The huge development in technology over the past few decades has changed the way many industries operate, especially the modelmaking industry. With the use of CAD, CNC machining and 3D printing producing models has never been so quick and easy. These digital techniques make for effective and efficient modelmaking, but does it mean were losing the value of the craft behind traditional modelmaking?
The digital processes commonly used by modelmakers include Adobe software's such as Photoshop and Illustrator, and InDesign and other programs like Rhino, Solid works, Sketch up, 3DS Max, Maya, Mud box, and more. Using these digital processes, modelmakers can massively reduce the time it would have previously taken to make quick sketch models. They are also able to create incredibly detailed digital models relatively quickly applying a wide range of materials, textures, and finishes. The idea of rapid prototyping is very exciting for modelmakers as it significantly speeds up the process of creating an initial sketch model to then work on the final presentation model.
As convenient as these processes are, I think a traditional physical model is more appropriate in certain circumstances. A digital model can’t always offer the same experience, as advanced as some programs are, people often relate more to a tangible object in front of them. For instance, a film prop is often hand crafted, unique, and original. This can be interesting and captivating as you can appreciate the time, skill, and effort that went into crafting it whereas it feels a little harder to comprehend when looking at digital images. Overall, I think that the innovative technology and digital processes we have now are incredibly useful to the modelmaking industry and have allowed people to create things that would never have been possible years ago, which is exciting. However, the art of traditional techniques and handcrafted models will never diminish.
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