Special Valentine Article

~~Charlene Russ, The Artist Edge

Creating a Heart Shape in 3D Studio Max

You can draw any linear spline and extrude it into a 3D shape from tools available on the modeling tab. You simply select the line segment tool and draw your shape, such as a heart. You click and drag with your mouse; stop and click as you are drawing and another point is created, drag your mouse down from this point. You must draw the shape as a single piece or line for the extrude or bevel modifiers to work.

You right click on the last point where you want the line to close, a prompt will appear that asks 'Close Spline?' If you are satisfied with the line shape, click ok.

Next, click the extrude tool from the modeling tab, this should be a sort of star shape icon with an arrow pointing upward. A rollout menu will be displayed on the right side of your screen; you can adjust parameters for the amount of the extrusion there.

Modeling Tab: Drawing a Shape In 3D Studio Max

First, select the line segment tool, then select the appropriate radio buttons under creation method. Additional line width properties can be adjusted by using the parameters under the rendering rollout.

I do not recommend using the Bezier drag type unless you are very familiar with drawing Bezier curves, as they can be a bit cumbersome for even the advanced user.

After closing the spline you have just created using the line segment tool, you may now extrude the shape by clicking the 'Extrude Modifier' as shown below. (See my other article on using modifiers in this issue, for more details on modifiers and how they work.)

NOTE: The second icon to the right of the extrude modifier is the bevel modifier which allows you to apply beveled outlines to your newly created shape. There are three separate bevel outlines. Height and outline parameters are adjustable for all of these.

The hand-drawn, extruded and beveled hearts are displayed below. Each heart has been rotated slightly for effect. Lights have also been added to the scene. 

© Copyright 2003. Charlene Russ. All Rights Reserved.

Charlene Russ is an instructor with Eclectic Academy, and is currently teaching Introduction to 3D Studio Max.  She teaches novice students the basics of 3D design and modeling techniques.  She is also an adjunct instructor with a Florida community college in the Digital Arts dept.  Charlene's personal site is Chromacrys Media: Graphic Design, which features a wide gamut of useful design related information.