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Ahmed Saeed , Senior Architect grae-A , Dimensions Engineering Consultant
I use ways to build my 3D modeling :
1- Import Spline from autocad and then Extrude it and model it.
2- Draw the Spline in the scene then Extrude it and model it.
3- Draw a Geometrical shape like Box or Cylinder or etc and convert it to Edit Poly .
But the most Modeling method I use is the Edit Poly . the Edit Poly too powerful and more flexible
and has more options and varieties help you to reach your design simple and fast .
this is such a broad question, it really depends on what you are modelling. you wouldnt spline a character lol but you would use spline is you are doing arch viz... but as i started off using maya, i would say i will always prefer traditional poly modeling to spline as i feel like i have more control of the vertices
It depends on project, If I want to model a car, I will use Polygon modeling, If I go for a character with Muscular body, I will create body with NURBS and then convert them in to poly for face and hands I will go with polygon.
I usually draw anything within the 3Ds Max instead of AutoCAD. I preferably use Spline Modeling and after model I use Modifiers where applicable and then I convert it in Editable poly If required.
Beside the Architectural Modeling and Animation, I make products for Ads or any other purpose.
Some time when I need to draw logo, I use Illustrator to shape the model and then export it in DWG file and then import it in Max then extrude or bevel and apply materials or animations etc.