What is organic modeling?
Designers use polygonal 3D modeling techniques to depict a huge variety of objects, from the blunt surfaces of machinery and products to the free-flowing shapes of humans and animals, plants, and other natural forms. To do so, two main techniques are used: hard modeling and organic modeling.
While hard modeling is concerned with representing objects like machines, buildings, and furniture, organic modeling is used to create lifelike representations of the features of living creatures.
Designers and artists use 3D organic modeling software to create highly detailed representations of curves and shapes that are either found in nature or could be of natural origin. Examples of organic modeling include things like facial expressions, leaves, clothing, hair, and fur. However, organic modeling isn’t just restricted to depicting anatomy and biology. The technique is often used for highly stylized cartoon character design, digital art, and concept art.
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How does organic modeling work?
Traditionally, organic modeling was used for 3D models that mimic the shape of organic objects like animals, humans, and plants. Although there are different processes involved depending on the software, the basic concept behind creating an organic 3D model remains the same.
To create an organic 3D model, a designer will use CAD software to build a 3D mesh. This mesh can then be manipulated and refined using free-form push and pull techniques to create the desired shapes.
The technique works in much the same way as sculpting a statue. A sculptor begins with a block of material and then cuts off everything that they don’t need. A designer will start with an initial mesh shape and subdivide areas that need more details and refinement, pushing and pulling the surface until the desired form is attained.
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Hard Surface Modeling vs Organic modeling : understand the differences
Hard surface models are used to depict any object that is not natural or life-like. It can be thought of as inorganic modeling as opposed to organic modeling. Hard surface models have distinct and precise shapes that often have sharp edges and flat surfaces.
When creating a hard surface model, designers will use specialized CAD tools like Boolean operations and bevels to create shapes. Organic modeling, on the other hand, relies on sculpting tools that are used to manipulate a model in a freeform fashion.
Hard surface modeling is used for creating inorganic objects like machinery, furniture, vehicles, or architecture. Organic modeling is used to depict cartoon characters, living or fantastical creatures, plants, and humans but can also be used to created products with a more push & pull techniques.
Overlap and hybridization of organic and hard surface modeling techniques
However, there is a large degree of overlap between the two skills. To depict many products in a realistic way requires organic modeling techniques. The sweep of a car hood, for instance, will need to be created using organic modeling.
Some designers will say any object that is animated can be classified as organic. Others point to inorganic objects that have soft edges or share features with organic objects, like the soft curves of a pillow or the flowing lines of a boat. The opposite can also be true, a rock is an organic form, but it is not soft. In many cases, the topology of the model itself determines the technique that is used. Many 3D models require a mix of both hard modeling and organic modeling techniques.
The professional distinction between hard surface and organic modeling
Given that there are overlaps between the two techniques and that some models are created using a mix of both, it may seem strange that there is a distinction between hard surface modeling and organic modeling.
The professional reason for the delineation between the two forms of modeling is that it makes it easier for designers to explain their skills and preferences. A person will describe themselves as an organic modeling expert if they are looking for a career in animation, for instance. Conversely, a hard modeling specialist would very likely be aiming for roles in the architectural industry, construction, or product development.
Benefits of organic modeling : a dynamic creation workflow
Organic modeling allows for a freer, more dynamic creation workflow. It requires a designer to use a variety of sculpting and modeling tools to create intricate details, rather than building a model using polygonal predetermined shapes.
Organic models have a more natural and flowing appearance as opposed to the sharp edges and flat surfaces of hard surface models. This makes them ideal for animations, cartoons, and depictions of trees or plants.
Using organic modeling techniques allows designers to experiment with designs without the restrictions placed on them by parametric 3D modeling techniques. It is often used in product development, for digital artworks, and by artisans such as jewelers.
Exploring the limitations of organic modeling in 3D modeling
Although organic modeling is a highly effective technique to create 3D digital depictions of lifelike objects, it does have some downsides. Organic modeling is computationally intensive. The software required to create a 3D organic model can usually only be run using powerful hardware.
Additionally, because of the freeform nature of organic modeling, it can be difficult to create models that have precise shapes or dimensions. Organic modeling cannot be optimized for animations or rigging, as it is always slightly imperfect.
Another drawback to organic modeling is that design iterations take more time and are much less precise than other modeling techniques. For example, using organic modeling, it is not possible to change the entire model simply by changing a parameter as a designer can when using parametric modeling techniques.
Can organic modeling be used for industrial design or product creation?
While many people associate organic modeling solely with cartoons, animations, or video games, there are many industrial design and product creation applications for this technique. Organic modeling is widely used to design cars, boats, consumer goods, and clothing.
The freeform style of organic modeling techniques allows designers to play with ideas and be more creative than parametric techniques. Many designers use organic modeling during the initial conceptual and ideation stages of product development.
What are the common applications of organic modeling?
Organic modeling is commonly used in the entertainment industry to create a range of characters for movies, television shows, animations, video games, comic books, and advertising.
Organic modeling - Conclusion & Perspectives
Organic modeling is a freeform design technique used to create CAD models that have lifelike features such as trees, animals, humans, anatomy, hair, and other natural objects. Unlike hard surface modeling, organic modeling works using a push-and-pull method that allows for complete design freedom. Digital artists, animators, and designers all use organic modeling methods.
Diverse sectors such as the entertainment industry, automotive companies, aerospace industries, construction, and architectural firms all require designers that are skilled at organic modeling. Organic models are used in animations, advertising, movies, for showcasing buildings, and for product development.
To become an organic modeling specialist, you will need to have good artistic sensibilities and a talent for drawing. Organic modelers must have a keen eye for detail and a good understanding of how natural objects are constructed and how they move in the real world. An organic modeling designer also needs to have experience in using sophisticated 3D CAD software.
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Professional designers require sophisticated, adaptable, and powerful software to create lifelike organic models and hard surface models. Sculpting, texturing, rendering, and environmental modeling are all made easier using the exceptional CAD solutions from Dassault Systèmes.
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Frequently asked Questions
Designers must focus on form, lighting, and shading when creating organic models. A good knowledge of anatomy and nature is key to achieving realism when creating a 3D organic model.
Common mistakes when creating organic models include adding too much detail, using subdivisions too early in the design process, misunderstanding topology, and getting proportions wrong.
Organic modeling experts need to have a good understanding of anatomy and biology. Without a good grounding in anatomy and biology, a designer will not know how bones and muscles fit together in reality and will be unable to produce a realistic model.
Some of the most popular 3D modeling software include ZBrush, Blender, Solid Edge, Fusion 360, Onshape, and the range of Dassault Systèmes roles such as 3D Sculptor, CATIA, and SOLIDWORKS.