Xenodream Hints & Tips
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General Tips
- I very rarely start creating from scratch -
it is MUCH easier to find an interesting shape and modify it! - Changing holon types is particularly effective with this technique, often resulting in a completely different appearance.
- I tend to work by building the parameter files for rendering, then rendering them later. This keeps things moving when I find a productive file with many interesting variations.
- I keep a text file of things waiting to render on my desktop, so I don't forget.
- For best results, render big, render overnight!
- Try viewing your object from many angles -
interesting ones are often not the shape you might at first assume, and some have many different effective viewing angles. - It can be very effective to move the camera in very close, and set it to a very wide
angle view with fish-
eye on. This can radically transform the view, but be aware that parts closest to the camera may take a long time to render. - When saving files, be sure to put your name into the relevant field! This will help you track which XEP's are your original work.
Getting a smooth result
- Because of the way Xenodream works, you often find that images have a rough or jagged appearance, caused by many sudden changes in colour.
- Become familiar with the surface cleaning tools, these can be VERY effective in producing a pleasing result.
- Experiment with lighting -
this can dramatically affect the smoothness of your result. - The most important tip I can give is RENDER LARGE AND SAMPLE DOWN THE RESULT.
- I do this with almost every image I create.
- For example, if you want a wallpaper sized image, try rendering at 2000x1500, then resample to a smaller size in your favourite graphics program.
Lighting and surfacing tips
- Create a 'favourites' category, and store all your most used lighting presets in there. This will make them much easier to find.
- I very much prefer surfaces that emphasise the 3d shape of the object. For this reason I like to use:
- Reflection, to emphasise the relative position of the parts.
- Shadows, to emphasise the relative position of the parts.
- Fog / mist to emphasise how deep in the picture the parts are.
- Interference colours, to emphasise the slope of the parts.
- For viewing on a computer screen, try to keep your brightest light top left of the
image -
this is the lighting source for 3d controls in Windows, and it will match better done this way. - When examining the XEP files people share in the mail groups, don't forget to save
any impressing lighting set-
ups for future use.
Export and Render tips.
- It is generally a mistake to try and capture too much detail when exporting. You will end up with a huge unmanageable polygon count.
- I generally find a resolution of 300-
320 works well for my preferred shapes. - The included polygon reduction tool is EXCELLENT and gives instant visual feedback! Use it!
- I find the best way to get a smooth object out is to reduce the polygon count in XD as far as possible, then smooth the result in my 3d rendering program.
- In Lightwave that means using 'NURBS' or the Subdivide Smooth command.
- I like similar surface effects when rendering as I do inside XD -
Lots of reflection, shadows, and so forth. - If your graphics program supports it, vary the reflection with the angle of incidence. Shiny surfaces generally reflect much more when viewed at a shallow angle.
- Varying the colour with the angle of incidence is also very effective.
- I have had very pleasing results by placing the object partially submerged in rippling reflective water.
- Adding strongly geometric elements such as refractive crystal balls, or chrome hoops can also help emphasize the shapes strongly
- If your shape has interesting holes in it's structure, you can make an interesting animation by flying the camera through the object..
And Finally:
If you want to learn more, I strongly recommend joining one or both the Xenodream mailing lists, where you will find many examples of other people work, and sometimes XEP files too.
This page provides hints and tips for users of the excellent 3d fractal program, Xenodream. It does not explain where to find the controls, and assumes that you are familiar with the interface. It is intended for intermediate level users.