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Evaluates the industrial design software StudioTools 11 and the rendering software Alias ImageStudio from Alias Systems Inc. Pros and cons of the products; Addition of detailing surface models to StudioTools; Offer of three-dimensional surface modeling and enhancements to image rendering; Alias ImageStudio's predefinition of lighting and background setups; Hardware requirements; . INSETS: STUDIO TOOLS 11;ALIAS IMAGESTUDIO.

This article focuses on Alias System's unique software tool which streamlines the creative work flow. The author shares that being an illustrator by trade, he used to implement digital tools, as well as traditional pencil and paper, in his daily work flow. In a short time, SketchBook Pro changed his work flow by replacing pencil and paper. It enabled him to add color right from the very first stage, a practice that he normally didn't do with sketches on paper. The author shares that it might be nice to have it while traveling, as it will enable him to sketch the instant that inspiration strikes. He adds that he can even e-mail sketches to the office or to his client when he's in the field.

The article focuses on the first annual conference and exhibition held by the Association for Computing Machinery's Special Interest Group on Graphics (SIGGRAPH) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California from August 8 to 12, 2004. The show drew 27,825 attendees, down from its high of nearly 50,000 seven years ago, but up from 17,000 two years ago. SIGGRAPH remains the Mother of All Imaging Conferences, featuring a unique mix of science, art, commerce and education. With a wide selection of panels, papers, films, and innovative exhibits, SIGGRAPH rarely disappoints. SIGGRAPH 2004's total exhibition area was smaller than the hallowed days of yore, composed mostly of software companies, some boutique specialty hardware outfits, schools and graphics board manufacturers. Walking the show's exhibit floor provides ample evidence that the industry's major players have changed in recent years. One reason the show floor's smaller is that there has been considerable consolidation in both the hardware and software graphics industries over the last few years. There were several indications this trend is still in full swing. Alias Systems Inc., makers of Maya 6 third-dimensional visualization and animation software, announced the acquisition of Kaydara Inc., makers of character animation and motion editing tools. Nvidia Corp. also announced that Gelato, its graphics-card-accelerated renderer, is now available as a native renderer within Maya, which we hope to evaluate soon.