3d vector software

[twelchPTM]

I'm definatly not a 3d designer and am i no way shap or form an artist. My designs are mostly "assembled" not drawn. I really like the "wrap vectors" feature in part works because I can take pictures of the things I want to do. In fact I recently went to and art supply and snapped photos of all the different styles of french curves they sell. Problem is that leaves me stuck using v-carve or prism carve toolpaths as the only way to add depth to my designs (unless of course i pay someone else for there 3d artwork). I'm wondering if there is a piece of software out there that would work in the following way....
Step 1. Draw shape
Step 2. select highpoint within shape (or software derived "center")
Step 3. assign height to highpoint
*poof*
Instant 3d object/vector

Bonus feature similar snipping tool in Partworks for merging 2 objects

[Brady Watson]

*poof*
Instant 3d object/vector

Bonus feature similar snipping tool in Partworks for merging 2 objects

There is no *poof* software available yet...A photo by itself just doesn't have enough information in it to translate into 3D higher than a texture. However you can do digital sculpting and create reliefs using photos as a guide with something like Vectric Aspire. You can create and merge all kinds of shapes as you see fit, and also sculpt with the mouse in 3D a lot like working with digital clay. It does take time and a commitment to learn how to draw aesthetically pleasing & flowing reliefs, like acanthus leaves and the like. More basic 3D shapes are very easy. You can also buy 3D clipart at reasonable prices which is a LOT faster and cheaper than drawing them yourself ($10-25 ea) and use them as is or slice and dice them to blend into your existing design.


-B

[adrianm]

Thomas, the steps you describe are almost exactly how Aspire works other than the height is set slightly differently.

I'd recommend going to vectric.com and downloading the trial and watching a few tutorial videos.

I have no artistic ability at all yet I can put pretty reasonable relief models together just by blending shapes in the way you describe.

[twelchPTM]

Fro everything I've read on here I though aspire sounded fairly simple (not easy, but simple). I was curious to see what software other people were using because quite frankly all the 3d rendering software I have found has way to much functionality for what i am trying to do.

[twelchPTM]

Update- Just downloaded and tryed out the aspire software trial, The create shape from vectors tool is exactly what I was looking for. I was able to create an object in just a few minutes that I have been trying for weeks to make with other software. I think what does it is that Aspire is geared toward relief carving where most other software is geared towards "modeling". I was able to make some basic models and the manipulate them into carveable toolpaths but why go through all that if aspire can do it much much simpler?