AIO Classroom, Organizational Psychology | PS4010 XB. Week 6 Web. 21 September 2011.

Bunner, B. (n.d). Discussion about Modern Management. Warehouse Manager.
Interview. 22 September 2011.

Challenges with Direct Mail

Direct mail first off has very low return rate. “For a targeted direct mail campaign, you should see an average response rate of 2-5%” (Direct Mail Response Rate Tips, 2011). This means for 5000 Pieces were sent out a 2% response would mean 100 responses. In my opinion this is very low. Considering the cost clients with a low budget may want to consider a different approach, as the amount need to invest is rather significant for a reasonable response. The price invested is in production of the mailer piece as well as the posting. Also if there is a promotional offer or gift that can be redeemed, that is an added expences. The key question is how to make the response rate higher?
A very competitive offer is a good place to start. It is a sad but true fact that people are not very interested unless they are getting something out of the piece. The direct mail piece needs to grab the audience’s attention and call them to action. For me personally I end up handing most direct mail pieces to my 3-year-old daughter. She likes the color, images, and it keeps her entertained for about 4 minutes. Unless they have a great offer, or something that strikes me, (grabbing my attention) the piece will end up in her little hands.  Even if the mailer is to inform people about an upcoming event, sale, or promotion there needs to a reason to motivate the viewer to take action. Coupons and money saving offers are a great place to start.
Another vital part of direct mail is making sure the contact information is available. Yes, we know pretty much anyone can jump online and do a few searches and figure it out, but why add the extra challenge? Contact information is essential to an effective call to action. Taking this a step further is making sure there is a web addresses and social media. The web is the modern day yellow pages. You could take it one step further and add a QR code for those with a smart phone that want to play with this fad.
Urgency is another essential aspect to add to a direct mailer. If there is no sense of urgency, the mailer is likely to be filed away never to be seen again or the packrat individual will show up with your mailer 3 years later and be annoyed that you are no longer extending the offer. Making the mailer urgent also adds a sense of excitement, and a call to action now. For example, “This weekend Grand Opening! FREE fuel card to the first 50 shoppers!” This means if you want some free gas, you need to get there first.
These of course are the basic essential elements for successful direct mailers. Keep in mind also getting an accurate target mailing list is also helpful. For example I have a client that does mailers for his automotive repair shop. He buys a mailing list for all German automobile owners in a surrounding 100-mile radius. This focuses his advertising to the local area and individual that would be interested in his specific services. Also he always gives money saving offers.




Works Cited:
Birchell, MaKenzie. "4 Big Direct Mail Mistakes | Bluewater Blog." Integrated Direct Marketing Solution - Bluewater. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. .
"Direct Mail Response Rate Tips." Small Business Marketing Tips. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. .