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Surviving Adobe Atmosphere Withdrawal
by Angela McCartney
With the Adobe Atmosphere 30 day trial
period about to end and, the free copy for beta-testers still getting loaded onto Santa's sleigh (Thanks Adobe!),
I feel a bit of concern growing among us: "What if it doesn't arrive in time... Whatever shall I do?"
Yes, the withdrawal symptoms are expected to be difficult, and the temptation to post desperate forum notes will be strong.
Rather than further tormenting the overworked zombies, perhaps this would be a good time to take a little break from building and re-focus some of that creative energy so that when it does arrive, you'll be full of fresh ideas.
To help get you started here's a few ideas on how to spend your Atmo down-time.
Learn something new! With all of the goodies in the new version of Atmosphere, I don't think there's anyone who can say they already know all there is to know. This is a perfect time to get ahead of the game by reading up on a subject you've been putting off.
- Read the Atmosphere JS API. (Look for it in the directory where you installed Atmosphere.)
- Learn Javascript.
- Learn to create better textures in Photoshop. Click here for tons of texture tutorials.
- Read up on some of the great Atmosphere tutorials written by other users that can be found on our Tutorials page.
- Learn to build objects in outside programs that can be later converted to Surface Objects in Atmo.
Carrara Studio exports directly to Viewpoint format for use with Atmosphere, and also check out how you can use ZBrush with Adobe Atmosphere.
- Develop your own chat-bot to be used with Atmosphere.
Everyone knows your Atmosphere creation is good, but how is it presented? If you've still got it in the default html page, consider spending some time turning it into something extra special.
- Create a webpage showcasing your Atmosphere environments. Add relevant info, links and other items to the page to make your user's visit more engaging.
- Don't know HTML or need a little kick-start? Check out the HTML Page Generator for Atmosphere.
- Use Poser or AvLab to create some specialized avatars for your environments. Add buttons to your Atmo-embedded web page so users can easily access these custom avatars.
Go Outside! Have you ever looked up and thought "Wow, that sky texture sure looks real"? Well, you my friend, have been spending too much time working with Atmo! Here's a few ideas for things to do away from the warm glow of your monitor, that will still help with your Atmosphere work (in one way or another).
- Go on a Photo Safari. Spend a few hours taking photos that can be used as backdrops or detailed textures.
- Visit a local museum, or historical site you've never been to. Pay attention to the objects they have collected there and imagine how you would build them using atmosphere primitives.
- Spend a weekend afternoon going to real estate open houses - take your camera to collect decor and layout ideas.
- Talk to a few local businesses around your area that you think could benefit from having an Atmosphere environment on their website.
- Go to your local library and pick up a few books on Architecture, History, and Interior Design for inspiration.
Be Social...
- Spread the word about Atmosphere. Are you a member of another forum or chat program? If you haven't already, let people know that version 1.0 is available. Don't forget to mention AtmoWire, too. (hint-hint)
- Throw an Atmo-Party. Catch-up with old real-world friends by inviting them to meet you in Atmosphere.
- Start/Join a local Atmosphere user group.
- Go on a tour of other people's Atmosphere work. Start Here.
- Torture your friends and family during holiday gatherings. Take photos of them to later turn into alpha-facer avatars.
Or, if you're really bored... Help out with this website!!
- Write an article or tutorial to be featured on AtmoWire. I can always use more content on this site, but please contact me first about your idea to make sure nobody else is already working on the same thing.
- Know of a REALLY good resource that isn't listed on AtmoWire yet? Send me a note about it, and be sure to say why you think it should be included.
If none of the above suggestions help and you become truly, truly desperate... tape some graph paper to your monitor, and using pencil (remember, those sticks made of wood and lead), sketch out a few ideas for future Atmosphere environments.
Have a few better ideas? Share them on the AtmoWire forum by Clicking Here!
Check out Angela McCartney's website at http://www.angelamccartney.com.
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