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Topic - Summary of User Event in San Francisco (1/10/07) - detailed + DMN article added
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Seattle, WA.
518 posts
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Thanks to everyone who showed up, it was a great mix of people. And thanks to Travis at the gorgeous Apple Store in San Francisco – they were great hosts. The store manager was blown away by the crowd – I estimate it at 75-80 people. Some photos are coming.
Brad Peebler (of course) hosted the event. The event was delayed by about 10 minutes due to fairly severe operating system issues. Result was the directories were in unfamiliar locations and the tablet driver would not work.
Welcome, it is the 5th anniversary of Luxology this month. Thanks to all who helped get us to this point.
About 50% were modo users. For the uninitiated, Brad gave a modo 202 demo to explain what modo was about to newcomers. Emphasized how modo was designed to promote “flow” (state of mind where you are in the moment, just creating). He explained action centers and falloffs. He explained how the combinations of tools + action centers + falloffs resulted in a huge potential number of cool tool combinations. And how the toolpipe was the key to combining them. He emphasized the consistency of modo, how falloffs work throughout the program, for example.
Still in the modo 202 demo, he went into how selections work. Loops, patterns, expanding the selection set etc. Then Brad went into how the morph system worked, how morphs continue to work even after geometry is blown away, or even geometry is added. He explained the power of the user interface, both in terms of physical UI (keyboard mapping flexibility) and the visual UI (viewport flexibility). Then he went in UV editing, including the pinning function. Having created UV’s he then painted his mesh. The paint system has flexible tools, brushes and inks. Next, was rendering. Focus was on the shader tree and how it provides a layer-based approach. It was a fast 4 proc system. He showed an interesting example where he used the shader tree with image “kits” to create a masked image where a once gleaming chrome faucet was rendered via a mask to be part chrome, part pitted/rusty and a combination of the 2.
He thanked the community for the many images he showed about how modo is used for character creation, automotive visualization, design viz, package design, print graphics, Architectural visualization. Many images shown in rapid succession.
He credited the community with three recent awards for modo:
1. Apple Design Award – Best use of OSX Graphics
2. MacUser “Maxine” award for Best 3D Software
3. 5 star review in Game Developer magazine (Nov)
4. Game Developer Frontline Award for “Best Art Tool” 2006
Brad recognized Dan Ablan in the audience (author of modo training materials).
Brad emphasized the need for more training materials and how Luxology is responding with increased emphasis here. Luxology is adding Dan’s 3DGarage DVD courseware to the Luxology store, to sit alongside the Official modo guide (book). These two things are a great introduction to modo for the beginning modo user.
A new Training Division has been formed, and the first hire is Andy Brown from the UK. Some may know him for his camera and other tutorials. He will be dedicated to providing training materials and more support on the Forum.
Andy’s first contribution will be a series of videos on the making of the LeMans winning C9 racecar. The modeling series is completed and will be available for sale right away. It is currently an 8 part series, and it is designed for intermediate modo users. The first 8 movies take one through modeling the basics (not a finished version) of the car. Brad noted that the modeling skills needed to produce the C9 will go a long ways towards the construction of a wide range of hard surface objects in the every day world. Pricing is iTunes-style as Brad put it, $5 each, or $25 for the whole 1st series.
Luxology will be working with other modo experts like Rich Hurrey and Greg Leuenberger to deliver more training projects.
The PDF manual for modo has been improved with the addition of an index. The new PDF will be uploaded to modo user’s accounts right away.
(more - see next message)
Message edited by Luxology Webmaster on 1/11/2007 - 11:45 AM
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1/10/2007 - 8:47 PM
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Seattle, WA.
518 posts
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(continued)
A mock “New Product” announcement was revealed to be new Luxwear. Namely a new black “hoodie” for sale in the store by popular demand. Will be in the store tomorrow.
Coming real soon now:
1. Some “3D Ready” texture libraries exclusively available from Luxology. Two libraries to be offered for sale; each filled with seamless 2K images. Each will include around 95 image “kits” that are pairs or triple combinations of color, bump and displacement maps ready to be used in 3D production. Greyscale images also included. Showed images of how the libraries add amazing surface character to even simple objects. These will be available this month. Pricing not revealed.
2. DXF reader/writer is soonish coming for modo. This will be a free offering to the modo community. Will support 2D and 3D entities. No exact time frame provided.
