Course Description

Vue is a highly addictive and extremely fun to use 3D graphics program! This class will help you import files into Vue and make them look great without killing your computer. We will cover the function generator and how fractal nodes are used to create procedural terrains. Then we will use HDRI, IBL, and radiosity lighting, animations, Multi-Pass renders and custom plant creation. This class is for users who are comfortable with Vue but would like to take their knowledge base to the next level and learn more about this powerful 3D program. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store Visit the LVS Online Classes Blog for more information. If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

Vue 6 or 7 Infinite or Vue xStream with all updates/patches available at www.e-onsoftware.com/index.php Vue Infinite/xStream Personal Learning Edition (PLE) is a fully functional version of Vue Infinite/xStream. You can create complete projects, save your work, export and render without size limit! Vue PLE is free, never expires, and available for download at http://www.vue6.com/ple Vue 7 Esprite to Vue 7 Complete users will also benefit from this class but should use the PLE version if they do not have the modules called for in the lessons. There will be Zip files provided to complete many of the weekly exercises. WinZip, PKZip, Windows Compression or a similar program is required to unzip these files. Winzip Tutorial Here Windows Compression Students must have a working knowledge of their operating system, especially: How to create and name new folders How to locate files How to open and save files Here are a few free tutorials available at LVS which may be helpful to you: PC Users: Free Windows Class Directory Structure Tutorial Mac Users: Basic Computer File Systems Tutorial (Mac) Homework must be reviewed by the instructor in order to earn a certificate. Students have the option of using either the Student Upload Area or free web hosting made available for LVS students. Details are provided in the classroom. If you prefer to use your own web space, you must know how to upload your files to a server. Free tutorials are available: Basic HTML Page WS_FTP SmartFTP All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. A desire to have fun while learning! Plan to spend 3 to 6 hours per week on the lessons.

Course Prerequisites

The student must have taken the Intermediate Vue class or have at least one year experience using Vue. You must be comfortable with the Vue interface and know how to edit terrains, atmospheres, and materials.

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 - Advanced Imports Workflow Tips Import Objects from Other Applications Optimizing Imports for Vue Make the Object Look GREAT in Vue When Things Go Wrong... Lesson 2 - Fractal Terrains Part 1 Procedural Terrains Quick and Easy Great Terrains Clipping Plane Zero Edges Scale Procedural Terrains Mapping Mode Function Node Preview Function Output Observer Function Generator Fun Editing the Fractal Fractal Nodes versus Noise Nodes Common Parameters Fractal Node Types Lesson 3 - Fractal Terrains Part 2 Function Editor Setup Review on how to Edit the Fractal Filter Fun Favorite Filter Types to Try Math Nodes Using Combiners Creating Turbulence Lesson 4 - Animation for the Non-Animator Using the Animation Wizard o Pre-Rendering Animations Rendering Animations Large Animation Projects Rendering Single Frames Using Motion Blur in Still Pictures Ventilators Using Cornucopia Pre-animated Figures Wind, Clouds, & Water Animation Tutorial Lesson 5 - Advanced Lighting HDRI and Image Based Lighting HDRI Tips Resources Exporting Skies Radiosity Radiosity Tips Final Render Settings Fixing Light Leaks Lesson 6 - Tips, Tricks, and Fun G-Buffer and Multi-Pass Using Multi-Pass Multi-Pass Options Using a Multi-Pass Render 2 Polygon People Making Hero Trees Fix the Hooking Point Color Blend Trees Tree Stacking Custom Plant Ecosystem

Course Excerpt

LESSON 1 In this first lesson we are going to cover several of the most often asked questions about Vue: First "How can I get more stuff into Vue?" Then, once the item is imported, the second most often asked question is "How do I get it to look great?" And the third most often asked question is "OK, I got in Vue and it looks great, but I only have 25% resources left - now what?" Well, there are lots of ways to answer these questions, and many, many different tutorials and tips are available on the forums. I have tried to put everything I have learned into one lesson. I will also cover some of the common problems that can occur with imports, including the dreaded white eyes (easy to fix) to nothing imported at all (that's easy to fix too!). Not all of these problems will occur in every picture - at least I sure hope not, but if something does go wrong, you will know what to do! Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

At the end of this class you will be able to use the advanced functions available in Vue to import files and make them look great. You will be able to create procedural terrains from scratch using the function generator, create an animation, know some of the advanced lighting techniques, learn how to render layers for use in post-work, and create awesome looking trees.

Course Reviews

Sheila: An excellent teacher who gave prompt, helpful advice and encouragement. An excellent .pdf which printed out well and was great for the course and a reference for the future. A great group of fellow students who shared their experience and gave encouragement. More...