Introduction to Volume Modeling in Cinema 4D R20

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Cinema 4D has long been renowned for its powerful modeling tools, but with the introduction of Volume Modeling in Release 20, organic modeling just got a whole lot easier. In this article, we'll dive headfirst into what makes this new workflow so groundbreaking and explore how you can harness it to create complex, realistic models from scratch.

What is Volume Modeling?

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At its core (pun intended), Volume Modeling involves creating three-dimensional objects by combining simple shapes in space rather than relying on traditional surface-based modeling techniques. This approach allows for incredibly organic results with minimal effort, making it perfect for artists who want to quickly block out complex forms without getting bogged down in intricate extrusions or boolean operations.

Getting Started: Adding a Volume Builder Object

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To get started with Volume Modeling in Cinema 4D R20, you'll first need to add a new object called the 'Volume Builder' to your scene. To do this:

1. Select the front view (F5) and make sure you're working on an empty layer.

2. Go to Object > primitives > volume builder or press Command + Shift + V (Mac) / Ctrl+Shift+V (Windows).

3. A new Volume Builder object should now appear in your scene.

Basic Shapes: The Building Blocks of Organic Modeling

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Now that you have a basic understanding of what the Volume Builder is and how to add it, let's talk about some of its most essential features – the primitive shapes that will form the foundation of our organic models. These include:

* Box: A simple cube-shaped volume used as an starting point for more complex forms.

* Sphere: An sphere-shaped volume perfect for modeling rounded or spherical objects like balls and bubbles.

Creating a Gummy Bear Using Primitives

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Let's now dive into creating something truly iconic – the humble gummy bear. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select your Volume Builder object in Object mode (Alt+Enter to toggle).

2. Press Command + Shift+B (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+B (Windows) and choose 'Box' from the context menu.

3. In the resulting window, adjust the size parameters until you have a roughly cube-shaped volume with an approximate length of 1 unit.

Your first primitive shape should now be visible in your scene – our gummy bear's body! To add some organic detail to this basic form:

4. Select both the Volume Builder object and press Command + Shift+Shift (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar (Windows).

5. In the Inspector, scroll down until you see 'Subdivision' under Advanced.

6. Turn up the Subdivide iterations slider until your gummy bear's body starts to take on a slightly more organic appearance.

Adding Details with Noise and Turbulence

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To add some final touches of realism to our model, let's introduce two new volume primitives – noise and turbulence:

1. Select both objects again.

2. Go back into Object mode (Alt+Enter).

3. Press Command + Shift+B (Mac) or Ctrl+---------------------------------------------

In conclusion, Cinema 4D R20 has truly revolutionized the world of organic modeling with its groundbreaking new Volume Modeling workflow. By combining basic shapes in space using simple yet powerful tools like the Volume Builder and taking advantage of advanced features such as subdivision and noise, artists can now create incredibly realistic models faster than ever before.

With this introduction to volume modeling under your belt, there are no limits to what you can achieve – from photorealistic creatures to abstract sculptures. So why wait? Grab a copy of Cinema 4D R20 today and start sculpting the impossible!

Cinema 4d r20 volume modeling