In the past, 3D Graphics applications were only used by professionals- engineers, animators, architects, graphic artists, product designers, etc. Now, thanks to 3D Printing, it is something most everyone will want to learn how to do, so they can make their own custom designed items.
But let's face it- programs like Maya, MAX and Blender are very difficult to learn. You have to understand vertices, polygons, normals, and texture map coordinates. You have to figure out how to maintain wall thickness and structural integrity. That is why with most 3D printed objects there is still a line between the designer and the consumer. The people who know how to use the tools create what they want, and the consumer can at most choose to make them larger or smaller, or out of different colored materials. My goal was to create a small, simple 3D modeling program that allows anyone to easily shape and decorate models without ever seeing the triangles themselves. They only have to drag with their finger to shape it or paint it. Obviously, the ease of use does come at a price, it limits what kind of shapes they can create. So I choose to focus on one specific type of model: cylinders, like one might create on a potter's wheel or a lathe. That lets the user create vases, dolls, and beads easily, even without any previous experience with a 3D graphics application. Future versions of Sage will allow for the creation of other model types, and other product categories. So, if you like Sage, please support it! Tell your friends, post about Media Utopia and Sage on social media, help the process of bringing product design to everyone! |