Acknowledging a thirst for “what is next”, Brad delved further into sculpting technology that will ship sometime this year. He provided commentary and insight into what was seen in the sculpting video (sans audio) posted recently. He emphasized the depth of integration of this functionality into modo including sculpting working with selections, geometry locking, falloffs, the toolpipe and render preview. He did a live demo. Showed both limit surface sculpting and image-based sculpting. Very powerful tools to smooth out models, swirl, carve, pinch. He also showed image-based sculpting and how resulting displacements could be transferred to other objects. One crash. Brad’s comment. “you wonder why we do not ship this tomorrow, that’s why!” He emphasized how all the regular modeling tools were of course there along side of the sculpting tools all the time.
Everyone stayed to the end. A band was waiting to be on the stage next, lights were finally dimmed by the store management.
Whew!
Bob
edit: found this link on Luxology at Macworld from Digital Media Net too DMN article (slow link when tested)
Message edited by Bob Bennett on 1/16/2007 - 3:46 PM
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1/10/2007 - 8:47 PM
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Tea Gardens - Australia
819 posts
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Good write up Benn, thanks for the info.
I'm sure a lot of people are going to be dissapointed about the only never before announced/hinted at thing being the texture library ;)
I'm looking forward to having a play with the sculpt tool when it's released.
---- www.postdigital.com.au ----
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1/10/2007 - 8:59 PM
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Orlando, FL
568 posts
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thanks benn!
modoArchiver coming soon...
http://www.vimeo.com/channels/modoarchiver
------------------------------------
www.cgmstudios.com
www.twitter.com/concussiongfx
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1/10/2007 - 9:00 PM
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Dayton, OH
201 posts
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Ditto, thanks for the play-by-play Benn!
Message edited by philthorn on 1/10/2007 - 9:09 PM
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1/10/2007 - 9:08 PM
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Maryland (US)
318 posts
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Quote from Ian Maclachlan :
I'm sure a lot of people are going to be dissapointed about the only never before announced/hinted at thing being the texture library ;)
Yep... pretty much a yawner for me. But like I said in another thread, our expectations were governed quite a bit. And definately, thanks Benn for informing those of us who cannot be there.
Once upon a time... animation features were slated for Modo in 2006.
http://www.luxology.com/press/release/080305_Lux_Roadmap.aspx
Message edited by jrsunshine on 1/10/2007 - 9:11 PM
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1/10/2007 - 9:09 PM
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apartment 26
235 posts
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Thanx for reporting back with such great detail Benn
much appreciated
Nice to see Andy on the team,
I pretty much learned how to model from his radio controlled car tutorial.
might have to order me a hoodie ....
I put tape on my mirrors at my house so i won't accidentally walk through them into another dimension - steven wright
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1/10/2007 - 9:14 PM
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177 posts
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Quote from jrsunshine :
Yep... pretty much a yawner for me. But like I said in another thread, our expectations were governed quite a bit. And definately, thanks Benn for informing those of us who cannot be there.
Once upon a time... animation features were slated for Modo in 2006.
http://www.luxology.com/press/release/080305_Lux_Roadmap.aspx
And so was Modo for Linux and rendernodes. I am sure that they have more coming that they can't show. Sculpting is the big thing right now. I would like to see Brad's example on the faucet it sounds interesting.
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1/10/2007 - 9:18 PM
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Tea Gardens - Australia
819 posts
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Quote from tikal26 :
And so was Modo for Linux and rendernodes. I am sure that they have more coming that they can't show. Sculpting is the big thing right now. I would like to see Brad's example on the faucet it sounds interesting.
Render nodes was something I was hoping to hear about too.
---- www.postdigital.com.au ----
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1/10/2007 - 9:19 PM
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Washington, USA
3581 posts
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Quote from Ian Maclachlan :
Render nodes was something I was hoping to hear about too.
QFA
None the less i am happy to see the training stuff kicked off and a big thanks to Brad for following through and delivering it in a timely manner.
I also thank both Benn and Brad (and those behind the scenes) for the Hoodies!
Looks like i'll be bustin out the CC tomorrow.. :)
---
401 made me switch from Linux to OSX so i could use it. Guess i should be glad it didn't ask for more. :)
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1/10/2007 - 9:27 PM
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123 posts
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Thank you, Brad, Benn and Bob.
