Stock Models vs DIY?

[Creationtwentytwo]

Hey guys,

 

I'm keen to get some thoughts on this.

 

What's the general consensus on using model libraries rather than modeling something yourself?

 

Up until now, I'd modelled everything myself but the project I'm working on right now called for a couple of furniture items that I hit a bit of a wall on. I kinda lost all confidence in my modeling skill and started doing a bit of research.

 

At first I was of the opinion that jumping onto DesignConnected or Evermotion would be a bit of a 'cop-out' and 'cheating', but then I saw the sheer quality of some of the models and it was clear that not only would I save a bunch of time by going with a stock model, they'd be of much higher quality than I would be capable of producing.

 

So from a professional point of view, is it 'ok' to use these model libraries or is the general consensus to get your hands dirty and get modeling yourself? Obviously for things like cars and trees, it makes perfect sense to just grab stock models (mainly due to time) but for furniture/fittings etc?

Edited February 2, 2012 by Creationtwentytwo

[Victor1423]

Hello there!

 

I agree with you on the specific point of car and trees because they are let say "general" items! I would get them ready for every single scene i would make and keep a nice big library to mix and match for the future!

Furniture and anything that lets say is in an indoor scene i believe should only be modeled by your self if only the client wants specific furniture, specific items, decor and so on; like lets say he sits down with you or emails you and tell you i want this couch and this lamp and so on and so forth! Which in the end you should model your self!

 

But if a client wants an indoor scene with a "general" expectation of lets say modern or classic "feel" to the indoor scene, then it is up to you if you want to model new and creative furniture and decor and you have the time to do so, but if you want to save time, there are as you said pretty good free models and damn good high end quality models that you can purchase online and save you at least a few days of modeling!

 

Well that's my opinion! What you do is totally up to you!

Hope this was helpful!

[Devin Johnston]

Of course it's not cheating, it's using the resources available to you and your client's benefit and it saves you time and money in the process.

[Frosty]

Cheating? That's crazy talk. Its about the fastest route to a good image. Sometimes that means buying a model or 10. Sometimes it means building from scratch because that's faster or you need more control. I think a "purist" mentality of I must model everything myself and use no post is rather silly. It takes more time and makes you less money.

[jophus14]

It wouldn't make sense to continue to build pieces that already exist if you are working with a deadline and a budget. A place like DesignConnected exists to help artists out with high quality furniture from some of the best furniture companies in the business. I have several DesignCOnnected pieces and they are great.

[Creationtwentytwo]

Thanks guys. I think it might be a case of my darker side making me feel like I couldn't model some of the stuff if I tried. Which in turn made reaching for the library feel like the easy way out.

 

For example, I was attempting an Eames Lounge. Not the most complicated of shapes, plenty of great reference around, heck even a few tutorials but after spending more time than I'd have liked trying to replicate the creases and pulls around the seat buttons all while retaining a somewhat decent edge flow, those library models started looking mighty tempting!

[Nic H]

buy it from design connected imo - they are excellent quality and well modelled. cheaper than doing it yourself imo.

avoid turbosquid - except for a few providers they are overly rubbish