Hands-on Introduction to SubD Modeling, Part 2: Hybrid Modelling in Alias

What This Is            

This series covers Alias ESSENTIAL SKILLS in a 2-part video series:

• Part 1: Creating the Basic Elements

• Part 2: Hybrid Modeling in Alias

In this series, our own John Hartigan introduces you to SubD Modeling by walking through the creation of a simple model – our Monster – to present the tools in a clear and accessible way.

Who It’s For           

Beginners in Alias, or Alias modelers learning SubD workflows or exploring hybrid modelling in Alias.           

Why This?

We realize that the Monster you see above is not the latest in automotive design. But the principles you learn here are the same principles you’ll use to design that cutting-edge sports car.

This is an entertaining, low-stakes way to get used to the concept of SubD Modeling and walk through the key tools and actions you’ll need to know.

The SubD tools and techniques you’ll learn here are the same tools and techniques used to design car mirrors, seats and steering wheels.

Introduction to SubD Series Recap

In part 1 of John Hartigan’s series, we gave you an overview of SubD tools and workflows and started  modeling the monster character in SubDs.

In Video 1, we created the shape of our monster.
In Video 2, we refined the shape.
In Video 3, we made its hands.

We used these SubD tools:

• SubD Primitive
• SubD Extrude
• SubD Crease
• SubD Insert Edge

Part 2: Hybrid Modeling in Alias

Key Takeaways

1. Make the model for the body invisible while working with SubDs and NURBs so you can see better.
   
   
2. If you have the Trim tool on, the unnecessary portions of your model will be automatically trimmed away.
   
   
3. Turning on History within Alias will allow you to save the surface fillet so you can change the shape of parts of your model.
   
   
4. At the end of this post, you’ll be able to download a Wire File that corresponds to each of the the two videos in Part 2.

Key Tools

• Surface Fillet
• Trim tool
• History
• Box Primitives
• Surface Edit tool

Introduction to SubD Modeling, Part 2 — Video Overview

Introduction to SubD Modeling, Part 2 — Wire Files

Below you can access a Zip file for each video. It contains the Wire files used in these two tutorials.

Bio

John Hartigan has been with Autodesk for 10 years and is currently a Technical Account Specialist. John focuses on providing specialized learning sessions for Premium customers. Prior to Autodesk, John spent 30 years in Automotive Design, first as a Detailer on the drafting board and then as a Class A Surface Designer. These days, his passion is helping Alias modelers learn and grow.

You can get started with the new Alias & VRED Learning Editions to get started:

For Alias, click here.
For VRED, click here.

And yes, there will be more learning resources!

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