It was great! tonight
The sculpting is very exciting thing for me too.
And, I will buy the Hoodies!!!
P.S.
See you at ISBUNE(The Sushi Bar place I work)
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1/10/2007 - 9:40 PM
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Mountain View, CA
299 posts
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Quote from jrsunshine :
Yep... pretty much a yawner for me. But like I said in another thread, our expectations were governed quite a bit. And definately, thanks Benn for informing those of us who cannot be there.
Once upon a time... animation features were slated for Modo in 2006.
http://www.luxology.com/press/release/080305_Lux_Roadmap.aspx
I'd rather have the product done right than ship according to an estimated timetable. Especially considering how much it crashes now :(
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1/10/2007 - 9:54 PM
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Farmington NM
260 posts
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All the info sounds great to me. i can't wait for the texture library and the new tutorials. Thanks for the sweet info and I am definatly looking forward to getting the sweet Modo Hoodie. Thanks again Lux you rock.
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1/10/2007 - 11:00 PM
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Macau, SAR
2646 posts
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Thank you Benn for the info.
The best news for me, obviously was the announcement of new tutorials. I really can't wait to get my hands all over the tuts available, any tut!
Thank you for making more tuts for us!!!
http://www.mduque.com - My Avatar equals my wip.
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1/11/2007 - 12:01 AM
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1731 posts
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Sorry to put a downer here but....
Are we serious here? Was NOTHING animation related shown???? If that's the case I'm going to feel very dissappointed. :(
Animation was demo'd 2005 (even 2004)! A big event comes along and NO animation? I just don't get it? What a let down.
I hope I've jumped to the wrong conclusion here.
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1/11/2007 - 12:17 AM
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106 posts
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Is this the so-called ever-evolving world of modo?? :(
It seems sculpting tool will be only one big feature we could get seomtime this year, I hope I am wrong.
Thanks Been for the detailed info anyway
Message edited by qaz11 on 1/11/2007 - 12:49 AM
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1/11/2007 - 12:48 AM
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Berlin - Bombay - New York
168 posts
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At least for the next few years lux lost me as a customer. I couldn´t take lw any longer and now moved to xsi - I´m really surprised how nice that app is. Even if lux had released animation right now it would take years until it´s as strong as "the others", that´s why I always asked to ship as soon as possible ( even if it´s basic stuff ) since evolution takes it´s time...
K.
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1/11/2007 - 1:06 AM
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Dublin
6265 posts
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Cool write up Bob!
Glad to hear about the training and support - congrats Andy, Rich and Greg!
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1/11/2007 - 1:16 AM
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290 posts
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Good move on the learning centre and texture libraries.
When I look at a new product, the first thing I look at is training material and resources, personally I think both go a long way on purchase decisions.
As for animation, I think the community needs to be more realistic about this. For months Luxology have been playing down any inclusion of animation tools in the near future, it is only the community that have been speculating on their imminent release, so it would seem a little unfair to blame Luxology for not anouncing them yesterday.
Inclusion of animation is going to be a very tricky thing and IMHO cannot be done in a halfa**ed manner.
I would go to say that a proper animation system, with bones, weighting, keyframing, constraints, expressions, motion editors, dopesheets, morph editors, layered deformers, etc is probably a bigger task than everything that has gone into Modo to date.
Some people will say that they just want to pose characters and fly a camera around it, and they don't need the other features, unfortunately it has been shown that once a company gets a reputation for sub-standard tools it can take several years to get over that negative reputation. For years 3DS MAX had a bad reputation for poly modelling and rendering, and even when there tools became the match for any out there the reputation stuck with them. The same with XSI's stability, Maya's modelling tools, Lightwave's character animation tools.
A bad reputation is gained in seconds, but takes years to recover from.
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1/11/2007 - 2:19 AM
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Macau, SAR
2646 posts
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Quote from Philip Lawson :
Glad to hear about the training and support
I totally agree. Been waiting for new tuts for ages. I would like thought to see more tuts about the shader tree. How to tweek this and that and the result is this and that. However is the end user who should try and perform test after test. I'm still suck with the shader tree. So, for now I'm only concentrating with the modeling part, which I love it! Easy and superbly fast.
http://www.mduque.com - My Avatar equals my wip.
