Hi all - I've been looking for a range of water/liquid props (jets, sprays, splashes, fountain streams etc) for a while. Most of the ones I've come across are fairly decent depictions of liquid captured by a very high speed camera, but don't look right in terms of how the eye actually sees them. ...So, I'm thinking about taking the 'plunge' and trying to model some myself.  Any thoughts on the best (free or cheap) 3d modelling app to use or pointers to tutorials would be really helpful! :)

Sorry for another plea for help!

Suggest you download the free application, Blender.
http://www.blender.org/

But first to whet (pun intended), your appetite do a Google search for "YouTube Blender fluid" to see what can be achieved with it.

 What a good idea. I wish you well.
Blender is an open source programme , have a look at it.

 you beat me to it Philic

many thanks to both of you! :) The youtube videos look incredibly impressive (and very complex, I'm sure) - I'll certainly give blender a very focussed try. many thanks again :)

There's also Wings, another free app.  I - and several others here - use it and find it very easy to get on with.  Anim8or is another free one.

All the above are fully functional modellers, btw.  Each one has a slightly different way of operating but they are all equally good.  

I dunno if they do fluid sims though Sam which would probably be easier than modelling the splashes etc. :biggrin:

Quote - I dunno if they do fluid sims though Sam which would probably be easier than modelling the splashes etc. :biggrin:

Yes, I guess you're right.  That said, there's a lot you can do with pulling verts and extruding bits here and there.

Thanks Sam - I think both techniques are sure to be very useful - conventional modelling for jets etc and blender's fluid modeling for more 'organic' streams, splashes etc :)

I'm also thinking of trying my hand at simple 'organic' type props (basic 'blob' and worm monsters) - is there an app that's particularly new user friendly for that type of thing, or are they all quite similar?

thanks again :)

 I know it isn't free, but Hexagon is great for all things organic. Probably for blobs, too (I haven't tried making splashes with it)

Attached Link: Sculptris

 Well hullo all you Mac
people as far as I can tell this freebee is not for you only windows!!again
please tell me " I got it mixed up and there is a freebee for mac"

Because I just spent time opening yet another new account! 

I opted for W3D when  given  the choice between  that  and Blender  and I am  happy  with W3D.

for water you  could use the "deform" commands  while in verticy  mode  and W3D also  does a nice random  "crumple"  command -

then, because  W3D is so  exelenmt at increasing and quading your polys  with its "smooth"  command  you  will prob end up  with some nice smooth liquidy  splashy shapes.

santicor
 Would you like to elucidate for the new people on the site as to W3D perhaps a link?
Is it free?
Will it work with Mac?
Thanks

http://www.wings3d.com/

And there is a MAC version.  Plenty of tutorials to be found.

 Thanks Superman-I use to have a body like that!

Quote - For organic type stuff, Sculptris has getting some good comments. I see now that the makers of ZBrush are somehow involved with the project. I'm not sure what's up with that but I'd grab it now, lest they start charging for it. 

Thank you so much for this - this was the first I'd heard of this fantastic program and I have to say that it's a dream for creating monsters etc (even for a complete novice like me!). All I have to do now is read some tutorials on creating morph targets and I'll have monsters with scary mouths! ;)

Quote - I opted for W3D when  given  the choice between  that  and Blender  and I am  happy  with W3D.

for water you  could use the "deform" commands  while in verticy  mode  and W3D also  does a nice random  "crumple"  command -

then, because  W3D is so  exelenmt at increasing and quading your polys  with its "smooth"  command  you  will prob end up  with some nice smooth liquidy  splashy shapes.

many thanks for these pointers - they REALLY help :)