Getting Started With 2018

[djgeenen]

I am very happy so far with the progress I have been able to make with Lightwave 2018.
I have a nice render of an important job.
A Grandstand I am designing for a location in Far North Queensland, Australia.
So far it is all 'Standard' surfaces of white paper under one spotlight.
I have attached the render that I have so far.
It has been a good 'concept' delivery image.
Now I have two days to apply materials and color.

This is not my day job.
I'm only an architect.
And everything is different now.

djgeenen

 

[Gungho3D]

This is not my day job.
I'm only an architect.djgeenen

Dude, don't say "I am 'only' an architect", that's nothing to apologize for. If you've designed this grandstand, hey that's really cool ... I'll let you in a secret: I'm only a rocket scientist

Regarding materials and tweaking renders, maybe just stick with the basics if you are on such a tight schedule and just use the "Standard" material node. I don't have LW 2018, as all my rockets seem to fly just fine with LW 11.6.3

PS Where is this grandstand going to materialise? ... Mt. Isa?

 

[djgeenen]

The project is not publicly announced yet so I can't say much.
I have done a Grandstand like this before, so it is not inventing the wheel.
I can do plans and specifications but am not a master of computer graphics.
The goal is to produce something as nice as the renders you see on this forum by experienced users.
I have avoided radiosity in renders in the past but it seems to be the standard baseline in Lightwave 2018.
The lure of stunning images is the driving force.

So here is the results of one day of work with one day to go.
A bit of a learning curve in addition to the normal rendering challenges.

I need a seamless grass texture.

And I have been trying to use the materials out of the box in Lightwave 2018.

The handrails have gotten to the 'stunning' stage, thanks to the software.

 

[wingzeta]

If new to making surfaces, a good idea would be to use the presets. The 2018 presets have been updated, so they are at least usable. You can tweak from there if you have time. In the top left of the surface editor click the Presets drop down, and select "Open Preset Shelf". From there use the drop downs at the top of the preset panel to select different "built in" surface categories such as metal and glass. I would put a rough matte plastic on those seats. There is a concrete preset too, but you would have to lighten it, and tweak. Not sure what your comfort level is with the surface editor and nodes.

Sorry, I just noticed you joined in 2004. You probably know all this. I read your post as a user brand new to LW. My mistake.

 

[djgeenen]

Final Renders

All helpful comments are appreciated.
I have not mastered or even tackled the node editor.
But the renderings are done and in the mail (email).
Thank you Lightwve.
It was a struggle with some dark moments but you did not fail me.
I am a happy camper.
Final Renders attached.

 

[Gungho3D]

On this forum I have seen many super-polished cool renders, and as you point out your mastery of LW is only just beginning - just the same I have really enjoyed seeing what you managed to cook up!

BTW, I want one of those waffles ...

 

[djgeenen]

Waffles

Thanks.
It took me awhile, but I finally got the waffle bit.
I'm pretty sure the waffles only happen once a year.
So they're special.