Jump to content

Kevin Allen

  • Content Count

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Kevin Allen

  1. So, for drawings labels, I have all of my basic settings adjusted in the Tool Preferences. I have a class for drawings labels. So, when I insert a drawing label, it's at least roughed out. I do have to assign the class which then controls the line weight and color.


    I would like the tool to 'know' that when I use the tool it should assign the class.


    Similarly, I have my preferred focus point object selected in the tool preferences, so the tool knows which option to use. Again, I do have to Class the inserted objects. Similarly for things like the North Arrow and the Centerline where I have my own symbols in the defaults and then chosen in the tool prefs.


    Make sense?

  2. I go with 'actual' size. So a 15' tree would be a 15' tall image in Photoshop. I then based my DPI on my output. I prefer to use PSD files with an Alpha channel to make the image prop, I think that gives me better control over the masking than I can get in VWX. So, If I'm rendering to a tabloid size sheet,  and printing with an inkjet printer, I try to keep my image props at 1-2Mb. Sometimes that means 5DPI, sometimes 25, etc. 32 bit RGB color.


    If you sometimes or often print for large format presentations, that would be another factor. In that case, I might consider two sets of props.

  3. I believe that I usually detach the Parts record before I edit the group, make the changes. Assign a Lens Class to the new objects so I can color them with the unit color field using the Spotlight Preferences, Then reattach the parts record to the "new" group.

  4. Scott,


    It seems you and I work very similarly, and indeed, the way the program is designed to work, as a unified production tool. That said, we all hope for further improvements and features. OK, I know not everyone wants more features, but I certainly do. Improved volumetric rendering is high on that list.


    The fact that I can keep my work, and my file within the single eco-system is very important. I usually say that I start with a pencil and paper sketch, but that isn't necessarily true any longer. I can start by doodling in Vectorworks just as readily as I can start cooling on paper. In VWX, I can refine those doodles and rough space planning until I have a finished design. The rendering process reflects the same thought process and development.


    Recently, I worked on a project with a colleague, he was doing the lighting, I was doing the set. However, in order to get the look he wanted, we needed to export the file to another application. That meant at a certain point, further development of the set had to take a backseat so we could deal with the export/import process.


    Within Vectorworks, all of that development can take place simultaneously.


    Our reason for the two applications, the final renderings. The look of the lighting.



  5. I use a combination of symbols; my own and the VWX Libraries. When I write, teach or lecture, I rely on the libraries, then show my own as examples of what might be done to personalize the work. That said creating your own symbols is usually pitied the classroom or lecture hall.


    That said, I don't have zoom capability. Do you then have an additional parameter in the OIP? Setting the beam and field as you suggest should always give you a soft beam, as I understand how the vWX Light Objects work. I'd like to be able to control zoom, and edge of the beam.


    As such, I'd like to also NOT maintain a set of custom gobos that affect beam shape and edge quality.

  6. Similarly, I hope there will one day be a means for VWX Light Objects to 'know' what should be a square or rectilinear beam and what should be a round beam. There's also a difference between circular and oval, different units, different expected results. The same issue seen here is true of devices like Kino-Flo units used in film and tv.


    On a related note, I think all SLDs project a hard beam, with no option for focus. Some types of lights create a hard edge. Often we designers will want to soften those edges. To render, I add a custom gobo. Other types of lights have a soft edge; Fresnels, Kino-Flo, the magic panel. Spotlight should know and reflect these differences.


    And one more thing, not to pile on, but... Most units have some type of beam adjustment. On a Fresnel, that can be spot or wide. There are zoomable units of all kinds, There are units PARs and the like where the oval beam can be rotated. These features should be in VWX and transfer back and forth between VWX and Vision


    As an aside, as a set designer, I was collaborating with an LD,  friend and colleague on a project. The look was a specific gobo on the floor in specific places. The plan was to use s4 zoom units. Since VWX does not allow for zoom, and since the fixed beams were all wrong for the throw, I simply put the gobo in a PAR head. Sharp focus, perfect throw, looked just right. My friend has never forgiven me for putting a gobo in a PAR.

    • Like 1