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1/11/2007 - 2:19 AM
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Munich, Germany
843 posts
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Thanks Benn!
rationally spoken(@dissappointed guys):
Don't be so mean, i think Brad announced exactly that to happen - but with too circumstantial words ;)
I mean those kind of events are for a major audience who don't know much about MODO, so why confuse them with some half baked animation stuff, when a lot of stabile, good features are right there and ready to be shown.
emotionally spoken:
In general i hope the line between tech previews and release previews should be drawn exactly here, between life/PR events and the forum announcments and i hope Lux sees this the same way. If yes, Lux owes us one hell of an Animtion Techpreview - or just composite some moving Cubes with timeline over the MODO UI and post it as early early preview ;) - because one of these animation-dissappointed guys is in all of us and we need to be fed again.
;)
I'm saying this not because i disregard the fact that it's a whole lot of work get an animation system running and the fact that the Luxteam evolved sculpting just right after the voices and mudbox raised, no, i am saying this because Modonauts are teased for animation over years now and Luxology made us confident that they can make everything happen, because they are the best bunch of softwareguys on the planet!
:)
Lux - you made us ambitious, know live with it ;)
Message edited by Leo Slawik on 1/11/2007 - 2:30 AM
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1/11/2007 - 2:21 AM
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Macau, SAR
2646 posts
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Quote from Mark Curtis :
Good move on the learning centre and texture libraries.
When I look at a new product, the first thing I look at is training material and resources, personally I think both go a long way on purchase decisions.
As for animation, I think the community needs to be more realistic about this. For months Luxology have been playing down any inclusion of animation tools in the near future, it is only the community that have been speculating on their imminent release, so it would seem a little unfair to blame Luxology for not anouncing them yesterday.
Inclusion of animation is going to be a very tricky thing and IMHO cannot be done in a halfa**ed manner.
I would go to say that a proper animation system, with bones, weighting, keyframing, constraints, expressions, motion editors, dopesheets, morph editors, layered deformers, etc is probably a bigger task than everything that has gone into Modo to date.
Some people will say that they just want to pose characters and fly a camera around it, and they don't need the other features, unfortunately it has been shown that once a company gets a reputation for sub-standard tools it can take several years to get over that negative reputation. For years 3DS MAX had a bad reputation for poly modelling and rendering, and even when there tools became the match for any out there the reputation stuck with them. The same with XSI's stability, Maya's modelling tools, Lightwave's character animation tools.
A bad reputation is gained in seconds, but takes years to recover from.
I couldn't agree with you more! You get my vote!
http://www.mduque.com - My Avatar equals my wip.
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1/11/2007 - 2:23 AM
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581 posts
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Someone wake me up when they are ready to show animation.
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1/11/2007 - 2:26 AM
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Brooklyn, NY
33 posts
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I have been a lurker. That having been said, I feel a need to comment. I was disappointed by the MacWorld report. I wasn't hungering to hear of animation, though, I will be happy when it is added.
If Andy is who I think, he is a great modeler, but his demo clips are much too fast, and barely legible. It would help if he could turn up the microphone and speak slightly slower and much more distinctly clear.
I love Modo, having been a recent convert. I currently point to my old machine for my frustrations when they occur. They are mostly with rendering on my old dual g4 processor.
The new index on the pdf manual is a good thing, but a disappointment in that the page references are not live links to the manual contents. This is easy to do in Acrobat; it just takes some time.
I have been waiting for significant mac changes in zbrush for a long time, particularly the zsphere updating to what was promised as 2.5. I have been waiting for silo to get out a mac beta. I have been very impressed with strata cx's rendering to photoshop layers capability. Strata live 3d is a good beginning but painfully clumsy and under documented. Strata takes too little time adding documentation and tutorials. I have totally disassociated from Lightwave due to the continuous frustration in using the program.
Modo has been a savior in re-boosting my energy for working in 3d. I hope that they keep significantly improving the project. I, for one, am not interested in texture packages, but thank you for the photoshop plug.
Yada, yada, yada.
Over and out.
b o n o j e r r y
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1/11/2007 - 2:54 AM
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898 posts
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We were all told before hand to keep our expectations low.
Id love to see a video posted with audio that shows more of the sculpting functionality.
Also it would be really really cool to have thes juicy fridady updates that we had prior to 201
I am very happy about the training moving forward and the hoodies
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1/11/2007 - 4:09 AM
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