[Closed] Sci-Fi Volumetric Render Contest

And we have our winners!

A huge thank you to everyone who “turned up the heat” for the Sci-Fi Volumetric Render Contest. We received some fantastic entries and we can’t wait to see what else the community creates using VDBs in the future.

1st Place: “The Celestials” by LIK

2nd Place: “In Hot Water” by JoelLovell

3rd Place: “A Peculiar Sighting” by kadaj777

Runners-Up:

“Security Protocol: Inferno” by Dandene

“Beam me up” by plainsightvfx

“Hero or Villain” by Splatterbaby

Congrats to all! We’ve contacted winners directly with the next steps to claim prizes. Keep your creativity at the ready, there are more render contests to come. In the meantime, check out all of the amazing entries on the Daz Gallery.

Contest Details

When: 

The Sci-Fi Volumetric Render Contest will run from March 9 to March 31, 2022. Entries must be submitted by March 31 at 23:59 MDT (UTC-6) to qualify. 

Rules

1. Create a render in Daz Studio using Volumetric Effects (VDB). Images must be rendered with a sci-fi theme. This can include cyberpunk, steampunk, or any other sub-genre of science fiction. 
2. Renders can feature characters, structures, vehicles, and any other sci-fi-themed item as long as it follows Daz 3D’s guidelines. 
3. Post your submission on the Daz Gallery.
4. Follow Daz 3D on the social media platform of your choice. 
5. Post your submission on your social media profile with the hashtags #MadeWithDaz and #TurnUpTheHeat and tag Daz 3D in the post.
6. Read the full contest rules and fill out the submission form here. 

The Prizes

Winners will be determined by the Daz team based on render quality and the best, most creative use of volumetric effects. Enter for a chance to win incredible prizes! 

1st Place: Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

2nd Place: $500 CASH

3rd Place: $250 Daz Store Credit

Runners-Up: 3 runners-up will be given $150 Daz Store Credit

How to Use VDB Files in Daz Studio

The easiest way to try your hand at volumetric rendering in Iray is to check out the collection of ready-made VDB items available in the Daz Store. However, you’re also able to import your own VDB files! 

Before getting started, you can learn about the VDB file format at OpenVDB.org and browse a selection of free sample files. JangaFX also provides VDBs you can download free. 

Importing a VDB File in Daz Studio

First, make sure you’re in the Iray render viewport so you can see what you’re doing. Your VDB files won’t show up in any other view. Next, follow the steps below to import your volume file. 

Setup:

1. Create > New Primitive (we recommend starting with a cube)
2. Select the Primitive and click on ‘Tool Settings’
3. Select ‘Geometry Editor’
4. Double-click the Primitive’s Surface (under Surfaces) 
5. Change name from ‘Default’ to ‘Volume’ (case sensitive)
6. Now your surface is ready to work with the new volume shader

Apply the Shader:

1. Go to ‘Smart Content’
2. Open up Daz ‘Default Resources’
3. Find and double-click the ‘Simple OpenVDB MDL Volume’ shader

Import Your File:

1. Go to the ‘Surfaces tab’
2. Click on the newly named surface ‘Volume’
3. Find ‘Volume File” 
4. Open a .vdb file you’ve downloaded.

To see this process in action, check out this quick Intro to VDBs in Daz Studio video from our team member Josh Darling:

Get Inspired with VDB Items and a Bonus Freebie

Need a little inspiration? Check out the collection of VDB items available in the Daz Store.

Then, spark your creativity with a freebie. Get SC20 Drones and Crates 01 FREE* for a limited time with Coupon Code SCI-FI-FREEBIE. Expand your sci-fi collection and start brainstorming your contest entry today! 

Submit your entry by March 31, 2022, at 23:59 MDT (UTC-6) for a chance to win amazing prizes and an exclusive social media feature. 

Learn more and enter the Sci-Fi Volumetric Render Contest here. 

*Offer expires March 31, 2022, at 23:59 MDT (UTC-6).