Comprehensive Lightwave Training DVD Review: The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring 3D Modelers

If you’re into 3D modeling, you’re probably aware of how essential it is to have the necessary skills to create stunning 3D models. While many tools are available to help 3D modelers achieve this, it can be challenging to find tutorial resources that are easy to follow and up-to-date.Enter the Lightwave Training DVD, a comprehensive training resource that promises to take aspiring 3D modelers to the next level. But does it live up to expectations? In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what this training DVD has to offer.

What is the Lightwave Training DVD?

The Lightwave Training DVD is a comprehensive video training resource that covers various aspects of LightWave 3D software. LightWave 3D is a popular 3D modeling software program that is widely used in film, television, video games, and other industries.The Lightwave Training DVD includes over nine hours of video content, covering everything from modeling techniques to texturing and rendering. The training covers topics such as character modeling, lighting and shading, and advanced techniques like volumetric effects and motion graphics.

Who is this Training DVD for?

This comprehensive training DVD is designed for aspiring 3D modelers who want to learn LightWave 3D software from the ground up. If you’re a beginner or a professional looking to sharpen your skills, this training DVD is perfect for you.

What’s Included in the Training DVD?

The Lightwave Training DVD consists of nine hours of video content, divided into 84 easy-to-digest chapters. The training covers a wide range of topics, including:

Chapter 1 – Introduction to LightWave

The first chapter of the training DVD provides a brief introduction to LightWave software, its installation process and system requirements.

Chapter 2 – Customizing Interface and Settings

This chapter covers the process of customizing your LightWave interface and settings, including setting up your viewport and adjusting shading.

Chapter 3 – Basic Primitive Modeling

This chapter covers basic modeling techniques, such as creating spheres, boxes and cylinders. The tutorial will guide you through the process of manipulating these shapes to create more complex objects.

Chapter 4 – Basic Polygon Modeling

This chapter covers the process of creating polygons and manipulating them to create 3D objects. The tutorial demonstrates how to extrude polygons, bevel edges, and merge points among other things.

Chapter 5 – Using Curve Tools and Splines

This chapter underscores the use of curve tools and splines to create various shapes, including beveled edges and tubes, among many other things.

Chapter 6 – Advanced Polygon Modeling

This chapter covers advanced modeling techniques, such as using the Symmetry Tool, Edge Tools and BandSaw Pro. The tutorial will guide you through techniques like smoothing, rounding, and chamfering, making your models more refined.

Chapter 7 – Character Modeling

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to model a head, keeping the details anatomically accurate to create a life-like 3D head model.

Chapter 8 – Character Texturing

This chapter covers the process of painting textures onto a model. The tutorial covers many texture painting techniques that will give your models a realistic look.

Chapter 9 – Lighting and Shading

Here, you’ll learn how to create and manipulate light sources, create shadows, reflections and other effects such as halo and ambiance.

Chapter 10 – Texturing Techniques

This chapter covers more advanced texturing techniques, such as bump mapping, reflection mapping, displacement mapping and texture channels.

Chapter 11 – Volumetrics and Special Effects

This chapter covers more advanced techniques like volumetric effects, including fog, mist and clouds, plus special effects like explosions and particle effects.

Is the Training DVD User-Friendly?

Yes, the training DVD is user-friendly. The chapters are well-organized, making it easy to follow the learning process. The instructor’s style is clear and concise, and there is plenty of visual aids, making it easy to follow along.

How is the Structure of the Training DVD?

The training is divided into 84 chapters, each covering a specific topic. This approach makes it easy to follow the learning process and digest the information. The topics are progressive, i.e., the tutorial builds upon previously learned knowledge, taking you from beginner to advanced modeling techniques.

Are the Videos High-Resolution?

Yes, the videos are high-resolution, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This ensures that you see everything you need to see and understand without any difficulty.

How Long Does it Take to Complete the Training?

The Lightwave Training DVD covers over nine hours of video content, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to start creating stunning 3D models. The actual amount of time it takes to complete the entirety of the training will depend on various factors, such as your learning pace and the time and effort spent practicing what you learned. However, you can expect to have a good grasp of the concepts and techniques within a few weeks.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Lightwave Training DVD?

Pros

• Easy to follow• Well-organized content • High-quality video resolution • Covers a broad range of topics• Suitable for both beginners and professionals

Cons

• Videos may be too fast-paced for some learners• Can feel too shallow for advanced users• Catered to Lightwave Software only

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lightwave Training DVD is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to learn LightWave 3D software from the ground up. The training covers a wide range of topics, from basic modeling techniques to advanced tools like volumetrics and particle effects, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.The step-by-step approach makes learning easy, and the organization of the content ensures that the learning process is progressive. Even so, the pacing could be too fast for some learners, and the training doesn’t cover other 3D modeling software options.Overall, the Lightwave Training DVD is a valuable tool for those interested in steadily developing their skills as 3D modelers with LightWave software.