How do I create a 3D model and then create an icon / logo from it?
I want to create a simple logo, and the logo I mean will be a stylized 3D model with "iconic" lighting (front, left, even). The 3D model itself can be defined as a collection of geometric shapes. Coding is more of my business than design, so I'm looking for tips on easy-to-use tools to create my 3D model and then create a logo image from it?
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If you insist on creating a 3D model, I think something like Blender might be helpful. Of course, depending on how simple your model, lighting and effects can be, you can probably find something much easier to use without any power. Blender is open source and has a pretty good community.
However, you might be better off with a program like Inkscape , which is a vector graphics editor (also open source) and tutorials on how to make things look 3D. I would recommend heathenx screencasts , especially something like creating an RSS Icon .
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You can try Google SketchUp for free . The way 3D modeling works is you create your model in a virtual 3D space. This is the "modeling" stage. Then you apply colors and / or bitmap graphics to the surface of the 3D object or objects in your model. You adjust the lighting and the camera angle from which you view the scene.
After all, you "render" the scene - create a computer to create a 2D image, such as a JPEG, from your scene. (Rendering can also mean creating an animation, not a still image.)
Advanced 3D packages are insanely complex and take months or even years. Google SketchUp is pretty cool and quick to get started, and it's a good balance of simplicity and power. Probably a good choice for logo design.
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My background is 3D animation for film and television. My first love for 3D packages is Cinema4D. Its a very clean, easy to use package made by Maxon . This is a commercial package, but I believe they have a 30 day trial that will allow you to make your results.
I know people who have never used a 3D program to pick it up and figure out how to create simple shapes (sphere, cubes, cones, etc.) and even get them to do basic animation and rendering.
However, 3D modeling, no matter how simple the package is, is not something you learn in one day. If your logo cannot consist of simple primitives such as spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, tubes, etc., it will be difficult for you.
And as always, if you can fake a 3D look using 2D vectors in Illustrator, Flash, Photoshop or, my favorite, Fireworks, you will have a much less steep learning curve. No matter how complex Photoshop looks, I can assure you that every professional 3D application will be more complex.
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My background is graphic design. First, I have to ask why the logo should be a 3d model. Is a company / software specialized in 3d modeling? is it something else related to 3d? what has a logo as a 3d model designed to communicate with your audience?
Second, as others have noted, 3D modeling is not an easy thing. If what you are trying to create is simple, you might be better off doing it with 2d methods. drawing 3d objects is easier than it sounds. Also, as a 2d illustration, it will be easier to add stylistic adjustments than trying to tweak complex shaders and lighting for a single image. Easier to send to printer.
Third, if you really think you just need some simple 3D renders (I think you probably didn't), and since your background is in programming, I can recommend povray. (Www.povray.org). In povray, you don't get a graphical modeling interface. Instead, you declaratively define your 3D scene using C-like syntax and compile your program to an image. This is a very programmatic way to do 3d. However, this requires a bit of upfront planning. I recommend the graphics.
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