Over the years, the 3D rendering has witnessed a huge shift towards stylized aesthetics. ‘Nimona’ on Netflix and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ are two of the best examples of such. Even if it is 3D Animation, it has been rendered in 2D type.
The 2D render gives an unique photorealism. It is mix of bold outlines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated features. Such amazing stylization pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Arnold render is one of the leading rendering software to do so. It is a powerful renderer renowned for its versatility and ability to create stunning stylized visuals. This article focuses into the world of stylized rendering with Arnold in Maya and 3ds Max.
This latest 3D webinar from Autodesk and Capricot will give you the required knowledge and techniques to bring your vision to life.
What is stylized rendering?
Stylized rendering is also known as Non-Photorealistic Rendering (NPR). Arnold render engine is one of the major software to do so. aiToonShader in Arnold simplifies the creation of cel-shaded renders. It allows for customization of line thickness, rim lighting, and shadow styles.
Stylized rendering is a technique in CGI that applies artistic styles to 3D models and environments, creating visuals that deviate from photorealism to achieve a particular aesthetic. This method can mimic various art forms, such as cartoons, oil paintings, watercolors, and more. Unlike traditional rendering, which aims for photorealistic images, stylized rendering focuses on creating a distinctive look and feel that aligns with unique ideation.
The process of stylized rendering involves several key techniques. One common approach is non-photorealistic rendering (NPR), which emphasizes artistic expression over realism. Techniques under NPR include toon shading, where models are given a cartoon-like appearance with solid colors and bold outlines, and cel shading, which reduces shading gradients to produce a flat, 2D-like look. These methods help in highlighting specific features, enhancing clarity, and conveying the mood or tone intended by the artist.
Another crucial aspect of stylized rendering is the use of textures and lighting. Textures can be hand-painted or procedurally generated to match the desired style. For instance, a wood texture might be stylized to look hand-carved, with exaggerated grain patterns and imperfections. Lighting in stylized rendering often uses simplified models, such as using a limited color palette for shadows and highlights, to maintain the artistic consistency of the scene.
It is widely used in various applications, including video games, animated films, and virtual reality. The sole purpose is to create unique and visuals that stand out from the plethora of realistic graphics. It transports users into imaginative worlds.
What is physically based lighting (PBL)?
Physically based lighting is a technique in 3D Animation render software that aims to render scenes in a way that mimics the real world behavior of light. It follows core principles of physics. Hence, it can accurately simulate how light interacts with various materials and surfaces to achieve realistic visual effects. PBL relies on mathematical models to calculate light parameters. These models take into account factors such as light scattering, reflection, refraction, and absorption.
Another critical component of PBL is the accurate simulation of GI (Global Illumination). Unlike traditional rendering techniques that focus on direct light sources, global illumination considers both direct and indirect lighting. This includes light bouncing off surfaces and diffusing through translucent materials, contributing to the overall ambiance and realism of a scene. Its ability to create highly realistic images enhances visual storytelling, immersing audiences in richly detailed worlds.
By doing so, PBL ensures that rendered images exhibit lifelike qualities, with accurate shading, reflections, and shadows.
Why Arnold render is widely used?
To talk about history, the Arnold rendering engine was developed by Solid Angle SL in 2009. It was acquired by Autodesk in 2016. In the next year, 2017, Arnold won Sci-Tech Academy Award by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Some of the best features of Arnold software are as follows.
- It follows physically based rendering techniques to produces are highly realistic renders. This method accurately simulates the behavior of light and materials, resulting in stunningly lifelike visuals.
- It’s robust GI enhances the overall depth and realism of the scene.
- It is designed to handle complex scenes with ease. Its scalability allows it to render high-resolution images and manage large datasets efficiently. It makes it ideal for both small studios and large production houses.
- It supports leading 3D softwares including 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini, and Katana. This extensive plugin support ensures a smooth pipeline and enhances compatibility with various workflows.
- For quick iterations and refinements, it offers interactive rendering capabilities. It allows artists to make real-time adjustments and see the results immediately.
- It has comprehensive suite of shaders and textures. Its advanced shading models provide greater control over the appearance of materials. You can create custom shaders using Open Shading Language (OSL).
- The denoise algorithms reduce noise in the final renders.
- One of the best features of Arnold is its open and extensible architecture. It allows for extensive customization and flexibility. Users can write their own shaders and plugins, tailoring the renderer to meet specific project needs.
- It gives robust performance, as Arnold is optimized for utilizing both CPU and GPU resources effectively.
- Its powerful lighting and shading controls allow for the creation of crisp outlines, vibrant color palettes, and physically correct shadows.
Details of stylized render in Maya and 3ds max with Arnold webinar
Date: 7th April, Friday, 2024
Time: 3 to 4.30 pm
Topics of this Arnold webinar:
- Introduction to Autodesk Arnold
- Stylized rendering techniques
- Advanced line rendering
- Toon shading capabilities
- Enhancing productivity
- Creative flexibility
Trainer: Jignesh Shashikant Mistry (Technical Manager (M&E), Capricot An ARKANCE company)
Registration link: Please register now to attend this online webinar of Arnold render